The following external resources are relevant to those interested in architecture and urban design. Among them are salary reports and information about licensing and professional organizations. The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics contains information about job outlooks, median pay, and more.
Salary Information
Students are encouraged to conduct research regarding the pay rate for full-time jobs and internships. If you would like to discuss a job or internship offer, please schedule an appointment with the Career & Professional Development team. Some commonly used salary resources are listed below:
Professional Licensure
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the primary industry resource responsible for licensure. Those interested in becoming licensed architects will need to complete the following:
From the NCARB Blog: 10 Tips and Tools for Aspiring Architects in 2024
- Earn an architecture degree from a NAAB-accredited program.
- Gain and document the required experience.
- Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
- Meet any extra jurisdictional requirements.
- Have your NCARB Record transmitted to the jurisdiction where you would like to be licensed.
Those interested in licensure should always refer to the NCARB Website for the most up-to-date information. Also worth reviewing are the AXP Guidelines, last updated in May 2024. More specific information from NCARB can be found using the links below:
- Starting Your NCARB Record
- Recording AXP Experience
- AXP Experience Requirements
- ARE Test Preparation
- Start the ARE
To learn more about establishing your record and the benefits of licensure, check out the content from our most recent NCARB Session on March 31, 2026. The presentation slides include a synopsis of the content discussed during the presentation session. Click the images below to access.
Disclaimer: Please be advised that the information in this slide deck may become outdated after March 31, 2026. For the most current information, always check the NCARB website at www.ncarb.org.
Professional Certifications
Architects and Urban Designers can choose to pursue a number of professional certifications, including:
- LEED Green Associate
- LEED AP with Specialty
- WELL AP Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Professional Organizations
There are many professional organizations that architects may choose to become involved with, including:
- The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- There are local and regional chapters of AIA, including the Huron Valley chapter.
- Additional AIA Resources of interest: Career Resources | Membership for New Graduates
- The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)
- The Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA)
- The Architectural League of New York
Additional Industry Information
There are various sources of information on the latest industry trends and happenings in architecture and design, a few of which are listed below.
Trending: Check out this blog post from Archinect on AI Innovation in architecture and design.