As International Architect Pathway Candidate, I would like to share some constructive feedback regarding the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship.
First, I sincerely appreciate the organizations and volunteers who make this scholarship possible. It is a valuable initiative that helps many aspiring architects pursue licensure.
At the same time, I believe there are opportunities to make the application process more inclusive for internationally educated architects.
Some suggestions for future scholarship cycles:
• Include an option for non-NAAB accredited education. Many qualified candidates are pursuing licensure through alternative pathways and currently do not see their educational background represented in the application.
• Recognize the NCARB International Path. Applicants pursuing licensure through NCARB's international pathways should have a dedicated option that reflects their professional journey.
• Improve the recommendation letter process. Many international applicants rely on professional relationships built through AIA chapters, LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, conferences, webinars, and other networking opportunities. The current recommendation form appears to focus heavily on whether the recommender has personally met the applicant, which may unintentionally disadvantage international professionals who have established meaningful professional connections remotely.
• Promote greater accessibility for international candidates. Financial barriers are often one of the biggest challenges for architects outside the United States. Making the scholarship more inclusive would encourage more talented international professionals to pursue the ARE, NCARB certification, and ultimately contribute to the architectural profession.
The architecture community is increasingly global. By recognizing diverse educational backgrounds, international licensure pathways, and modern forms of professional networking, this scholarship can reach and support even more deserving future architects.
I hope these suggestions are received in the spirit in which they are intended-as constructive feedback to help strengthen an already meaningful program and expand opportunities for the global architectural community.
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Shiv Kumar, M.Arch., Assoc. AIA, AIAS,
NCARB ARE
International Architect Pathway Candidate
Delhi, New Delhi, India
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