New York

Law Passed: 1915 • Joined NCARB: 1931 • Region 2—Middle-Atlantic (1965)

The Components of Licensure

Education

1918: Only three architectural programs were registered in New York: Cornell University (four- or five-year program), Syracuse University (four-year program), and Columbia University (four-year program).

  • Programs are approved by the Regents, a lay body of New York citizens responsible for the general supervision of educational activities in the state.
  • New York has always offered paths to licensure for individuals without a college degree in architecture.

2000: New York begins requiring continuing education.

Experience

1917: Candidates with a diploma or satisfactory certificate from an architectural college or school approved by the Regents must complete three years of experience for licensure; candidates with two-year degrees must complete five.

1999: The IDP is required.

Examination

1917: The passing grade on each subject of the New York exam was a 75. The exam was given twice per year, in late January and late June, and was based on four subjects:

  • History of architecture
  • Architectural composition
  • Architectural engineering
  • Architectural practice

1963: The board begins administering NCARB’s national examination.

Noteworthy

  • In 1917, New York restricted use of the abbreviation “R.A.” (meaning Registered Architect) to architects.
  • 2009-2010 NCARB President Andrew Prescott, AIA, was a New York Board member prior to being on the Maryland Board.
  • A certificate of registration cost $25 in 1917 and $377 in 2017.

Notable People

NCARB Presidents

1934: Albert L. Brockway, FAIA (Syracuse)
1937-38: Charles Butler, FAIA (New York City)
1998: Ann R. Chaintreuil, FAIA (Rochester)

Additional Members of the NCARB Board of Directors

1942-49: William G. Kaelber, FAIA (Rochester)
1964-71: Harry E. Rodman, FAIA (Troy)
1970-72: Ronald Allwork, FAIA (New York)
1976-78: J. Murray Hueber (Syracuse)
1991-93: Norman K. Dorf (Glen Cove)
2011-14: John Sorrenti, FAIA (Mineola)
2014-17: Susan McClymonds (Amsterdam)

First Board Members 

Frederick L. Ackerman
Albert L. Brockway
Edward B. Green
William P. Bannister
Everett Waid

First License Issued

1916: D. Everett Waid, FAIA

NCARB President Medalists

1999: Margot Woolley (Brooklyn)
2009: Edward F. Tredo V (Buffalo)
2011: George H. Miller, FAIA (New York City)

New York History

New York architect and 1997 NCARB President Ann Chaintreuil (left) and 1998 NCARB President Susan May Allen (right) at the 1998 Annual Business Meeting.
New York representatives at the 2005 NCARB Annual Business Meeting.
New York Member Kyu-Jung Whang participates in the resolution debate at the 2007 Annual Meeting in Denver.
Susan McClymmonds presents at the 2011 NCARB Annual Business Meeting.
New York representatives at NCARB's 2002 Annual Business Meeting.
❮ Ann Chaintreuil and Susan May Allen ❯
❮ New York architects at NCARB meeting ❯
❮ Kyu-Jung Whang at NCARB meeting ❯
❮ Susan McClymmonds presents at NCARB meeting ❯
❮ New York architects attend 2002 meeting ❯
New York architect and 1997 NCARB President Ann Chaintreuil (left) and 1998 NCARB President Susan May Allen (right) at the 1998 Annual Business Meeting.
New York representatives at the 2005 NCARB Annual Business Meeting.
New York Member Kyu-Jung Whang participates in the resolution debate at the 2007 Annual Meeting in Denver.
Susan McClymmonds presents at the 2011 NCARB Annual Business Meeting.
New York representatives at NCARB's 2002 Annual Business Meeting.