The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally disrupted the professional trajectories of newly licensed architects, creating lasting changes in how they enter and navigate the field, according to a comprehensive study released by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The research reveals that emerging architects faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, with many experiencing delays in licensure, reduced job opportunities, and significant shifts in their career expectations.
The NCARB study examined data from thousands of architecture professionals who were in various stages of their licensing process during 2020 and 2021. Researchers found that the pandemic created a domino effect throughout the profession, with entry-level positions becoming increasingly scarce as firms implemented hiring freezes and budget cuts. Many recent architecture graduates were forced to extend their internship periods or seek alternative employment outside the field while waiting for market conditions to improve.
One of the most significant findings was the impact on the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which requires candidates to complete 3,740 hours of supervised experience before becoming eligible for licensure. The study showed that many participants experienced delays of six months to two years in completing their required hours, as projects were postponed or cancelled and firms reduced their workforce. This disruption has created a bottleneck effect that continues to influence the profession's pipeline of new licensed architects.
The research also highlighted how the pandemic accelerated existing trends toward remote work and digital collaboration in architecture firms. Many emerging professionals found themselves adapting to virtual design processes and client meetings much earlier in their careers than previous generations. While this technological adaptation has provided new skills and flexibility, it has also reduced traditional mentorship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences that have historically been crucial for professional development.
Firm leaders interviewed for the study reported that the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19 forced them to be more selective in their hiring practices and to prioritize candidates with diverse skill sets. This shift has prompted many new architects to pursue additional certifications in areas such as sustainable design, building information modeling, and project management to remain competitive in a transformed job market.
Looking ahead, NCARB officials indicate that the profession is still adapting to these pandemic-induced changes, with many firms now permanently incorporating hybrid work models and digital-first design processes. The study suggests that future architects will need to be more adaptable and technologically proficient than ever before, as the pandemic has permanently altered both client expectations and professional practice standards in the architecture industry.
