A national council of architectural registration boards that publishes competency standards and tools for exploring requirements across jurisdictions.
NCARB, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, works with the registration boards of the states and territories. Its website describes an updated competency standard for architects and an interactive tool for exploring registration requirements across all jurisdictions, and it shares data about the path to becoming an architect. Owners in Nashville sometimes look to it when they want to understand how the profession is organized.
We are an independent firm and are not part of NCARB. We explain what the organization publishes in plain language, and we point you to the official site if you want to check how registration works in a particular state. For your own project, we suggest asking any design professional about the scope of work, what is prepared by whom and which consultants will be involved, since those questions affect your result more than a logo.
Visit the official NCARB website
A body that works with state and territory boards.
A statement of what architects are expected to be able to do.
A way to explore rules across jurisdictions.
Information on how people enter the profession.
Helpful for owners comparing professionals.
State boards are the source for local questions.
Design ConsultationPaid design guidance by the hour or the day for owners who need professional advice on a plan…Explore 
Architect for Builders and DevelopersDesign, drawings and approvals for builders and developers, with clear schedules and plans that build efficiently.Explore 
Phased Project PlanningBreaking a large project into steps that fit your budget, with each phase working on its own.Explore 
Urgent and Expedited Design ServicesFast-track design and drawing support when a deadline, a lease, a sale or a damaged building cannot wait.Explore Plan a lot, pick a style or ballpark a budget.
Lot Setback and Buildable Area PlannerEnter lot size, setbacks and coverage limits to see a rough buildable area. Always confirm real limits with the city.Try it 
Architectural Style PickerAnswer a few questions about your taste, site and lifestyle to see which home styles usually fit and what to look at next.Try it 
Architecture Project Budget PlannerPick a project, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for design and building. Placeholder values only.Try it Start with the state regulatory board listed on our resources pages, which lets you look up professionals.
Rules depend on the building type and size. Ask the firm and the permit office what applies to your project.
No. We are an independent architecture firm and are not part of NCARB. We explain what it publishes in plain language and help you apply it to your own project.
ResourceAIAA professional organization for architects and design professionals that publishes research, advocacy and resources on design and practice.Learn more 
ResourceICCA nonprofit that develops model building codes and offers training, resources and product evaluation for building safety.Learn more ResourceNFPAA global authority on fire, electrical and life safety that develops codes and standards and offers training and…Learn more ResourceUSGBCA nonprofit that promotes sustainable building practices and publishes the LEED rating system for green buildings.Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will look at your property, talk through ideas and give you a clear written estimate.
