Designing – across the pond!

As of April 25, 2023, you can now expand your practice to the United Kingdom (U.K.)! If you hold a license in good standing from a participating United States (U.S.) jurisdiction and have an active National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) certificate, you can now achieve reciprocity through the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the U.K. NCARB counterpart: Architects Registration Board (ARB).

NCARB and ARB have streamlined the reciprocity process, where a fee, applications, and approvals will extend your architectural practice into a new international location.

According to the ARB, the fee for the ARB UK adaptation assessment is £2,950 ($3,500 USD), and that’s before approval for ARB recognition. If you are a U.K. architect, it costs £80 to apply with NCARB.

Mentioned constraints include how you acquired your license in the U.S. If you received your Certificate through the Education Alternative or Foreign Architect Path, you are unfortunately not eligible at this time. NCARB currently recognizes licensure within all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Meghann Gregory, senior editor for Connection, reached out to NCARB Vice President of Experience and Education Harry M. Falconer Jr., with several questions coming from fellow young architects. He and his Public Relations Specialist Molly Mallon, were kind enough to provide responses.

Meghann Gregory (MG): Is there a certain age demographic you feel the MRA will benefit the most?

NCARB: While NCARB hears anecdotally of students and recently licensed architects’ interest in global practice opportunities, the MRA will be useful for all ages and demographics that wish to practice across our borders, who meet the requirements of the MRA.

MG: Is there any information provided from NCARB on work visas and permits?

NCARB: NCARB, as a non-governmental organization, cannot provide any information or advice on work visas and permits. Applicants will need to consult with the jurisdiction they seek a license in, and possibly an immigration attorney.

MG: Are there any UK areas that are exempt from this agreement?

NCARB: UK applicants must meet the requirements of the MRA – completed ARB’s Part I, II, and III. Please contact the ARB directly for more information on the requirements.

MG: Will the licensed individual need to have any residential requirement?

NCARB: Applicants for licensure in a U.S. state or territory must contact the architect licensing/registration board to determine if there are any residency requirements.

MG: Is there anything the Young Architects Forum can do to assist in spreading the word, other than Connection?

NCARB: Yes! Spread the word of the MRAs availability to your colleagues you know that are interested in practicing across our borders. If you work for a firm that engages in international practice with the UK, make them aware of the MRA and encourage them to support use by the architects in your firms. And please, send anyone interested to NCARB and the ARB for more information!

To learn more about earning a license under this new agreement, visit www.ncarb.org/international.

https://www.ncarb.org/press/new-reciprocity-agreementsigned-united-states-and-united-kingdom https://arb.org.uk/international-routes/ncarb-and-arbmutual-recognition-agreement-information/

What does this mean for companies? We’d love to hear from you! Companies offer remote options, project staff relocation, new offices, etc., but what have you found would be most successful in this ability for international work? If you have any comments or feedback on this new opportunity, please reach out to Meghann Gregory at mgregory@k2mdesign.com.