The number of architects licensed in the United States in 2022 dropped slightly when compared to 2021, while the number of architects with reciprocal licenses rose by 6%, according to the annual Survey of Architectural Registration Boards. The drop from 121,600 architects in 2021 to 119,906 in 2022 represents about a 1% decrease.
Conducted each year by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the survey provides exclusive insights into data from the architectural licensing boards of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The approximately 1% decline in the number of architects licensed in 2022 is likely caused by continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in reciprocal licensures, however, is a positive sign for the profession, reflecting an increase in demand for professional mobility. Data from the 2023 NCARB by the Numbers, which will be released next month, showed a 9% increase in candidates actively working toward licensure in 2022, which suggests continued growth of the profession in the coming years.
Jurisdictional breakdown available here.