What’s in a Degree? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 3, 2026 · 46 MIN

What’s in a Degree?

from NCARB

Education has long been one of the pillars of architectural licensure—but what does a degree actually demonstrate? This episode examines how education fits into licensure today and why it is central to conversations about access, equity, and competency.Andy speaks with Jeremy Fretts, NCARB’s Assistant Vice President for Education and Certification, about NAAB-accredited degrees, jurisdictional requirements, and how NCARB’s Competency Standard may create new ways to recognize learning.Then, Ingalil Wahlroos-Ritter, a licensed architect and educator, shares her perspective from both NAAB-accredited programs and community college education. She discusses affordability, career readiness, professional literacy, and the value of multiple educational pathways.Find out more about Pathways to Practice.

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What’s in a Degree?

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Inside NCARB by the Numbers NCARB // Gābl Media Inside NCARB by the Numbers is a compelling six-episode limited-series podcast hosted by Andy McIntyre, Vice President at NCARB. This data-driven series unpacks the key insights from NCARB by the Numbers, the annual report that sheds light on the trends shaping architectural licensure.Through in-depth discussions with experts, researchers, and professionals—including newly licensed architects and educators—the podcast explores how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the licensure process, the evolving demographics of the profession, and the barriers that candidates from underrepresented groups continue to face. Listeners will gain valuable insights into NCARB’s latest initiatives, including policy changes aimed at increasing accessibility, improving exam pass rates, and fostering a more equitable profession.Whether you're an architecture student navigating the licensing process, a firm leader looking to support emerging professionals, or an educator preparing the next generation of archi BUILD SMART with Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA // Gābl Media BUILD SMART is a narrative podcast that features Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, architect, and former CEO of global firm HOK. With host Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB, MacLeamy shares stories and lessons from his 50-year career, rising from an HOK junior designer to the company CEO, a tenure that parallels HOK’s growth from 150 employees in St. Louis to a staff of more than 1,900 in 27 offices on three continents. MacLeamy highlights innovative solutions and tough decisions that sustained HOK through multiple economic swings, culminating in it becoming one of the world’s Top 10 architecture and engineering firms. HOK was structured for long-term success — BUILD SMART will share these lessons to help architects and creative-services firms build for long-term success as they design a world-class firm. ARE Live Black Spectacles The Black Spectacles ARE® Live Podcast is your home for navigating the road to passing the Architect Registration Exam (ARE®) and becoming a licensed architect. Episodes include discussions about specific ARE & NCARB topics, interviews with distinguished architects & guests, and recordings of live broadcasts covering specific exam topics and questions and answers from a live audience.First ever NCARB Approved Test Prep Provider for all 6 divisions of ARE 5.0. http://blackspectacles.com Architect Exam Prep Architect Exam Prep Listen in as David and Eric talk about issues aimed at candidates preparing for the NCARB® Architect Registration Exam (ARE®) . We discuss topics related to helping you become a better test taker as well as become a more valuable employee.

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This episode is 46 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 3, 2026.

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Education has long been one of the pillars of architectural licensure—but what does a degree actually demonstrate? This episode examines how education fits into licensure today and why it is central to conversations about access, equity, and...

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