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

In Louisiana, there are two ways to become a licensed architect:

1. Initial Registration: This path is for non-licensed individuals who are obtaining a license to practice architecture for the first time. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold an NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) accredited degree in Architecture.
• Complete the Architect Experience Program (AXP) (formerly known as the Intern Development Program (IDP)). This program allows individuals to gain practical experience in various areas of architecture under the supervision of a licensed architect.
• Successfully pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), which assesses knowledge and competency in different aspects of architecture.

2. Reciprocal Registration: This path is for individuals who are already licensed in another jurisdiction. To obtain a reciprocal license in Louisiana, applicants must hold a current and valid NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Certificate.

• Applicants who have not completed an NAAB degree in architecture or the AXP/IDP may have alternate paths available to achieve NCARB Certification.

It is important to review and comply with the specific requirements and guidelines set by the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners for both initial and reciprocal registration.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Louisiana?

Company Licenses

Louisiana Architectural Firm Registration

• Business Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies
• Partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Associations

• Business Corporations:
  • Officers and directors of the corporation are not required to be licensed architects. However, the corporation must appoint a Louisiana licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be responsible for all architectural activities undertaken by the firm.
• Limited Liability Companies:
  • Members and managers of the LLC are not required to be licensed architects. However, similar to business corporations, the LLC must appoint a Louisiana licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be responsible for all architectural activities performed by the firm.
• Partnerships:
  • Partners in a partnership are not required to be licensed architects. However, the partnership must appoint a Louisiana licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to take responsibility for all architectural activities carried out by the firm.
• Limited Liability Partnerships:
  • Partners in a limited liability partnership are not required to be licensed architects. However, like other business entities, the limited liability partnership must appoint a Louisiana-licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be accountable for all architectural activities undertaken by the firm.

These requirements ensure that a licensed architect is actively involved in overseeing and taking responsibility for architectural activities within the respective business entities in compliance with Louisiana regulations.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Consider that the filing method is via Emailing a Firm Application Request Form to hlavigne@lsbae.com then apply through the online portal after board approval.
• Agency Fee: $75 for in-state firms and $150 for out-of-state firms.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. You need to identify a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time employee to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities. This architect will oversee and take responsibility for all architectural work conducted by the firm.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Similarly, foreign applicants must identify a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time employee to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities. This licensed architect will ensure compliance with Louisiana regulations and oversee architectural work performed by the firm.
2. In addition, foreign applicants need to obtain a certificate of good standing from their business entity’s home state. This certificate should not be more than 90 days old when filing the foreign qualification documents. It serves as proof that your business entity is in good standing in its home state.
3. By fulfilling these requirements, both domestic and foreign applicants can ensure compliance with Louisiana regulations and establish the necessary responsible charge of a licensed architect for architectural activities performed by the firm.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. If the name of the entity will contain any form of the word “architect,” obtain a letter of name approval from the State Board of Architectural Examiners.
2. File the entity formation documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division.
3. Email a copy of the Firm Application Request Form to Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com.
4. Once the application is approved by the board, access the licensing portal to submit a license application.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Determine whether your entity needs to foreign qualify in Louisiana. If not required, proceed to step 4.
2. If the name of the entity will contain any form of the word “architect,” obtain a letter of name approval from the State Board of Architectural Examiners.
3. File the foreign qualification documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division.
4. Email a copy of the Firm Application Request Form to Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com.
5. Once the application is approved by the board, access the licensing portal to submit a license application.

Registration Renewal

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

•  Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $75 for in-state firms and $150 for out-of-state firms.
• Due:  Annually by June 30.

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Please ensure that all your information is up to date before the next renewal period. It is important to review and update any necessary details, such as contact information, qualifications, licenses, or certifications. By keeping your information current, you can ensure a smooth renewal process and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Note: Notify board via email with the changes

Reinstatement

• Fill out the Professional Design Firm Reinstatement Request
• Agency Fee: $150 in-state; $300 out-of-state
• Read here the instructions for how to apply for reinstatement.
• Penalties: Firms practicing architecture in Louisiana that fail to renew their registration may face penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000 for the initial year of non-renewal, and subsequent fines of $1,000 per year thereafter. Additionally, the firm may receive a public reprimand. It is essential to ensure timely renewal to avoid these penalties and maintain compliance with the registration requirements.
• Note: 
  • A firm or business practicing architecture whose registration has been lapsed for more than 91 days will be considered “expired.”
  • To reinstate the registration, the firm must complete the Reinstatement Application and pay the applicable renewal and reinstatement fees.
  • The application will only be considered complete once all required supporting documentation is received, if applicable.
  • It is important to complete the application within 90 days of submission to ensure its validity. Applications that are not completed within this timeframe will become invalid.

Individual Licenses

Louisiana Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online. 
• Agency Fee: $90 for residents and $150 for non-residents

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $150 for residents and $300 for non-residents
• Note: To obtain a reciprocal registration in Louisiana, applicants must hold a current and valid license in a U.S. jurisdiction and possess an NCARB certificate.

How to Apply:

1. Contact NCARB: Get in touch with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to either establish a certificate or have your record transmitted to Louisiana. They will provide the necessary guidance and assistance.
2. Receive notification and follow board instructions: After transmitting your NCARB record, you will receive notification from NCARB. Additionally, the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners will email you with detailed instructions on how to proceed with your application in the Licensing Portal. Follow these instructions carefully to complete the application process.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $90 for resident architects and $175 for out of state architects.
• Due: Annually by December 31.

Louisiana Architectural-Engineering Corporation Registration (AEC)

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations

Business Corporations:

1. Officers and directors of a business corporation do not need to be licensed professionals.
2. However, the corporation must employ a full-time Louisiana licensed architect who will be responsible for all architectural activities undertaken by the firm.
3. Additionally, a full-time employee who is a Louisiana licensed engineer must be appointed as the responsible individual for all engineering activities of the firm.

Professional Corporations (Architectural PC):

1. .A majority of the outstanding shares of a Louisiana architectural professional corporation must be owned by one or more natural persons who are duly licensed to practice architecture.
2. If a professional corporation has more than two directors, a majority of the board of directors must be natural persons duly licensed to practice architecture in Louisiana.
3. Professional corporations with fewer than three directors must have at least one director who is a natural person duly licensed to practice architecture in Louisiana.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Consider that the filing method is via Emailing a Firm Application Request Form to hlavigne@lsbae.com then apply through the online portal after board approval.
• Agency Fee: $75 for in-state firms and $150 for out-of-state firms.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Identify a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time employee and appoint them to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities. This individual should hold a valid license to practice architecture in Louisiana.
2. Ensure that your business entity meets ownership requirements. In the case of a Louisiana architectural professional corporation, a majority of the outstanding shares must be held by one or more natural persons who are duly licensed to practice architecture.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Identify a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time employee and appoint them to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities. This individual should hold a valid license to practice architecture in Louisiana, even if your business entity is based in another state or country.
2. Ensure that your Louisiana entity will meet ownership requirements. As mentioned earlier, a majority of the outstanding shares in a Louisiana architectural professional corporation must be held by licensed architects.
3. Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. This certificate should indicate that your business is in good standing and is currently authorized to operate in its home state. The certificate should be filed as part of the foreign qualification process in Louisiana. It’s important to note that the certificate should not be more than 90 days old at the time of filing the foreign qualification documents.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. If the name of your entity will contain “architect” or “engineer” in some form, first obtain a letter of name approval from the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners and/or the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, depending on the specific services you will offer.
2. File entity formation documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division. This step involves submitting the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees to officially establish your business entity in Louisiana.
3. Email a copy of the Firm Application Request Form to Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com. This form will be used to initiate the application process with the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners.
4. Once your entity is approved by the board, you can access the licensing portal to submit a license application. This step involves providing the required information, documentation, and paying the relevant fees to obtain a license for your architectural activities.
5. If your firm also plans to offer engineering services, you will need to follow the guidance provided on the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board’s page to obtain a license from that board as well. This may involve additional requirements specific to engineering licensure.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Determine whether your entity will need to foreign qualify in Louisiana. If your business entity is based outside of Louisiana and you intend to operate in the state, you may need to foreign qualify. If foreign qualification is not required, you can skip to step 4.
2. If the name of your entity will contain “architect” in some form, obtain a letter of name approval from the State Board of Architectural Examiners.
3. File foreign qualification documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division. This process involves submitting the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees to legally operate your foreign entity in Louisiana.
4. Email a copy of the Firm Application Request Form to Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com. This form will initiate the application process with the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners.
5. Once your entity is approved by the board, access the licensing portal to submit a license application. Follow the instructions provided to complete the application and provide the necessary documentation and fees.
6. If your firm also plans to offer engineering services, you will need to refer to the guidance on obtaining a license from the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, which may involve additional requirements specific to engineering licensure.

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $75 for in-state firms and $150 for out-of-state firms.
• Due: Annually by June 30.

Louisiana Interior Design Firm Registration

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Firm Registration Application
• Agency Fee: $0

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due:  Annually by December 31.

Louisiana Professional Architectural Corporation Registration (PAC)

• Professional Corporations (domestic only)

• A majority of the outstanding shares of a Louisiana architectural professional corporation must be owned by one or more natural persons who are duly licensed to practice architecture.
• If the professional corporation has more than two directors, a majority of the board of directors must be natural persons who are duly licensed to practice architecture in Louisiana.
• Professional corporations with fewer than three directors must have at least one director who is a natural person duly licensed to practice architecture in Louisiana.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Consider that the filing method is via Emailing a Firm Application Request Form to hlavigne@lsbae.com then apply through the online portal after board approval.
• Agency Fee: $75 for in-state firms and $150 for out-of-state firms.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Identify a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time employee and appoint them to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities. This individual should hold a valid license to practice architecture in Louisiana.
2. Ensure that your business entity meets ownership requirements. In the case of a Louisiana architectural professional corporation, a majority of the outstanding shares must be held by one or more natural persons who are duly licensed to practice architecture.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. If the name of your entity will contain some form of the word “architect,” you must first obtain a letter of name approval from the State Board of Architectural Examiners. This is to ensure that the name complies with the regulations and requirements set by the board.
2. File entity formation documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division. This involves submitting the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees to officially establish your business entity in Louisiana.
3. Email a copy of the Firm Application Request Form to Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com. This form is used to request the firm application and initiate the application process with the State Board of Architectural Examiners.
4. Once your firm is approved by the board, you can access the licensing portal to submit a license application. This step requires providing the required information, documentation, and payment of relevant fees to obtain a license for your architectural activities.

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $75 for in-state firms and $150 for out-of-state firms.
• Due:  Annually by June 30.
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Information must be up to date before the next renewal period.
• Note: Notify the board via email of the changes

Reinstatement

• Fill out the Professional Architectural Corporation Registration Reinstatement Form
• Agency Fee: $150 in-state; $300 out-of-state

Louisiana Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Louisiana Landscape Architecture Exam Application
• Agency Fee: $200 exam fee + $100 license fee due after approval
• Notarize is required

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the Louisiana Landscape Architecture Exam Application
• Agency Fee: $200 exam fee + $100 license fee due after approval
• Notarize is required
• Note: Applicants licensed in another state should have their CLARB scores and proof of current license status sent to the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners, or transmit their CLARB council record directly to the board.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $100 license fee + $2.50 credit card fee
• Due: Annually by January 1.

Louisiana Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $150
• Notarize is not required

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $150
• Due: annually by December 31.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Louisiana

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

Louisiana Landscape Architecture Firm License

In Louisiana, landscape architecture firm licensure is not required at the state level. However, individual landscape architects are required to include firm information in their license application. This means that while the firm itself does not need to obtain a separate license, the landscape architect must provide details about the firm when applying for their individual license.

For more information on landscape architecture regulations and requirements in Louisiana, it is recommended to consult the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry – Horticulture Commission, as they oversee landscape architecture activities in the state. They can provide more specific guidance and clarification regarding licensing and registration for landscape architects and firms in Louisiana.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners Website.