How long does it really take to become an architect—and what does that journey look like behind the numbers?

In this episode of Inside NCARB by the Numbers, we unpack the often-debated time to licensure. Host Andy McIntyre is joined by NCARB’s Jenny Kwecki to explore what the data reveals—and what it can’t. Then, two powerful and contrasting stories bring the numbers to life:

• Julia Jack, who returned to the licensure path decades into her career, and
• Drew Haley Smith, who became licensed just five years after starting undergrad.

Together, they highlight the many paths to licensure, the personal and professional factors that shape those timelines, and what firms and NCARB are doing to support every kind of journey.

Whether you're just beginning or contemplating a return, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical advice for navigating your path—on your own terms.

Explore more data on the number of licensed architects, gender and racial diversity, and exam pass rates in the 2024 NCARB by the Numbers