At this year's AIA Convention in Philadelphia, look for several major announcements from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Some of the themes will address how NCARB (booth #1539 on the expo floor) is streamlining the process of becoming an architect and also providing authoritative data on the profession's diversity and growth, nationwide. The organization's overarching message will be encouraging professionals to "Build Your Community."

In addition, NCARB will shed light on how the process of becoming an architect is benefiting from reduced complexities and costs, including an improved fee structure, program enhancements, and a productive trend toward the overlapping of education, professional development, examination and licensure.

The best sources on these topics are CEO Michael Armstrong and NCARB's President and Chair of the Board, Dennis S. Ward, FAIA, NCARB.

NCARB is the go-to source on architectural testing and licensing, with new initiatives already significantly impacting the architectural profession. Armstrong and Ward can discuss the development of careers for aspiring architects and point out ways in which the architectural world is evolving.