The FIU Department of Architecture welcomed leaders from across the region for the Southern Conference of NCARB 2026 Educators and Practitioners Conference, a gathering focused on strengthening the relationship between architectural education and professional practice.
Held at the Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture Building, this year’s conference centered on the theme “Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Academia: Integrating the Current State and Future of Architecture.” The program convened regulators, educators, practitioners and students to examine the licensure pathways, workforce development initiatives, and institutional collaborations that are shaping the future of the profession.
The conference opened with remarks from Pedro Alfaro, RA, AIA, CAAPPR, SAP, Vice Chair of the Southern Conference of NCARB and Chair of the Educators and Practitioners Conference. Alfaro emphasized the shared responsibility of academic institutions and regulatory bodies in preparing the next generation of architects. He was joined by Henry Rueda, Associate AIA, and Department of Architecture Professor, who welcomed attendees and highlighted FIU’s commitment to aligning students’ academic preparation with the acquisition of tools for professional advancement.
The keynote address was delivered by Peter Nguyen, policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, professor at the RAND School of Public Policy, and lead author of RAND’s 2025 report Building Impact: Perspectives and Recommendations on the Current State and Future of Architecture. Nguyen examined national trends in architectural education and practice, focusing on workforce readiness, access to licensure, and strategies to strengthen collaboration between universities and professional firms. He engaged attendees in dialogue around research findings addressing innovation, educational pathways, and long-term sustainability within the architecture profession.
Three interrelated K–12 architecture pipeline programs are helping to shape the future of the architectural profession in South Florida. FIU Architecture Industry Board member and MCHarry Associates Managing Partner Craig Aquart, AIA, NOMA, RID, CSI, led Building the Pipeline, a series of presentations exploring the collective impact of long-term, community-based engagement that open students’ awareness of, access to, and confidence in pursuing careers in architecture and design.
A central component of the conference addressed evolving licensure frameworks. Jeremy Fretts, AIA, NCARB, Assistant Vice President for Programs within NCARB’s Education and Certification Division, presented updates on NCARB’s Pathways to Practice initiative. His presentation outlined opportunities for academic institutions to maximize the value of architectural education in supporting the attainment of licensure and professional mobility.
FIU faculty participated in the afternoon Practitioner/Educator Perspective panel. Jason Chandler, FAIA, recently appointed Chair of FIU’s Department of Architecture, joined leaders from practice and academia in discussing how architectural programs can more intentionally integrate professional realities into curriculum and mentorship models. Chandler later offered closing reflections, reinforcing the importance of architectural education and sustained collaboration among universities, professional firms, and regulatory organizations.
The conference concluded with remarks from Greg Durrell, NCARB, AIA, NOMA, CSI, Chair of the NCARB Southern Conference, who underscored the significance of regional leadership and continued partnership in advancing the profession.
The 2026 conference was organized by the Southern Conference of NCARB leadership, including Committee Chair Pedro Alfaro, Secretary/Treasurer Darren James, FAIA, NOMA, and committee members Chris Elberson, AIA, NCARB; Jakiel Sanders, RA, NOMA, NCARB; Ralph Raymond, RA, AIA, NOMA, NCARB; Walt Teague, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, SEED AP; and Cathe M. Monte Carlo, Executive Director of the NCARB Southern Conference.
Through research, dialogue, and collaboration, the conference reinforced FIU’s ongoing role as a convener of the critical regional and national conversations that are shaping the future of architectural education and professional practice.
