Letter to the Editor: State statutes clearly define 'architect' title

In response to the Springfield Business Journal’s Jan. 15 article, “Chapter 3: Opening Day … Identity Crisis,” I offer the following clarification concerning the title “architect” and who may practice architecture. As a member of the Missouri Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects, I am very concerned that the public has accurate information when making decisions that affect the lives of the people of our community and state. Hopefully, the following will be helpful to your readership.

In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state of Missouri, the practice of architecture is limited to architects. In general, any building which houses 10 or more people (except farm buildings, residential duplexes and single-family houses) must be designed by and have its construction observed by an architect. This is true anywhere in the state. The title architect can only be used by someone who is licensed by the state of Missouri. There is no “debate” on this issue; it is the law (refer to Chapter 327 of the Statutes of the State of Missouri). Violation of this act is a Class A misdemeanor. The title “architect” and the practice of architecture are also protected in the other 49 states, the District of Columbia and other U.S. possessions.

A business may not provide nor offer to provide architectural services unless it has a full-time architect in its employ and has a certificate of authority from the Missouri Board of Architects to practice architecture. Architects can only seal work prepared by them or prepared by someone under their “direct personal supervision.” Architects cannot review and seal work prepared by anyone who is not under their “direct personal supervision.” Architects who violate this rule are subject to having their license disciplined, suspended, or revoked.

In the United States and its jurisdictions, the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards provides model laws and standards for the registration of architects and practice of architecture. The council membership is made up of the licensing boards of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions. The Council administers the Intern Development Program, which takes approximately three years to complete. To be an intern, an individual must have an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (160-plus credit hours). The Council also administers the nine-part Architecture Registration Exam (approximately 30 hours of testing), which includes areas such as architectural design, codes, structures, professional practice, building systems, site planning, construction administration, etc.

In summary, only a licensed architect may use the title “architect;” only an architect can design buildings; nonlicensed individuals cannot have an architect “seal” their work; a business must have a Certificate of Authority to practice architecture. There is no “debate;” it is the law of the state of Missouri.

—Charles C. Hill, AIA, NCARB Member, Missouri Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects