Board discusses NCARB resolutions and reciprocity experience requirement; schedules special meeting and approves travel

The Mississippi State Board of Architecture discussed National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) items, reciprocity experience requirements, and travel for upcoming professional meetings at its April 22, 2026 meeting.

Members and staff provided brief NCARB committee updates and reviewed draft resolutions and candidates for Public Director and At-Large Director. By consensus, members agreed to schedule a special meeting in June 2026 before the NCARB Annual Business Meeting so the board could consider resolutions and elections; Executive Director John Cothron will poll members to set the date.

During discussion of reciprocity requirements under Miss. Code Ann. §73-1-21, members generally agreed that a three-year post-licensure experience requirement would be consistent with prior NCARB standards for candidates who obtain certification through education alternatives rather than a NAAB-accredited degree. The minutes record that members viewed a three-year threshold as supporting protection of life, health and property in parts of the state with minimal building-code enforcement; the board agreed to revisit the item at its July 2026 meeting.

The board also approved travel and attendance designations by vote. It designated Jimmy Sullivan to attend the Building Officials Association of Mississippi Summer Conference in Gulfport (June 8–12, 2026) and voted to designate one board member and the Executive Director to attend the American Institute of Architects Mississippi Convention (Oct. 7–9, 2026) and the NCARB Member Board Chairs/Executives Leadership Summit (Oct. 9–10, 2026). Both travel motions passed 4–0.

The minutes show the board affirmed July 21, 2026 as the next meeting date and expressed a preference for Ocean Springs as the October location.