What is the mission of the public body? To whom is it responsible? Enabling legislation?
The mission of the Architectural Registration Board (ARB) is to protect the public through regulation of the practice and the title of Architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in accordance with the statutes. The ARB establishes the conditions and qualifications required for architectural registration, and determine eligibility for admission to examinations. It investigates complaints of possible violations of the laws applying to the practice of architecture and takes appropriate disciplinary action against registrants found to have violated its regulations.

It’s enabling legislation can be found in:

• M.G.L. Chapter 13, Sections 44A to 44D;
• M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 60A to 60O; and
• M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 61 to 65E

What is the size of the commission, agency, etc.?

The ARB consists of five members to be appointed by the Governor. Four of whom shall each have been engaged in the practice of architecture for a period of ten years or more prior to their appointment and shall be registered architects. The fifth member shall be a representative of the public.

Professional experience and background expected of the nominee.

At a minimum, candidates are required to have been engaged in the practice of architecture, as a Massachusetts licensed architect, for a period of ten years or more prior to their appointment.

Duration of the appointment.

State Architectural Registration Board members are appointed for five-year terms.

Frequency of meetings.

The ARB meets every other month at 1000 Washington Street in Boston. Meetings typically start at 10:30 and run approximately three hours. Current meeting schedule can be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/board-of-registration-of-architects-2020-meetings

Actions typically undertaken at meetings.

Review and approval of prior meeting minutes; Status update or review and/or approval of action items from previous meetings; Review of current/next edition 231CMR topics; Review/approve/deny applications for licensure; Review/approve/deny licensure renewal applications; Review/decide upon licensure complaints/disciplinary cases; Review/act upon issues related to NCARB/NECARB.

Average preparation time needed above and beyond meeting time.

One to two hours.

Stipend, if any, and/or expense reimbursements.

ARB members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses reasonably incurred in the performances of their duties as members or on behalf of the board.

Number of positions to be filled on the Board.

One to be appointed.

Any constraints imposed on appointee’s professional practice.

None.

Any potential conflict of interest such as appointee can’t be a city employee, can’t be a contracted consultant to the city, can’t be the architect of record for any project in the neighborhood, etc.

None.

If you are interested in this opportunity, or have any further questions, please e-mail a current cover letter and resume to AIA Massachusetts Executive Director John Nunnari at [email protected] by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.