Highlights from the January 2026 ICOR Leadership Meeting

On January 14, CLARB hosted the annual leadership meeting of the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR). This coalition brings together the regulatory organizations for architecture (NCARB), interior design (CIDQ), landscape architecture (CLARB), and engineering and surveying (NCEES) to address shared regulatory challenges and advance public protection. Through ICOR, CLARB plays an active leadership role in shaping national regulatory policy, improving licensure systems and supporting consistent, defensible regulation across jurisdictions.

Practice overlap guidance moves into public rollout

A major focus of the meeting was the ICOR Practice Overlap Guidance Resource, a landmark collaboration among the design professions. Developed to address long-standing confusion around overlapping scopes of practice, the guidance provides regulators with a clear, competency-based framework grounded in education, experience and examination standards. ICOR leadership reviewed the phased rollout plan and discussed how the guidance will support boards, reduce regulatory friction, and strengthen public confidence in licensure. CLARB has endorsed the guidance and is hosting a webinar to share this valuable resource with Record Holders.

Shared positions on emerging issues

Leadership approved a joint ICOR public statement on the role of artificial intelligence in the design professions. The statement affirms that AI is a tool that can support practice, but not replace professional judgment, ethical responsibility or regulatory accountability. This shared position helps boards and professionals navigate emerging technologies while keeping public health, safety and welfare at the center of regulation.

Aligning on licensure pathways and future collaboration

ICOR leaders also explored principles of mutual deference when one profession advances statutory or regulatory changes to expand or refine pathways to licensure. The discussion emphasized respect for each profession’s autonomy while recognizing the value of collaboration in jurisdictions where multiple design professions are regulated together.

Leadership also discussed potential future areas of ICOR collaboration, including joint guidance on fraudulent or improper use of professional seals and the possibility of exploring a principles-based approach to continuing education. These conversations were exploratory and focused on identifying shared challenges and opportunities that could benefit regulators and licensees alike.

Why this matters to Record Holders

CLARB’s leadership within ICOR reflects a broader commitment to future-ready regulation, increased access to licensure and strong public protection. By working collaboratively across professions, CLARB helps ensure that licensure systems remain credible, defensible and responsive to the realities of modern practice. This work strengthens the regulatory environment in which Record Holders practice and supports the long-term integrity of landscape architectural licensure.

Register for the upcoming webinar and learn more about the Practice Overlap Initiative.