Midway through 2021, I am pleased to write with an update on the work of the NAAB.
Over the past six months, the NAAB has successfully completed two cycles of virtual accreditation, including the inaugural visit under the 2020 Conditions and Procedures for Accreditation.
Supporting documents and resources, including the Guidelines to the Accreditation Process; a Virtual Site Visit Supplement to the 2020 Conditions and Procedures; and updated Digital Guidelines; are now available on our updated Accreditation Resources page. To further support its accredited programs and visiting team volunteers, the NAAB has also launched a well-received series of trainings, outreach, and informational sessions. These form part of a growing roster of resources that can be found on our Events and Training page.
In this period, on the international front, NAAB has also completed a cycle of virtual International Certification visits under its most recent guiding documents; undertaken extensive visiting team training for its international volunteers; revised the EESA webpages; and begun to transition from its 12-year term as Founding Secretariat of the Canberra Accord. As part of that transition process, NAAB is supporting the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) as it prepares assume the responsibilities of Accord Secretariat in 2022.
To capture the resources, and reflect the changes currently underway at the NAAB, the organization is gradually updating its website.
The NAAB Certification Task Force recently hosted the first of what we hope will become a series of productive conversations between the leaders of accredited architecture programs and those of the community colleges at which many students begin their studies. The NAAB is committed to advancing access, diversity, equity, and inclusion in accredited professional education and to facilitating the transition from community college programs to accredited professional education in architecture.
Most recently, NAAB was pleased to participate in the inaugural 6-Presidents’ Meeting of architecture organizations, including the leadership of ACSA, AIA, AIAS, NAAB, NCARB, and NOMA. Reflecting a commitment to expanding conversations about the future of the profession of architecture, the discussion focused on measures that advance diversity equity and inclusion in the academy and the profession of architecture.
We continue to look forward to the work ahead.
Marilys R. Nepomechie, FAIA, DPACSA, NCARB
2020-21 President