On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Kansas Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Kansas. 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 Kansas?

To become an architect in Kansas, you’ll need to complete a Master of Architecture program accredited by the NAAB. Afterward, you’ll gain practical experience through an internship program like the Architectural Experience Program. Once you’ve completed the required internship hours, you can take the Architectural Registration Examination. Upon passing the exam, you can apply for licensure as an architect in Kansas through the state board or relevant authority.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Kansas?

Company Licenses

Kansas Architecture Company Licenses

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

• In Business Corporations, it is required that at least one principal officer or director, who is a full-time employee, holds a Kansas architect license.
• For Professional Corporations, all shareholders, officers (excluding the secretary), and directors must be licensed architects in Kansas.
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) mandate that at least one member, who is a full-time employee, holds a Kansas architect license.
• In Partnerships, it is necessary for at least one partner, who is a full-time employee, to possess a Kansas architect license.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity – Application. Consider that the filing method is via mail. 
• Agency Fee: $170
• Original Ink is required

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. You need to designate a licensed Kansas architect as the responsible architect for your entity, as well as for each branch office located in Kansas.

Foreign Applicants:

1. You are also required to appoint a licensed Kansas architect as the responsible architect for your entity, as well as for each branch office located in Kansas.
2. It is essential to ensure that your Kansas entity complies with ownership requirements.
3. Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. This certificate should be obtained within the last 90 days and will be submitted as part of the foreign qualification process.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. charge, incorporators, and proposed business name. You will receive a verification document that needs to be filed with the Secretary of State.
2. File the articles of incorporation/organization with the Secretary of State.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State, which will be filed along with your license application.
4. Submit a Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity application to the State Board of Technical Professions.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Send an email to ksbtpadmin@ks.gov with the name of your principal in responsible charge and proposed business name. You will receive a verification document to be filed with the Secretary of State.
2. File a Foreign Entity Application for Registration with the Secretary of State.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State. If you decide not to foreign qualify with the Kansas Secretary of State, include a letter explaining your intended use of a Certificate of Authorization and state your reason for not filing, as per K.S.A. 17-7932.
4. Submit a Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity application to the State Board of Technical Professions.

Must-have Attachments

• File-stamped Articles of Formation from the home state of the business entity. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
• Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State. If your business entity decides not to file with the Kansas Secretary of State, you must include a letter explaining the intended use of a Certificate of Authorization and state the reason for not filing, as per K.S.A. 17-7932.
• A comprehensive list of all officers, directors, or members of the entity, including their addresses, titles, percentage of ownership, and Kansas license numbers (if applicable).
• A list of all other professionals licensed in Kansas who are in responsible charge of architecture services.
• A list of all office locations of the entity, both in Kansas and outside of Kansas, along with the individuals in responsible charge at each location.

Registration Renewal

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

• Fill out the form Business Entity Renewal Form. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $95
• Due: 
  • Business entities with names starting with A-L are required to renew their licenses by December 31 in even-numbered years. On the other hand, entities with names beginning with M-Z should renew their licenses by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
  • Renewal filings can be submitted as early as 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license. There is a grace period from January 1 to March 1, during which no penalties are imposed for late filing. This allows businesses additional time to complete the renewal process without incurring any penalties for delays.
• Penalties: $20 late fee
• Note: Renewal notices are sent out by November 30.

Must-have Attachments

• Disclose any firm disciplinary actions taken, if applicable.

Amendment

For the Name Change:

• Fill out the form Change of Name for Business Entity
• Agency Fee: $0

Must-have Attachments

Attach documentation of the name change to this application. Examples of acceptable documentation include a Business Entity Board Resolution, a Certificate of Good Standing with the new name from the state of origin, or amended articles of formation, as applicable.

For the Address Change:

• Fill out the form Change of Name for Business Entity
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: must be submitted within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

For the Principal in Responsible Charge Change:

• Fill out the Principal in Responsible Charge Change Form
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: must be submitted within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Reinstatement

• Fill out the form Application for Reinstatement Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity
• Agency Fee: $100

Individual Licenses

Kansas Architecture License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $60 application fee + $60 exam fee

Reciprocal Registration

The following information is applicable to architects who hold a license in another state and are seeking reciprocal licensure in Kansas. Take note of this important information:

• Fill out the Application Form for Architect by Reciprocity. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $250

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $70
• Due: Licenses need to be renewed biennially by June 30. Licensees whose last names begin with the letter A-L should renew during even-numbered years, while licensees whose last names begin with the letter M-Z should renew during odd-numbered years. It is important to complete the renewal process within the designated timeframe to ensure the continued validity of the license.

Kansas Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Landscape Architect by Exam Application
• Agency Fee: $60
• Note: There are separate fees for each exam.

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the Application Form for Landscape Architect by Reciprocity. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $250

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $70
• Due: Licenses need to be renewed biennially by December 31. Licensees with last names beginning with A through L must renew their license in even-numbered years, while licensees with last names beginning with letters M through Z must renew their license in odd-numbered years. It is important to adhere to the renewal schedule to ensure the timely renewal of the license.

Kansas Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity (Landscape Architecture)

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity – Application. Consider that the filing method is via mail. 
• Agency Fee: $170
• Original Ink is required

Must-have Attachments

1. A copy of the file-stamped Articles of Formation from the home state of the business entity. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
2. A Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State. If your business entity decides not to file with the Kansas Secretary of State, include a letter with the application. The letter should detail your intended use of a Certificate of Authorization and state the reason for not filing, as per K.S.A. 17-7932.
3. A comprehensive list of all officers, directors, or members of the entity, including their addresses, titles, percentage of ownership, and Kansas license numbers (if applicable).
4. A list of all other professionals licensed in Kansas who are in responsible charge of landscape architecture services.
5. A list of all office locations of the entity, both in Kansas and outside of Kansas, along with the individuals in responsible charge at each location.

Registration Renewal

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

• Fill out the form Business Entity Renewal Form. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $95
• Due: Business entities whose names start with A-L are required to renew their licenses by December 31 in even-numbered years. For entities with names beginning with M-Z, the renewal deadline is December 31 in odd-numbered years. Renewal filings can be submitted as early as 60 days before the license expiration date. It is advisable to initiate the renewal process in advance to ensure timely submission. There is a grace period from January 1 to March 1, during which no penalties are imposed for late filing. This grace period provides additional time for businesses to complete the renewal process without incurring any penalties for delays. It is important to adhere to these renewal timelines to maintain valid licenses and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Note: Renewal notices are sent out by November 30.

Must-have Attachments

1. Disclose any firm disciplinary actions taken, if applicable.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Kansas

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

Kansas Interior Design Firm License

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

Kansas Interior Design License

Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Kansas.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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 the Official State of Kansas Website.