The title “Architect”

I am an architect. I am passed my registration exams in December, 2005 and was licensed in January, 2006. I am also NCARB (National Council of Architectural Accreditation Boards) Certified, which allows me to get licensed in other states. I am proud of the title architect, and like many architects, don’t like the title being thrown around loosely. My title in the office is “Project Architect.” We also have Staff Architects and Graduate Architects, who are not licensed. Here comes the rub, I’m now put on an equal footing as those who didn’t go through the years of schooling, 3-year internship, pass 9-exams and the required continued education through classes and seminars to maintain my licensure.

I’m in no way saying these individuals are not talented. Many of them are, but they don’t assume the liability of carrying a government certification that states they are qualified to know what they are doing and can be held responsible for not upholding their professional responsibilities. Take for instance a politician in Colorado, Jack Johnson. This man is not licensed to practice architecture, and doesn’t practice architecture, but carries the title “architect” for his own glory. The Colorado licensing board issued a cease and desist order requiring him to discontinue his use of the title. He counter-sued and won against an underfunded State agency. Why did he sue, he felt the Board was impeding his First Amendment rights. From now on, I’ll be known as architect, Colorado City County Council Member (don’t you come after me Jack Johnson, this is my First Amendment Right!).

Thankfully, Indiana has attempted to give a little direction, because we do have professionals who are not licensed, but are in the field of architectural design, or are interns working towards being an architect. At their November 2008 Board meeting, the Indiana Board of Registration for Architects & Landscape Architects discussed the topic of “Architect Intern” issued the following statement:

“C. “Architect Intern”
Re: Defined

Can a person use the word “architect” on their card if they are not a registered architect, especially with regard to interns’ use of the term? One should not use the term architect in their title, cards, etc. unless they are licensed. See IC 25-4-1-26, where it is clearly defined and is a class C infraction.

IC 25-4-1-26 states in pertinent part:

Each of the following acts is a Class C infraction and each day's violation constitutes a separate offense:

(1) The practice of architecture by any person or the advertising or putting out of any sign or card or other device which might indicate to the public that he is entitled to practice as an architect, without a certificate of registration as a registered architect issued by the board.

Upon further discussion with staff counsel, "Architectural Intern" might be acceptable, as it does not indicate that the person is entitled to practice as an architect. Most people realize that an "intern" is not a full-fledged professional. The other titles seem to imply that the person is able to practice architecture, and is therefore licensed. In closing, please note that we are not authorized to offer legal advice or interpret the law. Please consider this email in that light.”

Thankfully we have some direction in Indiana, but it is just the start. When you see someone presenting themselves as an architect, rest assured they are licensed. Otherwise, they are breaking the law. Now as for software architects and using the word “architect” as a verb, that will be a future blog posting…

October 2009 UPDATE:

Architect Magazine ran the article "Trust Me, I'm an (Unlicensed) Architect" reinforcing the problem of people who have not been trained to design with the health, safety, and welfare of the people presenting themselves as licensed architects. It's nice to know some states are finally beginning to crack down, it's unfortunate that Indiana isn't one of them.