The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) recorded an increase in gender diversity of licensure candidates and newly licensed architects for the first time since it began collecting demographic data. Diversity has been a concern for the American Institute of Architects (AIA), with a survey last year finding that all respondents agreed there is a lack of people of color and many agreed there is gender inequity in the profession.

In 2016, women made up 36 percent of newly licensed architects, versus 34 percent in 2015, and the NCARB reported that gender equity has increased at every career stage. Non-white participation in the Architectural Experience Program rose 3 percent, as did the percentage of non-white people working toward the Architect Registration Examination. However, the percentage of non-white newly licensed architects and NCARB Certificate holders remained unchanged in 2016.