New RAND Study Highlights Gaps Between Architecture Academia and Practice

WASHINGTON – March 4, 2025 – The RAND Corporation has released a new independent study analyzing the gap between architectural academia and practice. Commissioned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), with support from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the Building Impact report identifies several key findings related to the accessibility, affordability, and applicability of architectural education and proposes several recommendations to improve the relationship between education and practice.

A follow-up to the 1996 Building Community report (also known as the “Boyer Report”), the Building Impact report will inform discussions regarding the requirements for architecture program accreditation, as well as efforts to re-envision the requirements for architectural licensure.

"The insights gained from the Building Impact report not only validate the AIA's ongoing efforts to strengthen and diversify the architecture pipeline, but they also serve as a vital compass for shaping future initiatives,” said 2025 AIA President, Evelyn Lee, FAIA. “I’m optimistic that the architecture community will come together, leveraging our shared passion and commitment, to address the crucial challenges highlighted in this report and build a stronger, more inclusive future for our profession.”

“The Building Impact report comes at an opportune time for NCARB as we seek to reimagine the architecture licensure process” said NCARB President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP. “This study provides independent confirmation of the need to create multiple pathways into the architecture profession, including opportunities other than a traditional education in architecture.”

Key Findings

The Building Impact report shares insights from surveys and interviews conducted by the RAND Corporation with architecture students, faculty, and practicing professionals. Key insights from the report include:

• Architecture program application processes, requirements, and costs—as well as post-graduation licensure requirements—create barriers that keep students from pursuing a career in architecture. Establishing more accessible entry points is essential to reducing the burden on students and increasing interest in the profession for years to come.
• Both students and practitioners indicate a desire to incorporate a greater emphasis on technical skills and hands-on experience during architecture school. Current tensions between what should be taught at school versus on the job leave graduates underprepared to make the transition from student to working professional.
• Architecture programs lack key resources such as funding and time to implement strong, lasting partnerships with architecture firms. Supporting these partnerships could lead to improvements such as stronger research efforts and mentorship systems.

About the Study
The Building Impact report is the outcome of an independent study conducted by the RAND Corporation’s Division of Education and Labor. Data capture was conducted with support from NCARB, AIA, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and included research related to architectural education, practice, innovation in architecture, the role of architecture in addressing social change issues, and collaboration between academia and architecture firms.

Read the full report

About RAND
RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.

About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.