Washington State Board for Architects

Mission statement

The board's mission is to protect life, health, and property, and to promote public welfare by licensing and regulating the practice of architecture in Washington.

About the board

Members of the Washington State Board for Architects serve 6-year terms. The board has 7 members, who are all Washington residents:

• 6 registered architects who have at least 8 years of professional or teaching experience
• 1 member of the general public who has never been, employed, worked for, or associated with a registered architect

The board meets about 4 times a year, including meetings at colleges with architecture degree programs. Members may also choose to attend outreach events or conferences.

How to serve on the board

Want to serve on the Washington State Board for Architects? Apply through the Governor’s boards and commissions web page.

Current board members

Meetings and minutes

See a list of future meeting dates and past meeting materials for the Washington State Board of Architects. 

To request meeting materials in an alternative format, email architects@dol.wa.gov or call 360-664-1388.

Upcoming meetings

There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Past meetings

Board policies

Read various policies from the Washington State Board for Architects.

Incomplete applications

If you don't complete the licensing process and your records show no activity for 5 years, the Board will consider your application abandoned. No activity includes, but is not limited to:

• Not submitting the required documents for 5 years after we received your most recent information.
• Not giving the Board any written communication for 5 years that shows you're trying to complete the licensing process.

If the Board considers your application abandoned, they may archive or destroy it. If you want to get your license, you must reapply and meet the current licensing requirements.

POL350-6, Board, 6/2012.

Related laws and rules

• Certificate of Registration - Application - Qualifications (RCW 18.08.350)
• What if I don't finish the licensing process? (WAC 308-12-065)

Disaster relief licensing

Out-of-state architects must be licensed in Washington to do disaster relief work here. If you have a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate, the Board will speed up the licensing process and issue your license within 7 working days.

If you aren't licensed in Washington and don't have an NCARB certificate, you must work with a local, licensed architect.

POL400-3, Board, 3/2007.

Related laws and rules

• Registration of out-of-state registrants (RCW 18.08.400)

Life safety according to RCW 18.08.410(7)

Life safety is affected if the potential work includes, but is not limited to:

• Changing any fire-rated construction.
• Changing any exits (means of egress) defined by the building codes.
• Changing a building by increasing the number of occupants in the affected space(s) or changing the occupancy type.

POL410-2, Board, 2/2012.

Related laws and rules

• Application of chapter (RCW 18.08.410)
• How do I apply the exemptions in RCW 18.08.410? (WAC 308-12-340)

Military training or experience

The Board will review applicants with military training or experience on a case-by-case basis to see if their experience or training meets the licensing requirements.

POL500-1, Board, 2/2012.

Related laws and rules

• Military training or experience (RCW 18.08.500)

Stamping and sealing authority

Architects must sign and seal technical submissions they prepare and are allowed to sign works created by others under certain limited conditions in RCW 18.08.370(3). Additionally, the original architect may be unable to sign and seal as the architect-of-record due to unforeseen events, such as:

• Closing a business.
• Terminating a contract for architectural services with or without cause.
• Delaying a project.
• Disputes.
• Death.

If you're taking over a project, you must verify that there is a written dissolution agreement or permission from the original architect and/or legal owner of the documents. This is required under RCW 18.08.370(3). If there's any doubt, you should contact your legal counsel. After meeting this requirement, you become the architect-of-record with stamp and seal authority. Your professional duties, obligations, and responsibilities are the same as if you were the original architect.

POL370-1, Board, 11/2011.

Related laws and rules

• Issuance of certificates of registration - Seal, use (RCW 18.08.370)
• Do I need a stamp or seal? [WAC 308-12-081(3)]

Related laws

• Architects (Chapter 18.08 RCW)