On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Arkansas Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Arkansas. It provides all the crucial information you need including state regulations, application fees, and filing instructions among other relevant details. If you need any assistance related to the licensing process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer further details about our software and managed license services to support your needs.

How do I become an architect in Arkansas?

In order to apply, one must possess an architecture professional degree from a program that has received accreditation from the NAAB, or otherwise fulfill the periodically updated educational prerequisites as laid out by NCARB for their certification. Additionally, the applicant should have met the IDP obligations in line with the prevailing standards set by NCARB.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Arkansas?

Company Licenses

Arkansas Certificate of Authorization to Practice Architecture

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies
• Professional Limited Liability Companies
• Partnerships

• Business Corporations:
  • A minimum of two-thirds of the board members need to be registered in any U.S. state for the practice of architecture. Additionally, the individual responsible for managing the practice of architecture must be a board member registered to practice architecture in Arkansas.
• Professional Corporations:
  • Each of the officers, directors, and shareholders must hold a valid license, with at least one director being a licensed architect in Arkansas.
• Limited Liability Companies:
  • A minimum of two-thirds of the company members need to be registered in any U.S. state for the practice of architecture. The member managing the architecture practice must be registered to practice architecture in Arkansas.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies:
  • Every member of the company needs to hold a valid license, and at least one member should be a licensed architect in Arkansas.
• Partnerships:
  • At least two-thirds of the partners need to be registered in any U.S. state for the practice of architecture. The partner who has the responsibility of managing the practice of architecture must be registered to practice architecture in Arkansas.

First-Time Applicants

The following information pertains to architectural firms seeking an initial license in Arkansas. If you currently possess a license and wish to renew it, please refer to the renewal section.

• Submission method: Online.
• Notarize is required
• Agency Fee: $250

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Designate an individual licensed in Arkansas to function as the overseeing architect.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Appoint an Arkansas-licensed individual to serve as the head architect.
2. Ensure that your Arkansas-based entity complies with ownership regulations.
3. Acquire a certified copy of the formation documents of your entity from its home country.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Submit your entity’s formation documents to the Arkansas Secretary of State to establish your business entity.
2. Acquire a certified copy of the formation documents of your entity, which should be included with the firm license application.
3. Submit a Certificate of Authorization Application to the Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers (ASBALAID).

Foreign Applicants:

1. Assess if your entity needs to qualify as a foreign entity in Arkansas. If not necessary, proceed to step 3.
2. Submit a foreign qualification application to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
3. Obtain a certified copy of your entity’s formation documents for submission with the firm license application.
4. File a Certificate of Authorization Application with the Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers (ASBALAID).

Must-have Attachments

• For a corporation, provide a certified copy of the corporation’s articles of incorporation or a similar foundational document, validated by the secretary of state from the jurisdiction where the corporation is set up.
• Provide a list of directors or partners, including their addresses, fields of expertise (engineer, architect, etc.), state of registration, and registration numbers.

Registration Renewal

The following information pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Arkansas and are seeking to renew their license. Take into consideration:

• Fill out the form  Certificate of Authorization Annual Renewal Application. Consider that Submission method: via Mail or Online.
• Due date: Annually, before January 31. Renewals may be submitted as of January 1.
• Agency Fee: $250
• Notarize is required
• Original ink is not required

Must-have Attachments

• Reveal any disciplinary measures enforced against individuals occupying leadership positions or those serving as qualifying individuals, if such instances are applicable.

Amendment

• Fill out the form Change of Address/Contact Form
• Agency Fee: $0
• Deadline: the change must be reported within 30 days from the effective date.

Reinstatement

• Fill out the form Certificate of Authorization Reinstatement Application
• Agency Fee: Renewal charges include an additional $50 per month for the initial three months post-expiration. The yearly penalty fees are limited to $250 for up to three years of expiration.
• Note: after a period of three years, expired licenses are nullified and the license holder is required to apply afresh for certification.

Individual Licenses

Arkansas Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250
• Note: The applicants are required to have their NCARB board registration submitted to the Board’s office.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250
• Deadline: annually by July 31.

Arkansas Interior Designer Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250
• Notarized is not required

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250
  • Note: A candidate possessing a current and valid certification from CIDQ and providing acceptable proof of the same to the board can be registered, given they meet the following conditions:
  • The candidate must have a valid registration as a registered interior designer from a registration authority within the United States and provide convincing proof of this registration to the board.
  • The candidate submits their application in a format specified by the board and pays the requisite fees set by the board.
  • The board retains the right to require individual candidates to present themselves before the board if a CIDQ record or application doesn’t unequivocally demonstrate the candidate’s qualifications for registration in Arkansas.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250
• Deadline: annually by January 31.

Arkansas Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $250
• Note: A candidate possessing a current and valid record from CLARB and providing convincing proof of the same to the board can be registered, given they fulfill the following conditions:
• The candidate must be of upright moral character, as corroborated by employers and other references.
• The candidate should hold a professional degree in landscape architecture from a program accredited by the LAAB.
• The candidate must have successfully cleared the LARE, in accordance with the current standards set by CLARB.
• The candidate must fill out an affidavit provided by the board, confirming their understanding of the Arkansas Landscape Architectural Practice Act and its associated Rules and Regulations.
• The candidate should have a valid registration as a landscape architect from a registration authority within the United States and provide satisfactory proof of this registration to the board.
• The candidate submits their application in the format specified by the board and pays the required fees determined by the board.
• The board reserves the right to require individual candidates to present themselves before the board if a CLARB record or application does not clearly demonstrate the candidate’s eligibility for registration in Arkansas.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: Online
• Agency Fee: $100 + online processing fee
• Deadline: annually by January 31.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Arkansas

This section aims to clarify licenses that are not required in Arkansas for architecture firms.

Arkansas Interior Design Firm License

Arkansas does not have state-level licensure requirements for interior design firms. There is no current licensing or registration process for interior design businesses in Arkansas.

Arkansas Landscape Architecture Firm License

Landscape architecture firm licensure is not required at the state level in Arkansas. For more information, you can contact the Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Arkansas opens up a world of opportunities to practice architecture in the state. The journey commences with the pursuit of a professional degree in architecture, a fundamental requirement in your quest to become a licensed architect. This degree is not just a piece of paper, but a testament to your knowledge and comprehension of architectural principles, a rite of passage that equips you with the tools to craft and shape the built environment.

Remember, it’s important that your architecture degree is obtained from a program accredited by a recognized body such as the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This accreditation assures that the program meets the industry’s standards and provides the necessary skills and training.

Architect registration in Arkansas is a crucial step that formalizes your standing in the industry. This process includes satisfying the state’s requirements and passing the relevant examinations. With this license, you will have the legal authority to practice architecture, offering your expertise to develop the Arkansas landscape. Now that you are armed with this information, you’re one step closer to realizing your architectural aspirations.

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change based on approval board discretion. For the most up-to-date information, please visit Arkansas Secretary of State website.