FIRM REGISTRATION
Category :
The legislature has enacted laws that govern all firms practicing architecture in Louisiana. In accordance with those laws, the LSBAE has adopted rules to regulate the registration of such firms. Any business practicing architecture in Louisiana must obtain registration with LSBAE. The registration period for all firms is July 1 through June 30 each year.
FIRM REGISTRATION IS BASED ON YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE
There are three (3) categories from which to choose for firm registration.
A sole proprietorship practicing architecture in Louisiana in the name of an individual registered with the board is not required to obtain a certificate of authority to practice architecture in Louisiana. However, if you are a sole practitioner who has incorporated your business or is practicing under your name as an LLC or other entity, you must register your firm. A complete set of the LSBAE rules surrounding firm registration can be found here.
It is the responsibility of the firm owner to meet the requirements for operating a business in the state of Louisiana by registering with the Louisiana Secretary of State. We recommend contacting your attorney or CPA for guidance on business registration with the state.
To begin the firm application process, click here to access the Forms page of our website to complete and submit the “Firm Application Request Form“.
Applications not completed within 90 days of submittal will be closed and resubmittal will be required.
Once a complete application is received, the board seeks to approve the application within 5-7 business days.
To access the Licensing Portal, click here.
DETERMINE YOUR FIRM’S STRUCTURE:
1. PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL CORPORATION (PAC):
This category applies only to architectural firms that are incorporated and does not apply to Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP). There are ownership (shareholder) and control (director) requirements that must be met to register as a Professional Architectural Corporation. To register as a PAC, a firm must be lawfully incorporated, and a majority of shares must be held by a licensed Louisiana architect or by a holding company, of which a majority of shares are owned by licensed Louisiana architects. See La. R. S. 12:1090. In addition, depending on the number of directors, a majority of the directors must be licensed Louisiana architects. For more information, see La. 12:1086 et seq., particularly R.S. 12:1095 for director requirements.
2. ARCHITECTURAL-ENGINEERING CORPORATION (AEC):
This category applies to firms that are incorporated and include one or more licensed architects and one or more licensed engineers. LA R. S. 12:1171 identifies these firms as Architectural Engineering Corporations and requires that such firms maintain current records regarding a designated Louisiana-registered supervising professional architect with LSBAE and a designated Louisiana-registered supervising professional engineer with the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS). For more information, see La. R.S. 12:1171 et seq., particularly R.S. 12:1173 for designation requirements. This does not apply to Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Partnerships (LLP) who have practiced both architecture and engineering.
3. ARCHITECTURAL FIRM (AF):
Any other business type that practices architecture must register as an Architectural Firm. Firms that may qualify for registration as an Architectural Firm include corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or partnerships, associations, sole proprietorships, or other entities lawfully organized under the laws of Louisiana or other jurisdictions for the purpose of practicing architecture.
To register, such firm must designate in its application one or more supervising professional architects who shall perform or directly supervise the performance of all architectural services by the firm in Louisiana. See Board Rule §1705.G. Only a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time active employee of the firm and whose primary occupation is with that firm may be designated. There are no shareholder or control requirements to register as an Architectural Firm (AF).
Click below to see examples of our Firm Applications. Please do NOT submit an example application; these are for reference purposes only. All applications must be completed and submitted online via our Licensing Portal:
- Example of the AC Firm Application (Multiple Shareholders)
- Example of the AC Firm Application (Sole Ownership)
- Example of the AE Firm Application
- Example of the AF Firm Application
For questions related to firm registration, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.