Frequently Asked Firm Licensure Questions
Q. Is firm registration required?
A. Yes. Section 40-3-270 provides that only an architect practicing in his or her own name who does not employ another architect is exempt from this requirement. For example, John Doe, Architect, would not be required to register as a firm. However, John Doe, Architects, or John Doe Associates, or Doe Associates or similar firm names would be required to register as an architectural firm.
Q. What forms are required for firm licensure?
A. Is your firm a Business or Professional Corporation?
Is your firm a Limited Liability Company?
Is your firm a Limited Liability Partnership?
Is your firm a Sole Proprietorship?
Q. Are there any restrictions regarding the firm name?
A. Section 40-3-270. (D) & (E) Firm Registration states:
(D) If a South Carolina firm seeks to register under a name referring to persons rather than a trade name, the persons referred to in the firm's name must be licensed as individual architects, engineers, land surveyors, or landscape architects in this State.
(E) If an out-of-state firm seeks to register under a name referring to persons rather than a trade name, the persons referred to in the firm's name must be licensed as individual architects, engineers, land surveyors, or landscape architects in this State or in another jurisdiction.
Q. On individual and corporate seals, the city and state are to be put in the inner circle. Is that the city where I live or where I work?
A. For the individual seal, you need to indicate the city and state in which you reside; for the corporate seal, indicate city and state where the company is located.
Q. What are the requirements for sealing design documents in South Carolina?