At the end of 2014, there were approximately 1955 architects in the Directory of African American Architects.** For the year, 23 African American architects reported as newly licensed.

The number continues the downward trend that has been characteristic of the last five years. The organization that creates the architect registration exam (ARE), NCARB, has also seen an up-and-down rate, since 2009, of people completing ARE sections.

I asked some of my colleagues for their thoughts to get some other perspectives on the trend. There is optimism and celebration, and also some self-actualization.

I have mixed feelings about the low numbers. We as a community can and should do more in supporting candidates of color. The fact that I have mentored three of the newly licensed…