April 6, 2021

A Brief Refresher for Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers

By Jerome Leslie Eben, FAIA

This article is a brief refresher for architects, landscape architects, and interior designers.  All fall under the purview of the NJ State Board of Architects. By extension, it applies to all applicants seeking to practice those respective professions.

The New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13 Law and Public Safety Chapter 27 was last revised in April of 2018. No matter when you may have become a licensed architect in the State of New Jersey, we suggest that once a year you read through this important document. It includes eleven subchapters covering the requirements for [process of] practicing the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design and the responsibility entrusted to us as architects.

To kick off your review we invite you to start with your title and title block obligations:

Refer to subchapters 3.5 RESTRICTIONS IN TITLES, and 6.2

TITLE BLOCK CONTENTS; REQUIREMENTS BY FORM OF ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE.

In 3.5. a sole proprietorship shall not be conducted under a title that designates or suggests the existence of more than a single principle. Should a partner, associate member, or other licensed professional cease to be a member of a firm, his/her name can only remain in the firm for the following two years, unless the organization is [established as] a professional service corporation or a corporation or a limited liability company authorized to practice architecture following the issuance of a Certificate of Authorization.

In 6.2 the requirements are extensive and broken down in subparagraphs from a. through h. For example, a title block shall appear on all construction documents and documents submitted for public approval or a permit application. Sometimes as architects we are not the primary professional on a project. In that case, our information must be provided [is] in a secondary title block, still providing all of the title information except the name and location of the project, which would be provided in the primary professional’s title block.

And here is an important one: An architect practicing as an employee of a business entity that does not offer architectural services to the public, including an entity whose principal source of business is space planning or interior design services, shall include in the title block the name of the entity as the “owner” and all other elements that are required. 

We hope that you will take the time to review Chapter 27 in its entirety to ensure that your business entity is practicing in compliance with the law. It can be found at this link: https://casetext.com/regulation/new-jersey-administrative-code/title-13-law-and-public-safety/chapter-27-new-jersey-state-board-of-architects

Architects are creative professionals, educated, trained, and experienced in the art and science of building design, and licensed to practice architecture. Their designs respond to client needs, wants and vision, protect public safety, provide economic value, are innovative, inspire and contribute positively to the community and the environment. Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through a dynamic network of more than 250 chapters and more than 95,000 member architects and design professionals, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. The organization’s local chapter, AIA New Jersey, has served as the voice of the architectural profession in the Garden State since 1900. Based in Trenton, AIA New Jersey has over 2,000 members across six sections. For more information, please visit http://www.aia-nj.org

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in Codes & Regulations, Practice Management | Tagged: #architects, #CodesandRegulations, #InteriorDesigners, #LandscapeArchiteects, #ProfessionalPractice, NJDCA | Comments (0)