50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Arkansas Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Arkansas.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Arkansas for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

Arkansas Architecture Company Licenses

Arkansas Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)

Agency:Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers
Law:

Ark Code Ann. § 17-15-301

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • At least 2/3 of the directors must be registered under the laws of any state to practice architecture, and the person having the practice of architecture in his or her charge must be a director who is registered to practice architecture in Arkansas.

Professional Corporations:

  • All of the officers, directors, and shareholders must be licensed individuals at least one director must be an architect licensed in Arkansas.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least 2/3 of the members must be registered under the laws of any state to practice architecture, and the person having the practice of architecture in his or her charge must be a member who is registered to practice architecture in Arkansas.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • All of the members must be licensed individuals and at least one member must be an architect licensed in Arkansas.

Partnerships:

  • At least 2/3 of the partners must be registered under the laws of any state to practice architecture, and the person having the practice of architecture in his or her charge must be a partner who is registered to practice architecture in Arkansas.

Initial Registration

This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Arkansas for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Initial Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$250

Notarize:Required
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Identify an Arkansas licensed individual to act as the architect in charge.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Identify an Arkansas licensed individual to act as the architect in charge.
  • Ensure that your Arkansas entity meets ownership requirements.
  • Obtain a certified copy of your entity's formation documents from its home state.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. If the name of the entity will contain some form of the word "architect", first obtain a letter of name approval from the State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers (ASBALAID).
  2. File entity formation documents with the Arkansas Secretary of State to form your business entity.
  3. Obtain a certified copy of the entity's formation documents to be submitted with the firm license application.
  4. File a Certificate of Authorization Application with the Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers (ASBALAID).

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Determine whether or not your entity will need to foreign qualify in Arkansas. If not required, skip to number 4.
  2. If the name of the entity will contain some form of the word "architect", first obtain a letter of name approval from the State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers (ASBALAID).
  3. File a foreign qualification application with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
  4. Obtain a certified copy of the entity's formation documents to be submitted with the firm license application.
  5. File a Certificate of Authorization Application with the Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers (ASBALAID).
Required Attachments:
  • In the case of a corporation, a copy of the corporation’s articles of incorporation or similar charter document certified by the secretary of state of the jurisdiction in which the corporation is organized
  • List of directors or partners including address, discipline (engineer, architect, etc), registration state, and registration number

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Arkansas and need to renew their license.

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Annual Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Annually by January 31. Renewals may be filed as early as January 1.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarize:Required
Required Attachments:
  • Disclosure of disciplinary actions taken against individuals in leadership roles or acting as qualifying individuals (if applicable)

Amendment

Form:

Change of Address/Contact Form

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Notify the board within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Reinstatement

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Reinstatement Application

Agency Fee:

Renewal fees plus $50 per month for the first 3 months after expiration. Penalty fees are capped at $250 per year for a maximum expiration period of 3 years.

Notes:

After three years, expired certificates are revoked and the license holder must reapply for a certificate.

Arkansas Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Arkansas.

Arkansas does not license or register interior design businesses, but registered designers list their business affiliation on their individual registration.

Arkansas Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Arkansas.

More information: Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers

Individual Licenses

Arkansas Individual Architecture Licenses

Arkansas Architect License

Agency:Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers
NCARB Certificate:Required
Completion of CE/PDH:Required
Interview:Not required
NAAB-accredited degree:Required
NCARB IDP:Required
Additional Experience:Not required
State-specific exam:Not required

Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Arkansas for the first time.

Form:

http://www.asbalaid.arkansas.gov/forms

Agency Fee:

$250 application fee

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Arkansas.

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Arkansas and need to renew their license.

Form:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by July 31.

Arkansas Interior Designer Registration

Agency:Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers

Initial Registration

Form:

Registered Interior Designer Individual Application for Licensure

Agency Fee:

$150

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Form:

Registered Interior Designer Annual Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by January 31.

Arkansas Landscape Architect License

Agency:Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers

Learn about architecture licensing in other states:

ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.

AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.

BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.

COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.

Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.

NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.

Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.

State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.

National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.

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