Ever Evolving
Over time, as architecture education and practice became more complex, NAAB continued—and still continues—to revise its accrediting process in response to the advice of its various constituencies. At first, ad hoc committees were formed to address specific concerns identified by one of the organizations within architecture, allied professional organizations, or regional and federal agencies. Today, the process of review and revision has become a formalized process of validation.
NAAB initially accredited schools of architecture; today it accredits the professional degree programs within schools, although other programs are reviewed on an advisory basis when they are identified by a school as being relevant to its professional program. In addition, accrediting standards have evolved to include general studies in combination with professional and elective studies, outcome-based performance criteria for evaluating student work, and procedures for guiding the accreditation process.