NCARB and the Future of the Profession

In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with Patricia Ramallo and Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to learn how NCARB is responding to wide-reaching industry change and transformation. We’ll discuss NCARB’s role in advancing equity in architecture, including the Baseline of Belonging Report, as well as the adoption of new policies intended to strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent into the profession. We’ll also discuss NCARB’s innovation team and the recent Analysis of Practice study. Learn how research studies like NCARB by the Numbers yield new insight into our industry, and how you can continue to share your ideas with NCARB to champion industry transformation.

Guests:

Patricia Ramallo started working at NCARB in 2015 as part of the Experience + Education team. In her current role as assistant vice president of innovation, she leads the design and implementation of innovative strategies throughout the Council and supports transformational initiatives such as strengthening international relations. 

Before joining NCARB, Patricia dedicated 14 years to the architecture field, fulfilling various design, management, and construction administration functions. She worked in Michigan, Kentucky, and New York on projects nationwide ranging from residential and multifamily to religious, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. Patricia also serves as an adjunct faculty instructor at the Boston Architectural College, where she teaches two graduate courses in professional practice.

Patricia holds a Master of Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University and is licensed to practice architecture in Argentina, Kentucky, and New Jersey. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, holds LEED AP® Homes & BD+C credentials, and the NCARB Certificate for national reciprocity. In 2019 she obtained a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, and in 2021 she earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.

Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB, Vice President, Examination joined the Council in 2008 as assistant director, ARE development. He has been involved with all aspects of the examination including development, operations, security, and implementation of ARE 5.0. Promoted to vice president in 2013, Zurn is an advocate for transparency into the examination with a focus on refining the efficiency of the process while maintaining high standards and measurement quality.

Before joining NCARB, Zurn operated a sole proprietorship in northwest Minnesota. He also served as faculty of the Architectural Technology program and division chair at Minnesota State Community and Technical College where he led the Architectural Technology program in the areas of curriculum development, course assessment, and program outcome assessment. Zurn earned his professional degree from North Dakota State University.

Referenced in this Episode

Practice Disrupted: A podcast by Practice of Architecture

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

NCARB by the Numbers

NCARB’s Baseline on Belonging Reports

• Overview Report
• Baseline on Belonging: Experience Report
• Baseline on Belonging: Examination Report
• Baseline on Belonging: Education Report
• Baseline on Belonging: Firm Culture & Career Development Report

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