David Cronrath, Dean of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation has been awarded the President's Medal for Distinguished Service by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The award recognizes his significant contributions to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare through his service to NCARB and to the practice of architecture. It is the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Cronrath. “I take great pride in the confidence the leadership of NCARB has expressed in permitting me to assist in the development of the architectural licensure examination.”

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. Aside from maintaining records for state boards, architects and interns, the Council also oversees the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE). The ARE is the benchmark computer administered exam used by 54 U.S. member boards and several Canadian provincial and territorial architectural associations to assess the skill, ability and knowledge of a candidate with regards to tasks encountered in the practice of architecture. Passing the ARE is required to become a licensed architect.

Cronrath was recognized for over 10 years of committed volunteer service to the Architectural Registration Examination. He counseled the ARE Grading Subcommittee as chair from 2004-2007, and was appointed chair of the ARE Research and Development Subcommittee in 2008. He has been instrumental in the development of future enhancements for the ARE.

In announcing the recipients, 2010-2011 NCARB President Kenneth J. Naylor, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP praised Cronrath for his commitment to the architectural profession and to NCARB.

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent report summarizing NCARB data of ARE pass rates for architectural schools across the country. The report, which ranks ARE pass rates, listed Maryland’s architecture program as 7^th in the nation.