The Wyoming Board of Architects was established on Feb. 17, 1951. In 1991, legislation added the regulation of the practice of landscape architecture, increased the membership of the Board to five, and changed the Board’s name to the Wyoming State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. The Board is comprised of three architects, one landscape architect, and one member of the public.
The Wyoming State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects (Board) contributes to public health, safety, and welfare and actively provides regulation of licensure, advocacy, and education for the practice of Architects and Landscape Architects in the State of Wyoming.
The Board has partnered with AIA Wyoming in the past to deliver quality continuing education opportunities for licensees and the public of Wyoming. We look forward to more collaboration to ensure both parties are actively focused on professional matters affecting public protection.
The Board also retains membership with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Board members and staff attend these national regulatory meetings and volunteer through committee assignments to ensure Wyoming remains knowledgeable about regulatory concerns at both the state and national levels. These efforts keep the Board working strategically to ensure a high level of public protection for the citizens of Wyoming through regulating architects and landscape architects.
This year, the Board partnered with AIA Wyoming and ASLA Colorado/Wyoming to draft and amend the Practice Act. Proposed amendments include:
1) Allow for alternative paths to licensure outside the accredited degree (in accordance with national standards);
2) Update administrative notice requirements (December certified mailings take an exorbitant amount of time and money to complete); and
3) Seek legislative authority to provide grant funds (make it more official to support continuing education opportunities for our Licensees and the General Public).
We’ll continue to work to get these proposed amendments sponsored for the 2023 session.
On Oct. 6, 2022, WBALA met with the AIA Wyoming Board to discuss increased communication and collaboration where possible. Exploring more ways to support emerging professionals (EPs) and students is a shared goal. We want to hear from EPs. We are also looking for ways to help make the path to licensure more familiar. We want to support students by looking into ways to revitalize the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) to help support Wyoming students interested in pursuing architecture despite not having an in-state accredited program.
Current Board Members include Allison Fleury (Landscape Architect), Katie Wilson (Architect), Aimee Bolton (Architect), Colleen Nelson (Architect), and Vicky Zero (Public Member).
Read what the members have to say:
-Aimee Bolton, AIA, NCARB
I am a newly appointed member of the Wyoming Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. As a registered architect, I am accustomed to issues that concern our profession and its future. As a WBALA board member, I recently attended my first Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) Annual Conference. I was amazed by the cross-over of issues being considered and discussed among the landscape architecture profession. Collectively, both professions state that the general public does not fully understand what an architect/landscape architect does. Both professions are currently working on enhancing education and awareness of their professions and creating alternative paths to licensure. Daily, both professions work diligently to protect people, places, and the environment (built and natural) in the choices they make and the impact these decisions have on people/culture/environment over time. I am excited to look through the lens of the WBALA to work collectively to enhance the awareness of both professions and the value they bring to our lives daily. Maintaining the regulatory certification for both entities is of utmost importance. As the global population continues to grow, there must be regulation to oversee best practices to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all; there has never been a more critical time.
-Colleen Nelson, AIA
I previously served on the board of AIA Wyoming for 9 1/2 years. From Secretary to President, I enjoyed every minute of serving the organization and helping to guide it toward the future. Serving on the WBALA is the exciting next step for me to understand and contribute to the profession of architecture’s integrity, licensing requirements, and the welfare of the public.
Board staff wishes to add that licensees also have the opportunity to serve other state boards and commissions. Many state boards are desperately seeking public members to serve. Please go to https://governor.wyo.gov/state-government/boards-commissions to learn more.
And for more information about the Wyoming Board of Architects and Landscape Architects, contact Executive Director Emily Cronbaugh at 307-777-6529 or Emily.Cronbaugh@wyo.gov, or Licensing Specialist Stefanie Capner at 307-777-7387 or Stefanie.Capner@wyo.gov.
