LICENSING/REGISTRATION

REQUIREMENTS:

To be granted initial registration in Louisiana an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Be of good moral character
2. Hold a professional degree in architecture from a degree program accredited by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board)
3. Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) requirements as established by NCARB and found in the AXP
4. Complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE®). Further information about the rules to sit for the examination can be found in the ARE Guidelines
5. Complete the Application and submit with payment

Candidates must have a NAAB accredited degree in architecture to sit for the ARE. You may report experience hours and engage in the completion of the ARE concurrently. If you have identified Louisiana as your preferred state for initial licensure, NCARB will send (transmit) your record once you have successfully completed your education, experience (AXP) hours, and examination (ARE.)

All candidates for licensure in Louisiana must establish an NCARB Record which provides you with a repository to document your education and experience hours and track your examination progress.

You will not be able to begin your application for licensure until NCARB has transmitted your completed record to us. You will receive a notification from NCARB when this happens and we will email you once we have received your transmittal with instructions on how to establish your online account.

Applications that are not completed within 90 days of submission will become invalid.

To access our Licensing Portal, click here.

The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year.

To obtain a reciprocal registration in Louisiana, all applicants must hold a current and valid license in a U.S. jurisdiction and an NCARB certificate. Individuals interested in becoming licensed in Louisiana should contact NCARB to establish a certificate or to have their record transmitted to Louisiana.

Once your NCARB record has been transmitted, you will receive notification from NCARB and we will email you instructions on how to begin your application in our Licensing Portal.

You will not be able to begin your application until NCARB has transmitted your completed record to us. Prior to issuing the license, the board may, at its discretion, require individual applicants to submit additional information.

Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documentation (if any is required) is received.

Applications not completed within 90 days of submittal will become invalid.

The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year.

Click here to access the Licensing Portal. If you have not done so already, you will have to create an account by establishing a User ID and password.  Your User ID will be the e-mail address on file with the Board.

The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year. A reminder notice is e-mailed to the address we have on file. Notices regarding licensure status are sent only as a courtesy of the board. The ultimate responsibility for licensure renewal rests with the licensed professional. All renewals including payment must be either received in the board office by midnight CST on December 31 or be postmarked by that date.

A registrant who does not properly renew his or her license may not practice after the expiration of the license. A registrant who continues to practice using an expired license will be subject to such disciplinary action as the board deems appropriate.

Click here to access our Licensing Portal to begin your reinstatement application.

An architect whose license has lapsed more than 91 days will be considered “expired” and must complete the Reinstatement Application. You will be asked to certify that you have earned all required HSW continuing education hours as outlined below (Rule §1315.J) and submit documentation showing completion of such hours. Applicants will receive e-mail instructions on how to submit such documentation upon submission of the application.

Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documentation is received. Applications that are not completed within 90 days of submittal will become invalid.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Registration inactive 4 to 12 months – 12 HSW in the preceding or current calendar year

Registration inactive 13 months or greater – 24 HSW in the preceding or current calendar year

If your license was issued based on your NCARB certification, it must be active to be considered for reinstatement. You do not have to resubmit NCARB Certification (aka Blue Cover).

Architects who practice architecture in Louisiana without renewing their license will be assessed a fine of up to $1,000 per year and will be publicly reprimanded.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

In-State Initial Registration $90 (Effective November 1, 2019)

Out-of-State Initial Registration $150 (Effective November 1, 2019)

RECIPROCAL REGISTRATION

In-State Reciprocal Registration $150

Out of State Reciprocal Registration $300 (Effective November 1, 2019)

RENEWAL

In State Renewal $90 (Effective November 1, 2019)

Out of State Renewal $175 (Effective November 1, 2019)

Emeritus Renewal $5

DELINQUENT/REINSTATEMENT FEE

In State Delinquent/Reinstatement $110 + $90 = $200 (Effective November 1, 2019)

Out of State Delinquent/Reinstatement $200 + $175 = $375 (Effective November 1, 2019)

If you are reinstating your delinquent or expired license, you need to pay both the renewal fee AND the reinstatement fee.

Architects who practice architecture in Louisiana with an expired license will be assessed a fine of up to $1,000 for the first year, and $1,000 per year thereafter and will be publicly reprimanded.

Initial Licensure

• The military-trained applicant must demonstrate that, while in the active United States military service, the applicant completed and passed a program of training in architecture conducted by a branch of the United States military, was awarded a military occupational specialty in architecture, and thereafter satisfactorily practiced architecture at a level substantially equivalent to or exceeding the education, training and examination requirements of R.S. 37:146 for licensure, and
• The applicant must not have been disciplined by any military branch or any jurisdiction for any act that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license in Louisiana; and
• The applicant may not have received a dishonorable discharge from the military.

Reciprocal Licensure:

• Applicants who have achieved licensure in another jurisdiction by meeting the above stated requirements in another jurisdiction and who hold a current license in good standing and the requirements of that jurisdiction at the time the license was issued are substantially equivalent to the Louisiana requirements for licensure shall be granted a license to practice architecture in Louisiana.

Licensure for Military Spouses

• A military spouse who holds a current license in good standing to practice architecture in any other U.S. jurisdiction and the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements for licensure in Louisiana at the time the originating license was issued will be granted a license to practice architecture in Louisiana when such individual is able to document the following:
  • Military spouse must be able to demonstrate competence in the practice of architecture,
  • Military spouse must not have been disciplined by any jurisdiction for any act that would constitute grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of licensure in Louisiana, and
  • Military spouse is in good standing and has not been disciplined by the jurisdiction or agency that issued the license to the military spouse.

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 categories from which to choose for firm registration.

If you are a sole practitioner who has incorporated your business or are practicing under your name as an LLC, you are required to 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 requirements for operating a business in the state of Louisiana by registering with the Louisiana Secretary of State. We recommend that you contact your attorney or CPA for guidance on business registration with the state.

To apply for firm registration, click here and follow instructions on the form.

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 or Limited Liability Partnerships. There are ownership (shareholder) and control (director) requirements that must be met in order 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 upon 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 supervising Louisiana registered architect and a supervising Louisiana registered engineer with LSBAE and 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 business that practices architecture must register as an Architectural Firm. Types of 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 jurisdiction for the purpose of practicing architecture.

For purposes of registration with LSBAE, a sole proprietor is an architect who is practicing in their name with a business structure (John Smith, Architect, LLC/Inc./etc.).

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.

Depending on the structure of the firm/business, it may be required to designate an in-state registered agent with the Louisiana Secretary of State, and other general corporation laws may be applicable.

The registration renewal period for firms runs from July 1 through June 30 each year. Outlined below is key information you should be aware of as you prepare to renew your registration.

Click here to access our Licensing Portal.

Professional Architectural Corporations:

The Professional Architectural Corporation law (R.S. 12:1086-1101) establishes owner and director requirements for registration with the Board. The online application has been designed to validate that your firm meets these requirements. Please be sure to have information regarding the number of shares authorized for your firm, the total number of shares that have been issued, and total number of shares owned by Louisiana licensed architects.

Architectural Engineering Corporations and Architectural Firms:

The Board rules for Architectural Engineering Corporations and Architectural Firms require you to designate one or more Supervising Professional Architect(s). A Supervising architect is responsible for performing or directly supervising the performance of all architectural services provided by the firm. This means unrestricted, unchecked, and unqualified command of, and legal accountability for, the architectural services performed. Specifications, drawing, or other related documents will be deemed to have been prepared by the architect or under the architect’s direct supervision only when the requirements of Board Rules have been satisfied. Only individuals who are licensed by the Board and full-time active employees of the firm and whose primary occupation is with the firm may be designated as a supervising professional architect.

 Limited Liability Companies:

In 2017, the LSBAE rules were updated to reflect a new structure for types of firms registering with the Board. As a result, we are no longer issuing Limited Liability Company licenses and will transition your existing LL license to an Architectural Firm license. Instead of completing a renewal application for your LL license, you will be directed to complete an application for an Architectural Firm license. It is important to understand that there are no changes to the information you will be required to provide during the renewal process. Please note that you will receive a new license number effective with this renewal.

Renewal applications must be submitted with payment by June 30th or completed paper forms and payment must be postmarked by June 30. Applications not postmarked on or before June 30th will be assessed a delinquent fee equal to the renewal fee of $75 (in-state) or $150 (out-of-state) will be assessed in addition to the regular renewal fee for a total of $150 (in-state) or $300 (out-of-state) respectively.

Renewal applications delinquent more than 90 days may also be subject to fines in addition to the delinquent fees.

A firm/business practicing architecture whose registration has lapsed more than 91 days will be considered “expired” and must complete the Reinstatement Application and pay appropriate renewal and reinstatement fees. Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documentation (if any required) is received.

Applications that are not completed within 90 days of submittal will become invalid.

Firms practicing architecture in Louisiana without renewing their registration may be assessed a fine of up to $1,000 for the first year and $1,000 per year thereafter and will be publicly reprimanded.

Click here to access the Licensing Portal for your reinstatement application.

FIRM REGISTRATION FEES

In-State Firm Registration $75

Out-of-State Firm Registration $150

In-State Delinquent $150

Out-of-State Delinquent $300

FIRM RENEWAL FEES

Effective July 1, 2017

In-State Firm Renewal $75

Out-of-State Firm Renewal $150

In-State Delinquent $150

Out-of-State Delinquent $300

Please note that if your registration is delinquent you will be required to pay BOTH the delinquent fee and the renewal fee and you may be subject to fines.