Board discusses NCARB meeting, reciprocity and education standards; authorizes legislative outreach

RIDGELAND, Miss. — The Mississippi State Board of Architecture used part of its July 22 meeting to discuss national accreditation issues, reciprocity requirements and pending legislation.

Board members reviewed takeaways from the 2025 National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Annual Meeting, noting concerns that candidates who did not graduate from NAAB‑accredited programs may have limited exposure to the humanities. The Board also discussed the Southern Conference of NCARB and committee updates provided by members and staff.

Counsel Andrew Kilpatrick presented a draft letter addressed to the Chair of the Senate Business and Financial Institutions Committee concerning proposed amendments to Miss. Code Ann. §§ 73‑1‑19 and 73‑2‑5; Mr. Cothron provided updates on high‑rise legislation and SB 2300 (design/build). The Board unanimously authorized Mr. Kilpatrick and other Board representatives, in coordination with Rep. Sam Creekmore, to schedule an in‑person meeting with the committee chair to discuss the proposed statutory changes.

Members agreed to hold a fuller discussion of reciprocity requirements (Miss. Code Ann. § 73‑1‑21) at the October meeting. Ms. Jaunsen suggested adding a discussion of third‑party certification of digital signatures to the October agenda. Mr. McNeel volunteered to attend the AIA Mississippi Chapter Convention in October, and the Board designated attendees for the BOAM Winter Conference in Natchez in December.

The Board recorded these items in the minutes for follow-up at the October meeting.