Enhancing Architectural Education in West Virginia: Fairmont State University’s Unique Offering

When selecting an architectural school to apply to, most candidates have a plethora of options to choose from. However, when a resident of West Virginia makes the decision to pursue architecture, they can face numerous financial and academic hurdles. Fortunately, a significant change occurred in May of this year.

Professors and Faculty at Fairmont State University (FSU) have dedicated their efforts to enhance the academic opportunities within the state of West Virginia. FSU stands as the sole institution offering an architecture program in the state. In comparison, neighboring universities like West Virginia University (WVU) and Marshall University have established programs in engineering and interior design. WVU even boasts interior architecture and landscape architecture programs, which share similarities with FSU’s offerings, but not a focus on a professional track in the practice of architecture.

Numerous license-pursuing students have successfully completed the FSU architecture program, earning their four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch). These graduates have then pursued their further educational requirements through accredited programs located out of state. West Virginia, classified as a southern state, acknowledges the significance of the Academic Common Market Law (ACML). This provision extends the opportunity for eligible students in specialized fields, such as architecture, to attend out-of-state colleges while paying in-state tuition rates, mitigating the financial burden.

With FSU’s architecture program and the ACML provisions, the landscape of architectural education in West Virginia is undergoing a positive transformation. Aspiring architects from West Virginia now have a local avenue for pursuing their passion without being hindered by limited choices and financial obstacles.

NAAB accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year, three-step process. A program must pass an initial candidacy, a continuing candidacy, and finally, an initial accreditation step to be approved. Each of these steps requires the program faculty to produce and submit an Architecture Program Report to demonstrate that the program, curriculum, and student work meet the NAAB conditions and procedures for accreditation.1

Each of these reports, combined with insights gained during accompanying site visits, undergoes an intricate peer review procedure involving educators, practitioners, students, and regulatory authorities. The resultant Visiting Team Report is subsequently subjected to scrutiny and endorsement by the NAAB Board of Directors. The designation of Initial Accreditation spans a three-year period. Following this initial phase, subsequent reports, site visits, and approvals typically culminate in the extension of accreditation for an extended eightyear term. All these rigorous processes collectively contribute to upholding the paramount concerns of public well-being, safety, and the overall welfare concerning the constructed environment.

Accreditation holds paramount importance, particularly within rural states like West Virginia. This significance becomes evident as numerous students perceive their educational opportunities to lie beyond the state’s borders, often leading them to choose not to return – a pattern observed irrespective of their field of study, including architecture. Examining data from the West Virginia State Board of Architects, a concerning trend emerges. The statistics reveal a steady rise in the number of architects retiring or passing away, paralleled by a notable surge in reciprocity applicants.

Comparing the years 2022 and 2023, the landscape of licensed architects in West Virginia underwent change. In 2022, a total of 1,354 active architects were recorded. Among these, 115 were situated within the state, while a larger contingent of 1,239 practiced outside its borders. The most recent data indicates a marginal increase, culminating in a total of 1,414 active architects. This shift is accompanied by a transformation in the distribution, with 112 architects practicing within the state and a larger cohort of 1,302 enjoying reciprocity.

These figures signify not only the fluid nature of the architectural profession but also the role of accreditation in retaining talents within the state. The data paints a picture of architects either seeking opportunities elsewhere or contributing to the state’s built environment with acquired expertise from other jurisdictions. This emphasizes the need for fostering local architectural education, potentially stemming the outflow of talent, and enhancing the overall architectural landscape in West Virginia.

From an architect positioned among the in-state talent pool, I am honored to represent not only as an alumnus of FSU but also as an adjunct faculty member who participated in NAAB meetings and interviews, alongside numerous other young professionals. Moreover, I take immense pride in my decision to return to this thriving state, contributing my skills and knowledge to its architectural endeavors. This endeavor is a testament to the potential of local education and the appeal of cultivating West Virginia’s architectural future. As we navigate the evolving architectural scene, collaboration between academic institutions, practicing professionals, and the state’s architectural board will play a pivotal role in shaping a robust and sustainable architectural community for generations to come.

1 https://www.fairmontstate.edu/news/2023/06/ national-architectural-accrediting-board-approves-initialaccreditation-master-architecture-program.aspx