Chapter 02 - Board of aRchitecture and registered interior designers
SECTION .0100 ‑ GENERAL PROVISIONS
21 NCAC 02 .0101 AUTHORITY: NAME AND LOCATION OF BOARD
The "North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers," subsequently herein referred to as the "Board," is established and authorized by Chapter 83A of the General Statutes of North Carolina. Unless otherwise directed, all communications shall be addressed to the Board at 434 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2005, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑2; 83A‑6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. June 1, 1995; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2021.
21 NCAC 02 .0102 ORGANIZATION OF BOARD AND OFFICERS
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑2; 83A‑6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021.
Repealed Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0103 DUTIES OF OFFICERS
21 NCAC 02 .0104 PROCEDURE
21 NCAC 02 .0105 DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND PROCEDURE
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83‑14;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1991; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 1995.
21 NCAC 02 .0106 SEAL OF BOARD
The official seal adopted by the Board is the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina with the inscription of the Board name on the perimeter.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83‑5; 83A‑6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0107 FORMS
Any forms referred to or required by these rules are available on the Board web site at www.ncbarch.org.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2014; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0108 FEES
The fees required by the Board are set forth below:
Initial License to Practice Architecture:
By Exam $55.00
By Reciprocity $155.00
Architecture Firm License $100.00
Annual License to Practice Architecture Renewal:
Individual $55.00
Firm $125.00
Late Renewal Penalty for Individual Architects and Firms:
Up‑to‑30 days $55.00
30 days to 1 year $110.00
Reinstatement of Expired License:
Individual Architect $260.00
Architecture Firm $300.00
Initial Registration to Practice Interior Design:
For NCIDQ Certified Individual $155.00
Firm Registration $100.00
Addition of Interior Design Firm Registration for Currently Licensed Architecture Firms $50.00
Annual Registration to Practice Interior Design Renewal:
Individual $55.00
Firm $125.00
Late Renewal Penalty for Interior Designers and Interior Design Firms:
Up‑to‑30 days $55.00
30 days to 1 year $110.00
Reinstatement of Expired Registration
Interior Designer Individual $260.00
Interior Design Firm $300.00
All fees paid to the Board are non-refundable.
History Note: Authority G.S. 55B-10; 83A‑4; 83A-11;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2014; December 1, 2010; June 1, 1995; December 1, 1992; May 1, 1991; May 1, 1989; July 1, 1987;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2017;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0109 DEFINITIONS
In addition to the statutory definitions in G.S. 83A-1, as used in these Rules, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) "Delinquent" is the status of a license registration that has not been renewed in accordance with Rule .0213(b) of this Chapter for individuals and Rule .0214(c) of this Chapter for firms.
(2) "Fictitious name" is any assumed name, style, or designation other than the proper legal name of the entity as registered with the Secretary of State. The surname of a person, standing alone or coupled with words that describe the business, is not a fictitious business name. The inclusion of words that suggest additional owners, such as "Company," "& Company," "& Sons," "& Associates," makes the name an assumed or fictitious name. For partnerships, the last name of all partners must be listed, or the fictitious name definition applies.
(3) "Procurement" means purchasing or pricing of materials to construct a building or structure.
(4) "Direct Supervision" as used in North Carolina G.S. 83A-15(a)(1)b means responsible control as defined in Rule .0203 of this Chapter.
(5) "Continuing Competency" as used in G.S 83A-6(a) means continuing education obtained post licensure or registration that enables an architect or registered interior designer to increase or update knowledge of and competence in technical and professional subjects related to the practice of architecture and interior design to safeguard the public's health, safety, and welfare.
(6) "Health, safety or, welfare" (HSW) as used in G.S. 83A-6(a) means technical and professional subjects that according to these rules safeguard the public and that are necessary for the proper evaluation, design, construction and utilization of buildings and the built environment.
(7) "Architect-of-record" or "Designer-of-record" means persons or entities whose seals appear on plans, specifications, and contract documents.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6;
Eff. November 1, 2010;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
SECTION .0200 - PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE
21 NCAC 02 .0201 ARCHITECT, REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNER, FIRM OR PARTNERSHIP contact information as on file with the board
(a) Every individual licensee and registrant shall keep the Board advised of his or her preferred current contact information. Current contact information includes a physical mailing address, email, phone numbers, and the name of the firm or partnership where he or she is employed. Every individual licensee and registrant shall notify the Board in writing of all changes to contact information within 30 days of such changes.
(b) The licensee or registrant shall give notice in writing to the Board of the following within 30 days of the following adverse actions:
(1) the filing of any criminal charges against the licensee or registrant and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such charge;
(2) any conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere by, the licensee or registrant for a felony or misdemeanor under any laws and, and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of each such criminal conviction;
(3) the filing of any disciplinary action, charges, or contested case proceeding against the licensee or registrant before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such pending action;
(4) the finding by any court, board, agency, or professional organization that the licensee or registrant is guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of such adverse action;
(5) any denial, limitation, reprimand, suspension, or revocation taken against the licensee or registrant's credentials, to include a statement providing the reason for the adverse action; the date and jurisdiction in which the adverse action occurred; the terms of the adverse action imposed;
(6) whether the terms of the adverse action have been satisfied; and
(7) whether any liens or judgments have been filed or entered against the licensee or registrant and, if so, the jurisdiction, date, and parties involved with such lien or judgment.
(c) Each firm or partnership shall, within 30 days, notify the Board of all changes in ownership, association, contact information, email, or physical address. Upon the dissolution of a firm, the architect or registered interior designer in responsible control of the firm at the time of dissolution shall notify the Board within 30 days concerning such dissolution and of the succeeding status and addresses of the architects and registered interior designers employed by the firm.
(d) Each licensed or registered firm shall give notice in writing to the Board of the following within 30 days of the following adverse actions:
(1) the filing of any criminal charges against the firm or any of its owners and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such charge;
(2) any conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere by, the firm or any of its owners for a felony or misdemeanor under any laws and, and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of each such criminal conviction;
(3) the filing of any disciplinary action, charges, or controversy against the firm or any of its owners before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such pending action;
(4) the finding by any court, board, agency, or professional organization that the firm or any of its owners is guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of such adverse action;
(5) any denial, limitation, reprimand, suspension, or revocation taken against the firm's credentials or that of any of its owners, to include a statement providing the reason for the adverse action; the date and jurisdiction in which the adverse action occurred; the terms of the adverse action imposed; and whether the terms of the adverse action have been satisfied; and
(6) whether any liens or judgments have been filed or entered against the firm or any of its owners and, if so, the jurisdiction, date, and parties involved with such lien or judgment.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-5; 83A-6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2010; June 1, 1995;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0202 APPLICABILITY OF BOARD RULES
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2014; June 1, 1995; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0203 rules of professional conducT
All persons licensed or registered under the provisions of Chapter 83A of the North Carolina General Statutes are charged with having knowledge of the rules of this Chapter and are deemed to be familiar with their provisions and to understand them. Each licensed or registered person and entity shall sign a statement on the renewal notice affirming understanding of the laws and rules.
(1) Licensees and registrants shall conduct their practice in order to safeguard life, health and property as provided in G.S. 83A-12. The licensee or registrant shall always recognize the primary obligation to protect the public in the performance of the professional duties. If the licensee or registrant's professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where the licensee or registrant, in their professional judgment, believes health, safety, and welfare of the public are endangered, the licensee or registrant shall inform the employer, the client, the contractor, other affected parties, and any appropriate regulatory agency of the possible consequences of the situation.
(2) In designing a project, the licensee or registrant shall consider all applicable federal, State and municipal building laws and rules. A licensee or registrant shall undertake to perform professional services only when they, together with those whom the licensee or registrant may engage as consultants, are qualified by education, training and experience in the specific technical areas involved. While a licensee or registrant may rely on the advice of other professionals such as attorneys, engineers, or other qualified persons as to the intent and meaning of such laws and rules, once having obtained advice, a licensee or registrant shall not design a project in violation of laws and rules.
(3) In practicing architecture or interior design, the licensee or registrant shall act with reasonable care and competence and shall apply the technical knowledge and skill which is ordinarily applied by architects or interior designers of good standing.
(4) Responsible Control. "Responsible Control" means responsibility for exercising the ultimate authority over, and possessing the knowledge and ability to oversee, delegate, and integrate the design and technical decisions related to the preparation of the project's instruments of service and the project's implementation in conformance with the standard of care. Instruments of service are defined as the collection of documents, drawings, specifications, calculations, and other tangible materials produced by design professionals during the various stages of a project. Standard of care is defined as the care usually exercised by one in the profession, on the same type of project, at the same time and in the same place, under similar circumstances and conditions. No architect or registered interior designer shall affix his or her seal and signature to contract documents developed by others not under the architect's or registered interior designer's responsible control.
(5) An architect or registered interior designer shall not deliberately make a false statement or deliberately fail to disclose a fact requested in connection with their application for license or registration renewal.
(6) An architect or registered interior designer shall not assist in the application for licensure or registration of a person known by the architect or registered interior designer to be unqualified with respect to education, training, experience, or character.
(7) An architect or registered interior designer shall issue public statements only in an unbiased and truthful manner and:
(a) shall be objective and truthful in all professional reports, statements, or testimony. The architect or registered interior designer shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements or testimony;
(b) when serving as an expert or technical witness before any court, commission, or other tribunal, shall express an opinion only when it is founded upon knowledge of the facts at issue, upon a background of technical competence in the subject matter, and of the accuracy and propriety of the individual's testimony;
(c) shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on architectural or interior design matters connected with public policy which are inspired or paid for by an interested party, or parties, unless the architect or registered interior designer has prefaced the comment by explicitly identifying their name, by disclosing the identities of the party or parties on whose behalf the architect or registered interior designer is speaking, and by revealing the existence of any pecuniary interest the architect or registered interior designer may have in the matters; and
(d) shall not attempt to harm the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of another architect or registered interior designer, nor indiscriminately criticize another architect's or registered interior designer's work. Indiscriminate criticism is a statement without basis or cause or that is not objective and truthful or that fails to include all factual information. If the architect or registered interior designer believes that another architect or registered interior designer is in violation of G.S. 83A or the Rules of this Chapter, such information shall be presented to the North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers in writing.
(8) An architect or registered interior designer shall avoid conflicts of interest and:
(a) shall inform the employer or client, and any reviewing agency, of any business association, interests, or circumstances that attempts to influence the judgment or the quality of services of the architect or registered interior designer. If, in the course of their work on a project, an architect or registered interior designer becomes aware of a decision taken by their employer or client, against their advice, which violates applicable State or municipal building laws or federal regulations and which will, in their judgment, affect adversely the safety to the public of the finished project, the architect or registered interior designer shall:
(i) report the decision to the local building inspector or other public official charged with the enforcement of the applicable State or municipal building laws and regulations;
(ii) refuse to consent to the decision;
(iii) in circumstances where the architect or registered interior designer reasonably believes that other such decisions will be taken notwithstanding his or her objection, terminate their services with reference to the project; and
(iv) in the case of termination in accordance with clause in Sub-Item (a)(iii) of this Rule, the architect or registered interior designer shall have no liability to his or her client or employer on account of such termination.
(b) shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are disclosed to, and agreed to, in writing, by all interested parties;
(c) shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable considerations from material, furniture, fixtures, or equipment suppliers for specifying their products unless disclosed to the client;
(d) shall not pay or offer to pay, a commission, political contribution, gift, or other consideration in order to secure work. Gifts of nominal value including entertainment and hospitality are permitted;
(e) when in public service as a member, advisor, or employee of a governmental body or department, shall not participate in considerations or actions with respect to services provided by the licensee or registrant or the licensee's or registrant's firm in private architectural or registered interior design practices;
(f) shall not engage in any false, deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading advertising;
(g) shall not attempt to supplant another architect or registered interior designer on a specific project after becoming aware that the other has been selected for the employment;
(h) when acting as the interpreter of building contract documents and the judge of contract performance, an architect or interior designer shall render decisions in an impartial manner;
(j) if an architect or registered interior designer has any business association or financial interest which influences their judgment in connection with the performance of professional services, they shall disclose in writing to their client or employer the nature of the business association or financial interest, and if the client or employer objects to such association or financial interest, they will either terminate such association or interest or offer to give up the commission or employment;
(k) an architect or registered interior designer making public statements on architectural or interior design questions shall disclose when they are being compensated for making such statements.
(9) A licensee or registrant shall solicit or accept work on the basis of qualifications and:
(a) shall not offer to pay any commission, political contribution, gift, or other consideration in order to secure work, exclusive of securing salaried positions through employment agencies;
(b) shall not solicit or submit proposals for professional services containing a false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statement or claim regarding the cost, quality, or extent of services to be rendered;
(c) shall, with regard to fee bidding on public projects, comply with, and not knowingly cooperate in any violation of the provisions of G.S. 143-64.31(a), (a1), (e), and (f) for state projects and, with the Brooks Act, 40 U.S.C. 541 et seq. for federal projects; and
(d) shall not falsify or permit misrepresentation of academic or professional qualifications and shall only report educational qualifications when a degree or certificate was awarded unless it is stated that no degree or certificate was awarded; and
(e) shall represent to a prospective or existing client or employer their qualifications and the scope of their responsibility in connection with work for which they are claiming credit. Misrepresentation shall be found if any of the following is not complied with:
(i) Each licensee or registrant shall state their prior professional experience and the firm they are representing while presenting qualifications to all prospective clients. If the licensee or registrant uses visual representations of prior projects or experience, all designers or architects of record shall be identified.
(ii) An architect or registered interior designer who has been an employee of another firm may not claim credit for projects contracted for in the name of the previous employer. They shall indicate, next to the listing for each project, that individual experience gained in connection with the project was acquired as an employee and identify the previous firm. The architect or registered interior designer shall also describe the nature and extent of their participation in the project.
(iii) An architect or registered interior designer who presents a project that has received awards or public recognition shall comply with the requirements in this Sub-Item with regard to project presentation to the public and prospective clients.
(iv) Projects that remain unconstructed and are listed as credits in presentation items shall be listed as "unbuilt" or a similar designation, as determined by the architect or registered interior designer.
(10) A licensee or registrant shall perform services in compliance with all of the provisions of this Chapter and any federal, State, and municipal laws or regulations that apply and:
(a) shall not knowingly associate with or permit the use of the licensee's or registrant's name or firm name in a business venture by any person or firm which the licensee or registrant knows, or has reason to believe, is engaging in business or professional practices of a fraudulent or dishonest nature or is not licensed or registered;
(b) if the licensee or registrant has knowledge or reason to believe that another person or firm may be in violation of the rules of this Chapter or of the North Carolina Architectural and Registered Interior Design Practice Act (G.S. 83A), they shall present such information to the Board in writing and shall cooperate with the Board in furnishing further information or assistance as may be required by the Board.
(c) An architect or registered interior designer shall cooperate with the Board in connection with any inquiry it shall make. Cooperation includes responding to all inquiries from the Board or its representative and claiming correspondence from the U. S. Postal Service, or other delivery service, sent to the licensee or registrant from the Board in a timely manner. The Board shall utilize electronic mail as its primary method of communication with licensees and registrants. "Timely" is defined as within the time specified in the correspondence, or if no time is specified, within 15 business days of receipt.
(11) An architect or registered interior designer who has received a reprimand or civil penalty or whose professional license or registration is revoked, suspended, denied, refused renewal, refused reinstatement, put on probation, restricted, or surrendered as a result of disciplinary action by another jurisdiction is subject to discipline by the Board if the licensee's or registrant's action constitutes a violation of G.S. 83A or the rules of this Chapter adopted by the Board.
(12) In addition to the grounds stated in G.S. 83A-14 and G.S. 83A-15(3), the following acts or omissions may be deemed to be "unprofessional conduct" and to be cause for the levy of a civil penalty or for denial, suspension, or revocation of a license or registration or firm certificate of licensure or registration to practice architecture or registered interior design:
(a) An architect or registered interior designer shall not, in the conduct of their professional practice, knowingly violate any State or federal criminal law. A criminal conviction shall be deemed prima facie evidence of knowingly violating the law.
(b) Evasion of professional duties.
(i) An architect or registered interior designer shall not, through employment by contractors whether or not the contractors are licensed under G.S. 87, or by another individual or entity not holding an individual or firm registration from the Board, enable the employer to offer or perform architectural services or registered interior design services. In design/build arrangements, the architect or registered interior designer shall not be an employee of a person or firm not holding a license to practice architecture or registered interior design in North Carolina.
(ii) An architect or registered interior designer shall not furnish limited services in such manner as to enable owners, draftsmen, or others to evade the public health and safety requirements of Chapter 83A, G.S. 133-2, G.S 153A, G.S. 153A-357, G.S. 160A-412, or G.S. 160A-417.
(iii) When building plans are begun or contracted for by persons not licensed or registered and qualified, an architect or registered interior designer shall not take over, review, revise, or sign or seal such drawings or revisions thereof for such persons or do any act to enable either persons or the project owners to evade the requirements of Chapter 83A, G.S. 133-2, G.S. 153A-357, or G.S. 160A-417.
(c) It is unprofessional conduct for an architect or registered interior designer to be found by a court to have infringed upon the copyrighted works of other architects, registered interior designers or other design professionals.
(13) An architect, registered interior designer or firm shall not maintain or represent by sign, listing, or other manner that they have a physical presence in North Carolina unless such office employs a licensed architect or registered interior designer who is a resident in North Carolina whose principal place of business takes place in that office. This item does not apply to on-site project offices during construction of a project.
(14) An architect or registered interior designer shall not knowingly continue to offer or render architectural or registered interior design services as set forth in G.S. 83A after their license or registration expires, is placed on delinquent status, is revoked, or suspended for failure to renew.
(15) Architects or registered interior designers preparing plans for building permits shall submit plans that are complete and buildable. Such plans shall conform with the State Building Code and local plan submission requirements. Professional judgment shall be exercised to reflect sufficient documentation necessary for plan approval. Provided, however, this Rule does not alter any standard of liability applicable to licensees or registrants.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83A-14; 83A-15; 83A-16;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0204 FORMS OF PRACTICE
(a) The practice of architecture shall be carried out by one of the following types of entities:
(1) sole practitioners;
(2) professional limited liability companies that are established under the provisions of G.S. 57D-2-02;
(3) limited liability partnerships that are established under the provisions of G.S. 59-84.2;
(4) professional corporations that are established under the provisions of G.S. 55B; or
(5) general partnerships.
(b) The practice of registered interior design shall be carried out by one of the following types of entities:
(1) sole practitioners;
(2) limited liability companies that are established under the provisions of G.S. 57D;
(3) limited liability partnerships that are established under the provisions of G.S. 59-84.2;
(4) business corporations that are established under the provisions of G.S. 55; or
(5) general partnerships.
Each limited liability partnership and each general partnership engaged in the practice of architecture or registered interior design in North Carolina shall keep a current list of all resident and non-resident partners of the partnership. One annual listing by a representative of the partnership shall satisfy the requirement of this Paragraph for all partners in the firm; however, each partner shall remain responsible for compliance with the rules. Changes in the information required by this Paragraph shall be filed with the Board office within 30 days after the change occurs.
(b) All individuals who practice through entities described in Subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this Rule shall be licensed to practice architecture.
(c) All individuals who practice architecture through entities described in Subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this Rule shall be licensed to practice architecture.
History Note: Authority G.S. 55B; 57C; 59-84.2; 83A-4; 83A-6; 83A-8;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012; December 1, 2010; June 1, 1995;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0205 NAME OF FIRM
(a) A licensee or registrant shall not engage in the practice of architecture or registered interior design under a firm name which is misleading or deceptive in any way as to the legal form of the firm or the persons who are partners, officers, members, or shareholders in the firm. The Board shall approve all firm names to be used in this State. Examples of misleading or deceptive firm names include the following:
(1) use of the plural "architects" or "registered interior designers" by a sole practitioner or a firm employing only one architect or registered interior designer in a firm does not warrant such use;
(2) use of the name of an employee unless that employee is a licensed or registered partner, licensed or registered officer, licensed or registered member or licensed or registered shareholder;
(3) use of the name of a deceased architect or registered interior designer in order to benefit from their reputation, when that architect or registered interior designer was not a former partner, officer, member or shareholder in the present firm;
(4) use a name which is deceptively similar to that of an existing firm name; and
(5) use of a fictitious or assumed name by a sole proprietor.
(b) Failure of the firm to register a fictitious or assumed name shall be prima facie evidence of the name being misleading or deceptive.
History Note: Authority G.S. 55B-5; 83A-6; 83A-8; 83A-9; 83A-12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; June 1, 1995, April 1, 1991; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0206 REQUIREMENT FOR AND USE OF PROFESSIONAL SEAL BY AN ARCHITECT OR REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNER
(a) An architect shall seal his or her work whether or not the work is for an exempt project as defined in G.S. 83A-13. An architect shall not sign nor seal drawings, specifications, reports, or other professional work that were not prepared by the architect or under his or her responsible control. Documents shall be sealed as follows:
(1) An architect may seal those portions of the professional work that:
(A) were prepared by or under the responsible control of persons who are licensed architects in this State if the architect has reviewed in whole or in part such portions and has either coordinated their preparation or integrated them into his or her work; and
(B) are not required by law to be prepared by or under the responsible control of an architect if the architect has reviewed and adopted in whole or in part such portions and has integrated them into his or her work.
(2) A registered interior designer may seal those portions of the professional work that were prepared by or under the responsible control of persons who are registered interior designers in this State if the registered interior designer has reviewed in whole or in part such portions and has either coordinated their preparation or integrated them into their work
(3) Individual Architect Seal Design shall be as follows:
(A) The seal may be a rubber stamp, embossed seal, computer-generated seal, or other facsimile that becomes a permanent addition to original paper drawings or sets of specifications for use in this State. For the purposes of this Rule, the term "for use in this State" means drawings and sets of specifications prepared for bidding, procurement, permitting, or for construction. For purposes of this Rule, "original" means the version of drawings and sets of specifications from which all paper copies can be made.
(B) The standard design of the seal shall be two concentric circles in which "North Carolina" and the name of the licensee are placed within the outermost circle and in which the license number of the licensee and "Licensed Architect" placed within the innermost circle. The size shall be 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches in diameter.
(C) The original, handwritten signature of the individual named on the seal shall be considered part of the individual seal and shall appear across the face of each original seal imprint along with the date of affixation. The use of signature reproductions such as rubber stamps, computer generated, or other facsimiles on paper copies are not permitted in lieu of actual handwritten and hand dated signatures.
(4) Architecture Firm Seal Design shall be as follows:
(A) The seal may be a rubber stamp, embossed seal, computer-generated seal, or other facsimile that becomes a permanent addition to paper drawings or sets of specifications.
(B) The design of the firm seal shall be two concentric circles in which the architectural firm's approved name shall be between the inner and outer circles and the firm's license number is placed within the innermost circle. The size shall be 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches in diameter. For a Professional Corporation the words "Architectural Corporation, North Carolina" shall be along the inside perimeter of the inner circle. For a Professional Limited Liability Company, the words "Architectural Company" shall be along the inside perimeter of the inner circle.
(5) Individual Registered Interior Designer Seal Design shall be as follows:
(A) The seal may be a rubber stamp, embossed seal, computer-generated seal, or other facsimile that becomes a permanent addition to original paper drawings or sets of specifications for use in this State. For the purposes of this Rule, the term "for use in this State" means drawings and sets of specifications prepared for bidding, procurement, permitting, or for construction. For purposes of this Rule, "original" means the version of drawings and sets of specifications from which all paper copies can be made.
(B) The standard design of the seal shall be two concentric ovals in which "North Carolina" and the name of the registrant are placed within the outermost oval and in which the registration number of the registrant and "Registered Interior Designer" be placed within the innermost oval. The dimensions shall be two inches tall by 2.75 inches wide.
(C) The original, handwritten signature of the individual named on the seal shall be considered part of the individual seal and shall appear across the face of each original seal imprint along with the date of affixation. The use of signature reproductions such as rubber stamps, computer generated, or other facsimiles on paper are not permitted in lieu of actual handwritten and hand dated signatures.
(6) Registered Interior Design Firm Seal Design shall be as follows:
(A) The seal may be a rubber stamp, embossed seal, computer-generated seal, or other facsimile that becomes a permanent addition to drawings or sets of specifications.
(B) The design of the seal shall be two concentric ovals in which the registered interior design firm's approved name shall be between the inner and outer ovals and the firm's registration number is placed within the innermost oval. The size shall be 2 to 2 ¾ inches in diameter. For a Corporation the words "Registered Interior Design Corporation, North Carolina" shall be along the inside perimeter of the inner circle. For a Limited Liability Company, the words "Registered Interior Design Company" shall be along the inside perimeter of the inner oval.
(7) Architects and registered interior designers shall affix their seal on one original of all their drawings and sets of specifications prepared by them for use in this State as follows:
(A) on the cover sheet of each design and on each drawing prepared by the architect or registered interior designer for the design;
(B) on the index page identifying each set of specifications; and
(C) on the index page of all other technical submissions. For the purposes of this Rule, "technical submissions" refer to plans, drawings, specifications, studies, addenda, and other technical reports prepared in the course of practicing architecture or registered interior design.
(8) Presentation documents, such as renderings created by an architect or registered interior designer used to communicate conceptual information, shall not be sealed or signed.
(9) Documents considered incomplete by the architect or registered interior designer may be released for interim review without the architect's or registered interior designers seal or signature affixed, but shall be dated, bear the architect's or registered interior designer's name, and be marked or designated as follows "Incomplete - for interim review only and not intended for bidding, procurement, permit, or construction purposes."
(10) Those sheets or pages prepared by licensed professional consultants, such as structural, mechanical or electrical engineers, retained by the architect or registered interior designer shall bear the seal and registration or license number of the consultant responsible therefore and shall not be sealed by the architect or registered interior designer.
(11) The use of the prescribed seal on paper is an individual act whereby the architect or registered interior designer must personally sign over the imprint of the seal. By sealing documents for use in this State, an architect or registered interior designer is representing that he or she is in responsible control over the content of such documents and has applied the required professional standard of care. The architect or registered interior designer is responsible for security of the seal when not in use.
(12) Use of Firm Seal. The use of the firm seal does not replace the statutory requirement for an architect's or registered interior designer's individual seal as required in Rule .0203(4) of this Chapter. The firm seal must be affixed in addition to the individual seal on the cover sheet. A firm shall designate a principle or other authorized individual to be responsible for the security of the firm seal.
(b) Prototypical building design documents prepared by architects or registered interior designers who are licensed or registered in this State or in their state of origin may be sealed by a succeeding licensed architect or registered interior designer in North Carolina provided:
(1) the seal of the original architect or registered interior designer appears on the documents to authenticate authorship;
(2) the words "Prototypical Design Documents/Not for Construction" appear on each sheet of the documents by the original architect or registered interior designer;
(3) the succeeding North Carolina architect or registered interior designer identifies all modifications to the standard design documents;
(4) the succeeding North Carolina architect or registered interior designer assumes responsibility for the adequacy of the design for the specific application in North Carolina and for the design conforming with applicable building codes, local conditions, site condition; and
(5) the succeeding North Carolina architect or registered interior designer affixes his or her seal to the prototypical design documents with a statement as follows: "These documents have been examined by the undersigned. I have determined that they comply with existing local North Carolina codes, and I assume responsibility for the adequacy of the design for the specific application in North Carolina."
(c) Post construction record drawings prepared by an architect or registered interior designer, but based upon representations of contractors, are not plans that are for "bidding, procurement, permit, or construction purposes" and therefore shall not be sealed by the architect or registered interior designer. Post construction record drawings shall bear the name of the architect or registered interior designer and include language that states "these drawings are post construction record drawings and are based in part upon the representations of others and are not for bidding, procurement, permit, or construction purposes."
(d) Documents to be electronically transmitted beyond the direct control of the licensee or registrant that are signed using a digital signature, shall contain the authentication procedure in a secure mode and a list of the hardware, software, and parameters used to prepare the document(s). Secure mode means that the authentication procedure has protective measures to prevent alteration or overriding of the authentication procedure. The term "digital signature" shall be an electronic authentication process that is attached to or logically associated with an electronic document. Unlocked copies of sealed construction documents may be provided to entities to allow for electronic usage where document content is not effectively being altered, such as when presented for plan review approval stamps or contractor material takeoffs. An effective alteration means a change that may impact health, safety, or welfare, such as a change to egress or a change to window placement. The digital signature shall be:
(1) Unique to the person using it;
(2) Capable of verification;
(3) Under the sole control of the person using it; and
(4) Linked to a document in such a manner that the digital signature is invalidated if any data in the document is changed.
(e) Documents for use in this State, that are transmitted electronically beyond the direct control of the licensee or registrant shall have the computer-generated image of the seal removed from the original file, unless signed with a digital signature as defined in this Rule. After removal of the image of the seal the electronic media shall have the following inserted in lieu of the signature and date: "This document was originally issued and sealed by (name of sealer), (license or registration number), on (date of sealing). This medium shall not be considered a certified document." Hardcopy documents containing the original seal, signature and date of the licensee or registrant may be duplicated by photocopy or electronic scanning processes and distributed either in hardcopy or electronic medium. The scanned digital files of certified documents are not subject to the requirements of this Paragraph. The electronic transmission beyond the direct control of the licensee or registrant of Computer Aided Design (CAD), vector, or other files subject to easy editing are subject to the requirements of this Paragraph. A file subject to "easy editing" is one consisting of separate elements that can be individually modified or deleted. Documents that are excepted from certification by a statement meeting the following requirements are not subject to the requirements of this Paragraph:
(1) "Preliminary - Do not use for construction";
(2) "Progress Drawings - Do not use for construction";
(3) "Final Drawing - Not released for construction";
(4) "Final Drawing - For Review Purposes Only";
(5) "Not a Certified Document – This document was originally issued and sealed by (name of licensee or registrant), (license or registration number), on (date of sealing). This document shall not be considered a certified document";
(6) "Not a Certified Document as to the Original Document but Only as to the Revisions - This document originally issued and sealed by (name of licensee or registrant), (license or registration number), on (date of sealing). This document is only certified as to the revisions".
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83A‑10; 83A‑12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. December 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; October 1, 1995; July 1, 1993; May 1, 1989; October 1, 1985;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022; November 1, 2017.
21 NCAC 02 .0207 DENIAL: SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑1; 83A‑6; 83A‑7; 83A‑15;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1989; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 1995.
21 NCAC 02 .0208 DISHONEST CONDUCT
21 NCAC 02 .0209 UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
History Note: Authority G.S. 14-353; 83A-6; 83A-14; 83A-15;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Amended Eff. February 24, 1976;
Readopted September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; December 1, 1995; June 1, 1995; July 1, 1992; October 1, 1989; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2017;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Temporary Repeal Eff. November 30, 2021;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0210 INCOMPETENCE
(a) No person shall be permitted to practice architecture or registered interior design if such person is found by a licensed physician or court of law to be impaired in his or her ability to practice the profession because of physical or mental disability.
(b) No person shall be permitted to practice architecture or registered interior design if such person is found insane or incompetent by a court of law.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83A‑14; 83A‑15;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2006; June 1, 1995; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Temporary Amendment Expired Eff. September 11, 2022;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024.
21 NCAC 02 .0211 UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑1(7); 83A‑6; 83A‑10; 83A‑12; 83A‑13; 83A‑17;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1991; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Repealed Eff. September 1, 2019.
21 NCAC 02 .0212 INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT AND DISCLOSURE
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83A‑16; 83A‑17;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. June 1, 1995; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Repeal Eff. November 30, 2021;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0213 INDIVIDUAL LICENSES and registrationS
(a) Renewal. The license to practice architecture or interior design registration must be renewed on or before the first day in July each year. Continued practice after such date shall constitute unlawful practice as set forth in G.S. 83A-12 and may be grounds for disciplinary action. No less than 30 days prior to the renewal date, the Board shall send a notice of renewal to each individual licensee or registrant via electronic mail. The licensee or registrant shall submit to the Board the completed license or registration renewal documentation, along with the annual license or registration renewal fee. The Board shall not accept incomplete renewal documentation. If the accompanying payment in the amount of the renewal fee is dishonored by the licensee or registrant's drawee bank for any reason, the Board shall suspend the license or registration until the renewal fees and check charges are paid. When the annual renewal has been completed according to the provisions of G.S. 83A‑11, as well as Section .0900 of this Chapter, the Executive Director shall approve renewal of the license or registration for the current renewal year. Renewal fees are non-refundable. All applications for renewal of individual licensure or registration shall contain the following:
(1) the licensee's or registrant's name, mailing address, physical address, email address, and phone number;
(2) whether the licensee or registrant has satisfied the continuing education requirements set forth in Rule .0903 of this Chapter;
(3) since issuance of the individual's licensure or registration or the individual's last renewal, whichever is later:
(A) whether the licensee or registrant has had a credential denied, limited, reprimanded, suspended, or revoked and, if so, a statement providing the reason for the adverse action; the date and jurisdiction in which the adverse action occurred; the terms of the adverse action imposed; and whether the terms of the adverse action have been satisfied;
(B) whether the licensee or registrant has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor under any laws and, and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of each such criminal conviction;
(C) whether any criminal charges have been filed or are pending against the licensee or registrant and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such charge;
(D) whether any court, board, agency, or professional organization has found the licensee or registrant guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of such adverse action;
(E) whether any disciplinary action, charges, or controversy is pending against the licensee or registrant before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such pending action; or
(F) whether any liens or judgments have been filed or entered against the licensee or registrant and, if so, the jurisdiction, date, and parties to such lien or judgment.
(b) Late Renewal. If the Board has not received the annual renewal fee and completed renewal documentation on or before the first day of July, each year the license or registration shall expire and be placed on delinquent status. For the purpose of this Rule, "delinquent status" means an administrative suspension and is not considered discipline. The license or registration may be renewed at any time within one year of being deemed delinquent, upon the return of the completed renewal documentation, the annual renewal fee, and the late renewal penalty and demonstration of compliance with Section .0900 of this Chapter.
(c) Reinstatement. After one year from the date of expiration, the Board shall revoke the license or registration for failure to renew. Reinstatement shall occur pursuant to G.S. 83A-11 and Sections .0300 and .0900 of this Chapter.
(d) Any individual who is currently licensed or registered by and in good standing with the Board who is serving in the armed forces of the United States shall not be subject to late fees, suspension, or revocation for failure to renew licensure on or before the first day July each year, provided that the individual has been granted an extension of time to file a tax return as set forth in G.S. 105-249.2.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83A‑11; 93B-15(b);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. December 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; July 1, 1999; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2017;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0214 Firm PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE AND REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN
(1) the firm's name, mailing address, physical address, email address, and phone number;
(2) the firm's representative completing the application;
(3) for all officers, directors and shareholders, if the firm is a professional corporation:
(A) the profession;
(B) the credential number and jurisdiction in which the credential was issued, if outside of North Carolina;
(C) the credential number issued by the Board, if any;
(D) whether the individual is an officer, director, or shareholder; and
(E) percentage of stock owned.
(4) for all members and owners, if the firm is a professional limited liability company:
(A) the profession;
(B) the credential number and jurisdiction in which the credential was issued, if outside of North Carolina;
(C) the credential number issued by the Board, if any;
(D) whether the individual is a member or manager; and
(E) percentage of membership held.
(5) the names, position, and ownership interest of any non-licensed shareholder or member of the firm;
(6) whether the firm is a professional corporation or professional limited liability company;
(7) whether the firm intends to form a new entity with the North Carolina Secretary of State and, if so, copies of the proposed articles of incorporation or organization;
(8) whether the firm intends to register with the North Carolina Secretary of State as a foreign entity and, if so, copies of the articles of incorporation or organization filed in the other jurisdiction;
(9) whether the firm or any of its owners ever has had a credential denied, limited, reprimanded, suspended, or revoked and, if so, a statement providing the reason for the adverse action; the date and jurisdiction in which the adverse action occurred; the terms of the adverse action imposed; and whether the terms of the adverse action have been satisfied;
(10) whether the firm or any of its owners ever has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor under any laws and, and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of each such criminal conviction;
(11) whether any criminal charges have been filed or are pending against the firm or any of its owners and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such charge;
(12) whether any court, board, agency, or professional organization has found the firm or any of its owners guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of such adverse action;
(13) whether any disciplinary action, charges, or controversy is pending against the firm or any of its owners before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such pending action;
(14) whether any liens or judgments have been filed or entered against the firm or any of its owners and, if so, the jurisdiction, date, and parties to such lien or judgment;
(15) if the firm is a foreign entity, a certification from the person identified in Subparagraph (b)(2) of this Rule that:
(A) the information contained in the application is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge and belief; and
(B) he or she has read the statutes and rules set forth in North Carolina General Statutes 55B for corporations, or Chapter 57D for PLLCs, Chapter 83A, and this Chapter.
(16) if the firm is an entity desiring to be incorporated or organized in North Carolina, a certification from the incorporator or organizer that the information contained in the application is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge and belief; and
(17) a certification that the incorporator, organizer, officer, or owner of the firm has read and understands the public notice statement on employee misclassification that is set forth in the application and has disclosed any investigations for employee misclassification, and its results, over the preceding 12-month period, as prescribed by G.S. 143-789.
(1) the firm's name, mailing address, physical address, email address, and phone number;
(2) the firm's representative completing the application;
(3) since issuance of the firm's licensure or registration or the firm's last renewal, whichever is later,
(A) whether the firm or any of its owners has had a credential denied, limited, reprimanded, suspended, or revoked and, if so, a statement providing the reason for the adverse action; the date and jurisdiction in which the adverse action occurred; the terms of the adverse action imposed; and whether the terms of the adverse action have been satisfied;
(B) whether the firm or any of its owners has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor under any laws and, and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of each such criminal conviction;
(C) whether any criminal charges have been filed or are pending against the firm or any of its owners and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such charge;
(D) whether any court, board, agency, or professional organization has found the firm or any of its owners guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, case number, and date of such adverse action;
(E) whether any disciplinary action, charges, or controversy is pending against the firm or any of its owners before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice and, if so, the jurisdiction, charge, and case number of each such pending action; or
(F) whether any liens or judgments have been filed or entered against the firm or any of its owners and, if so, the jurisdiction, date, and parties involved with such lien or judgment;
(4) an affirmation from the architectural firm's Chief Executive Officer or person designated by firm resolution as a responsible officer in charge that:
(A) the information contained in the renewal application is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge and belief;
(B) ownership of the shares or stock or membership of the firm is in compliance with the rules and laws of North Carolina;
(C) any officers, directors, shareholders or members and professional employees, who are practicing architecture or registered interior design for said firm in the State of North Carolina, are duly licensed to so practice in this State;
(D) at least one officer, director, and shareholder or member/owner of the firm is licensed in North Carolina;
(E) non-licensed individuals do not own no more than one-third of the total stock or ownership; and
(F) the firm has read and understands the public notice statement on employee misclassification that is set forth in the application and has disclosed any investigations for employee misclassification, and its results, over the preceding 12-month period, as prescribed by G.S. 143-789.
(c) Failure to Renew and Reinstatement. Within one year of the expiration, the firm license or registration may be renewed at any time, upon the return of the completed renewal documents, the annual renewal fee, and the late renewal fees. After one year from the date of expiration for non-payment of the annual renewal fee the licensee or registrant shall seek reinstatement, as allowed by G.S. 83A-11. The Board may reinstate the firms' license or registration, as allowed by G.S. 83A-11.
(d) Seal. Each licensed or registered firm shall adopt a seal pursuant to Rule .0206 of this Chapter.
(e) Every firm, partnership, corporation or limited liability company that performs or offers to perform architectural or registered interior design services in the State of North Carolina shall have a resident Architect or Registered Interior Designer in Responsible Control in each separate office located in North Carolina where architectural or registered interior design services are performed or offered to be performed. Out-of-state office locations where architectural or registered interior design services are performed or offered to be performed for North Carolina projects shall have architects or registered interior designers in responsible control of only the specific projects in North Carolina.
History Note: Authority G.S. 55B‑5; 55B‑10; 55B‑15; 83A‑6; 83A‑8; 83A-10;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2014; December 1, 2010; July 1, 1993; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0215 out of state firmS
(a) Architectural and interior design firms from other states shall be granted firm licensure or registration for practice in this State upon receipt by the Board of a completed application as set forth in Rule .0214(a) of this Section, fees as required by Rule .0108 of this Chapter, the submission of a copy of their firm charter, or other corresponding documents, amended as may be necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements of Chapter 55B, the Professional Corporation Act for architectural firms and Chapter 55, the Business Corporation Act for registered interior design firms. In addition to the other requirements as set out in G.S. 83A-8, out of state interior design firms shall, prior to registration, receive from the Secretary of State of North Carolina a certificate of authority to do business within the state. Architectural firms shall obtain a certificate for filing from the Board prior to submitting application to the Secretary of State for a Certificate of Authority.
(b) Designated Individuals. If an out of state entity offers both architectural and engineering services, then it shall comply with requirements set forth in G.S. 89C. An out of state entity shall have at least one officer, director and shareholder licensed as an architect in this state. Two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of the out of state corporations shall be owned by licensed architects or engineers who are licensed to practice their profession in a jurisdiction of the United States. However, the firm shall designate at least one architect who is licensed in the State of North Carolina to be in responsible control for the firm practice of architecture within the State of North Carolina. A registered interior design firm shall designate one registered interior designer to be in responsible control of all interior design work offered and performed by that firm in this State.
(c) Partnerships. An out of state architectural or registered interior design partnership may practice architecture or registered interior design, if every partner in the firm is licensed or registered as an individual in this state under Rule .0213 and the partnership complies with Paragraph (f) of this Rule .
(d) Limited Liability Companies. An out of state Limited Liability Company may practice architecture or registered interior design if the Limited Liability Company complies with G.S. 57D and at least one member and one owner are licensed or registered as an individual under Rule .0213 of this Section and comply with Paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(e) Limited Liability Partnerships. An out of state Limited Liability Partnership may practice architecture or registered interior design, if the Limited Liability Partnership complies with G.S. 59, and at least one partner is licensed or registered as an individual under Rule .0213 of this Section.
(f) Failure to Renew and Reinstatement. If the Board has not received the annual firm renewal fee and completed application as required by Rule .0214(b) of this Section on or before December 31st each year the firm license or registration shall expire and be deemed delinquent. The firm registration may be renewed at any time within one year, upon the return of the completed application, the annual renewal fee and the late renewal fees. After one year from the date of expiration for non-payment of the annual renewal fee, the license or registration shall be automatically revoked. The Board may reinstate the firm's license or registration, as allowed by G.S. 83A-11.
History Note: Authority G.S. 55B‑6; 83A‑6; 83A‑8; 83A-9; 55B-16;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. December 1, 2010; June 1, 1995; July 1, 1993; May 1, 1989; November 1, 1979;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0216 ANNUAL LISTING OF PARTNERSHIP
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6; 83A-9;
Eff. May 1, 1991;
Amended Eff. June 1, 1995;
Repealed Eff. November 1, 2010.
21 NCAC 02 .0217 ARCHITECT EMERITUS
Resident architects who have been registered in this State who are retired from active practice or other related professional activities in any jurisdiction may apply for "Emeritus Status" by submitting a form provided by the Board showing compliance with the requirements of this Section. "Retired" means that the architect no longer practices architecture as defined in G.S. 83A-1. Nonresident architects who have been continuously certified by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards who are retired from active practice or other related professional activities in any jurisdiction and who are "emeritus," inactive, or retired in every other jurisdiction in which they are licensed may also apply for "Emeritus Status" by submitting a form provided by the Board showing compliance with the requirements of this Section. Any reference to an architect on "Emeritus Status" on any letter, title, sign, card, or other device shall list such individual as "Architect Emeritus."
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑4; 83A‑6; 83A‑11; 83A‑12;
Eff. November 1, 1991;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0218 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
History Note: Authority G.S. 57C-2-01; 83A-6;
Eff. June 1, 1995;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Repeal Eff. November 30, 2021;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0219 REGISTERED LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIPS
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6; 59-84.2; 59-84.3;
Eff. June 1, 1995;
Repealed Eff. November 1, 2010.
SECTION .0300 ‑ EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
21 NCAC 02 .0301 APPLICATION FOR Registration by exam
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-4; 83A-6; 83A-7;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2010; July 1, 1996; December 1, 1992; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Repealed Eff. November 1, 2017.
21 NCAC 02 .0302 ARCHITECTURAL LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION
(a) Those individuals who wish to take the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) shall contact the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) directly to obtain exam eligibility. Upon completion of all requirements set forth in the NCARB Architecture Experience Program (AXP), a candidate seeking licensure by exam in North Carolina shall direct NCARB to transmit a completed NCARB AXP record to the North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers.
(b) Upon passing all sections of the NCARB ARE, fulfillment of all NCARB AXP requirements, and completion of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited degree, NCARB, as directed by the candidate, will transmit a completed NCARB AXP file to the Board to determine compliance with G.S. 83A-7(a)(1)(a), which shall be deemed satisfied through completion of the requirements set forth in Subparagraphs (1) through (5) of this Paragraph. The Board shall grant licensure by exam to those individuals who:
(1) are of good moral character as defined in G.S. 83A-1(5);
(2) are at least 18 years of age;
(3) have completed a NAAB accredited professional degree in architecture or who have completed a NAAB accredited degree program that is identified as an NCARB endorsed Integrated Path To Architectural Licensure Degree Program;
(4) have completed the NCARB AXP; and
(5) submit the Application for Licensure by Exam and fee as required by Rule .0108 of this Chapter.
(c) Retention of credit for purposes of licensure by examination in North Carolina.
(1) Passing scores received after July 1, 2006 on any part of the ARE remain valid for a period of time established by the exam provider, NCARB.
(2) Scores received on any part of the ARE prior to July 1, 2006 are invalid.
(d) Practical training pursuant to G.S. 83A-7(a)(2) means practical experience and diversified training as defined by the NCARB AXP.
(e) During the application process, Board members, in order to augment the evidence submitted in an application may interview the applicant regarding qualifications required in Paragraph (b) of this Rule. The Board shall determine whether an interview is needed on a case-by-case basis, based upon information in the application, including any academic or professional discipline.
(f) To complete the ARE, an exam candidate shall receive a passing grade in each division of the ARE. Information regarding NCARB grading methods and procedures can be found on their web site at www.ncarb.org.
(g) A person currently employed under the responsible control of an architect, who holds a Professional Degree from a NAAB accredited program, and who maintains an active NCARB AXP record or has completed the NCARB AXP may use the title "Architectural Intern" or "Intern Architect" in conjunction with his or her current employment.
(h) The fees for examination, or parts thereof, are set and collected by the NCARB. Fee information is available on the NCARB web site www.ncarb.org.
(i) The standards of the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards and its components are hereby incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions, and can be accessed at no charge at www.ncarb.org.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-1; 83A-6; 83A-7; 83A-12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. March 1, 2016; July 1, 2014; November 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; July 1, 2000; July 1, 1996; June 1, 1995; December 1, 1992; July 1, 1991;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2017;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0303 ARCHITECTURE licensure by reciprocitY
(a) An individual who holds a current license in good standing from a National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) recognized jurisdiction and a Certified Council Certificate issued by NCARB shall qualify for licensure by reciprocity upon receipt of a certified record from NCARB and the Board application for licensure by reciprocity and fee as required by Rule .0108 of this Chapter as provided in G.S. 83A-7(b). Revocation of the certificate by NCARB shall automatically suspend the architect's license to practice in North Carolina until such time as the certificate is reinstated by NCARB.
(b) In order to supplement or clarify the contents of a record or application, the Board may interview the applicant to ensure that the applicant has had sufficient architectural practice experience to be able to practice architecture in this State.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6; 83A-7;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2014; November 1, 2010; July 1, 2006; July 1, 2000; October 1, 1995; May 1, 1989; October 1, 1984; September 1, 1982;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024; June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0304 ALIEN APPLICANTS
History Note: Authority G.S. 83‑4;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Repealed Eff. November 1, 1979.
21 NCAC 02 .0306 INTERIOR DESIGNER REGISTRATION
(b) An architect shall be granted registration to practice interior design so long as they are currently licensed and in good standing in the State of North Carolina and submit the Board application for registration and fee.
(c) In order to supplement or clarify the contents of a record or application, the Board may interview the applicant to ensure that the applicant has had interior design experience to be able to practice registered interior design in this State.
(d) The standards of the CIDQ and its components are hereby incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions and can be accessed at no charge at www.cidq.org.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-7;
Temporary Adoption Eff. November 30, 2021;
Eff. June 1, 2022;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2024.
21 ncac 02 .0307 CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND MILITARY SPOUSES
(a) Upon receipt of a request for certification or licensure pursuant to G.S. 93B-15.1 from an applicant with military training and experience, the Board shall issue a certificate or license upon submission of the following to the Board:
(1) an application containing the following information:
(A) the applicant's contact information;
(B) the social security number of the applicant;
(C) the requested designation of licensure or registration;
(D) employment history;
(E) whether the applicant has ever been certified, licensed, or registered to practice architecture or registered interior design by the Board, by another occupational board in another state/jurisdiction and, if so what credential was held, in what state/jurisdiction, the issuance date and expiration date, and what examinations were taken to obtain said certification, licensure, or registration:
(F) whether the applicant has ever had a credential denied, limited, reprimanded, suspended, or revoked;
(G) whether the applicant has ever been convicted of, or plead nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor under any laws;
(H) whether any criminal charges have been filed or are pending against the applicant;
(I) whether any court, board, agency, or professional organization has found the applicant guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice;
(J) whether any charges are pending against the applicant before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice;
(K) the applicant's affirmation that the applicant has read the statutes and rules set forth in North Carolina General Statutes 83A and this Chapter, the information provided by the applicant in the application is true, and that the applicant has read and understands the public notice statement on employee misclassification that is set forth in the application and has disclosed any investigations for employee misclassification, and its results, over the preceding 12-month period, as prescribed by G.S. 143-789:
(2) written documentation to satisfy conditions set out in G.S. 93B-15.1(a); or
(3) written documentation to satisfy conditions set out in G.S. 93B-15.1(a2).
(b) Upon receipt of a request for certification or licensure pursuant to G.S. 93B-15.1 from a military spouse, the Board shall issue a certificate or license upon submission of the following to the Board:
(1) an application containing the following information:
(A) the applicant's contact information;
(B) the social security number of the applicant;
(C) the requested designation of licensure or registration;
(D) employment history;
(E) whether the applicant has ever been certified, licensed, or registered to practice architecture or registered interior design by the Board, by another occupational Board, or in another state/jurisdiction and, if so what credential was held, in what state/jurisdiction, the issuance date and expiration date, and what examinations were taken to obtain said certification, licensure, or registration:
(F) whether the applicant has ever had a credential denied, limited, reprimanded, suspended, or revoked;
(G) whether the applicant has ever been convicted of, or plead nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor under any laws;
(H) whether any criminal charges are pending against the applicant;
(I) whether any court, board, agency, or professional organization has found the applicant guilty of unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice;
(J) whether any charges are pending against the applicant before any court, board, agency, or professional organization for unprofessional conduct, dishonest or fraudulent practice, or incompetent practice;
(K) a completed NCARB AXP file as set forth in Rule .0302 of this Section; and
(L) the applicant's affirmation that the applicant has read the statutes and rules set forth in North Carolina General Statutes 83A and this Chapter, the information provided by the applicant in the application is true, and that the applicant has read and understands the public notice statement on employee misclassification that is set forth in the application and has disclosed any investigations for employee misclassification, and its results, over the preceding 12-month period, as prescribed by G.S. 143-789(2) written documentation to satisfy conditions set out in G.S. 93B-15.1(b):
(c) Military trained applicants and military spouse applicants may apply for a temporary license by submitting to the Board an application containing the information set forth in Subparagraph (a)(1) of this Rule.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-7; 93B-15.1;
Eff. April 1, 2024.
SECTION .0400 ‑ RULES: PETITIONS: HEARINGS
21 NCAC 02 .0401 RULE‑MAKING PETITIONS
(a) A person may petition the Board to adopt a new rule or change or amend an existing rule by sending a rule‑making petition to the Board at the Board's address set out in Rule .0101. The petition must be titled "Petition for Rule‑making" and must include the following information:
(1) the name and address of the person submitting the petition;
(2) a citation to any rule for which a change or repeal is requested;
(3) a draft of any proposed rule or amended rule;
(4) an explanation of why the new rule, amendment, or repeal is requested and the effects of the new rule, amendment, or repeal on the Board's procedure or the persons regulated by the Board;
(5) any other information the person submitting the petition considers relevant.
(b) The Board must decide whether to grant or deny a petition for rule‑making within 120 days of receiving the petition. In making its decision, the Board will consider the information submitted with the petition and any other relevant information.
(c) When the Board denies a petition for rule‑making, it must send written notice of the denial to the person who submitted the request. The notice must state the reason for the denial. When the Board grants a rule‑making petition, it must initiate rule‑making proceedings and send written notice of the proceedings to the person who submitted the request.
History Note: Authority G.S. 150B‑6;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0402 NOTICE OF RULE‑MAKING HEARINGS
Upon a determination to hold a rule‑making proceeding, either in response to a petition or otherwise, the Board shall give notice to all interested persons pursuant to the procedure established in Article 3A of Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. June 1, 1995; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0403 NOTICE MAILING LIST
Any person desiring to be placed on the mailing list for Board rule‑making notices may file such request in writing, furnishing his name and mailing address to the Board. The letter of request should state those subject areas within the authority of the Board for which the person wants notice. The Board may require reasonable postage and stationery cost to be paid by persons receiving such notice.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0404 SUBMISSION OF DATA
Any person desiring to present data, views or arguments on a proposed rule must comply with the statement of procedure as contained in the Notice of Hearing for the rule. Any person desiring to make an oral presentation to the Board prior to or at the hearing is encouraged to submit a written copy of the presentation to the Board prior to or at the hearing.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0405 PRESIDING OFFICER: POWERS AND DUTIES
The presiding officer at a rule‑making hearing shall have complete control of the proceedings, including recognition of the speakers, time allotments for presentations, the right to question speakers, direction of the discussion and management of the hearing. The presiding officer, at all times, shall take care that each person participating in the hearing is given a fair opportunity to present views, data and comments.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. June 1, 1995; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0406 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
A record of all rule‑making proceedings will be maintained in the Board office for as long as the rule is in effect. This record shall contain: the original petition (if any), the notice, all written comments submitted, statements of explanation made to any interested party, and the minutes of the proceedings.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑12;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0407 REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE
21 NCAC 02 .0408 CONTENTS OF REQUEST: GENERAL TIME LIMITATIONS
21 NCAC 02 .0409 RECEIPT OF REQUEST: SPECIFIC TIME LIMITS
21 NCAC 02 .0410 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
21 NCAC 02 .0411 PRESIDING OFFICER: POWER AND DUTIES
21 NCAC 02 .0412 STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DECISION
21 NCAC 02 .0413 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
21 NCAC 02 .0414 EMERGENCY RULES
History Note: Authority G.S. 83‑4; 150A‑11; 150A‑12(a); 150A‑12(d); 150A‑12(e);
150A‑12(6); 150A‑13; 150A‑14;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Repealed Eff. May 1, 1989.
SECTION .0500 ‑ DECLARATORY RULINGS
21 NCAC 02 .0501 PROCEDURE FOR DECLARATORY RULING
(a) The Board shall decide whether to grant or deny a request to make a declaratory ruling on the validity of a rule or on the applicability of particular facts to a statute or to a rule or order of the Board within 60 days of receiving the petition. The Board shall deny a request for a declaratory ruling when the Board deems the petition undesirable. The Board will ordinarily refuse to grant a petition for a declaratory ruling when there has been a similar factual determination in a contested case or one is likely to be made in a pending contested case or investigation.
(b) The Board will presume that its current rules are valid unless this presumption is rebutted by persuasive evidence as offered in the petition for the declaratory ruling. When the Board determines that a rule is invalid, the Board shall initiate rule‑making proceedings and send written notice of the proceeding to the person who submitted the request.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑17;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0502 SUBMISSION OF REQUEST FOR RULING
21 NCAC 02 .0503 DISPOSITION OF REQUESTS
21 NCAC 02 .0504 RECORD OF DECISION
21 NCAC 02 .0505 EFFECTIVE DATE
History Note: Authority G.S. 83‑4; 150A‑11; 150A‑17;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Repealed Eff. May 1, 1989.
SECTION .0600 ‑ ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS: PROCEDURES
21 NCAC 02 .0601 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE
(a) The Professional Standards Committee ("Committee") shall be appointed by the President of the Board. Complaints regarding violations of the law or board rules shall be referred to the Committee.
(b) The Committee shall determine whether a complaint warrants further investigation or, if proven, constitutes probable cause and justifies contested case proceedings.
(c) If probable cause is found by the Committee, the staff and board counsel shall serve a Notice of Hearing for a contested case proceeding. However, a Consent Agreement resolving the complaint may be negotiated and recommended to the Board by the Committee, either before or after service of the Notice of Hearing.
(d) If probable cause is not found, the Committee may dismiss such a matter with or without prejudice.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 83A‑14; 83A‑15; 150B‑41;
Eff. March 1, 1984;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1991; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0602 RIGHT TO HEARING
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0601;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Repealed Eff. June 1, 1995.
21 NCAC 02 .0603 REQUEST FOR HEARING
(a) Any time an individual believes he is a person aggrieved by the Board's administrative action, but has not received notice of a right to an administrative hearing, that individual may file a formal request for a hearing.
(b) Before an individual may file a request, that individual is encouraged to exhaust all reasonable efforts to resolve the issue informally with the Board.
(c) Subsequent to such informal action, if still dissatisfied, the individual shall submit a request to the Board's office, with the request bearing the notation: REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING. The request must contain the following information:
(1) name and address of the petitioner;
(2) a concise statement of the action taken by the Board which is challenged;
(3) a concise statement of the way in which the petitioner has been aggrieved; and
(4) a clear and specific statement of request for a hearing.
(d) The request shall be acknowledged promptly and, if deemed appropriate by the Board in accordance with Rule .0604 of this Section, a hearing will be scheduled.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0602;
Amended Eff. June 1, 1995; June 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0604 GRANTING OR DENYING HEARING REQUESTS
(a) The Board shall grant a request for a hearing if it determines that the party requesting the hearing is a "person aggrieved" within the meaning of G.S. 150B‑2(6).
(b) The denial of request for a hearing shall be issued no later than 60 days after the submission of the request. Such denial shall contain a statement of the reasons for the denial of the request.
(c) Approval of a request for a hearing will be signified by the issuing of a notice as required by General Statutes 150B‑38(b) and explained in Rule .0605 of this Section.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0603;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0605 NOTICE OF HEARING
(a) The Board shall give the party or parties in a contested case a notice of hearing not less than 15 days before the hearing. Said notice shall contain the following information, in addition to the items specified in G.S. 150B‑38(b):
(1) the name, position, address and telephone number of a person at the offices of the Board to contact for further information or discussion;
(2) the date, time, and place for a pre‑hearing conference, if any; and
(3) any other information deemed relevant to informing the parties as to the procedure of the hearing.
(b) The Board shall give notice to all parties with a notice of hearing either personally or by certified mail or, if those methods are unavailable, in accordance with G.S. 1A‑1, Rule 4(j1). In the event that notice is accomplished by certified mail, the delivery date on the return receipt shall be the date of the service of notice.
(c) If the Board determines that the public health, safety or welfare requires such action, it may issue an order summarily suspending a license or registration. Upon service of the order, the licensee or registrant to whom the order is directed shall immediately cease the practice of architecture in North Carolina. The Board shall promptly give notice of hearing pursuant to G.S. 150B‑38 following service of the order. The suspension shall remain in effect pending issuance by the Board of a final agency decision pursuant to G.S. 150B‑42.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑3(c); 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0604;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0606 WHO SHALL HEAR CONTESTED CASES
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38; 150B‑40;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0605;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
Repealed Eff. April 1, 2024.
21 NCAC 02 .0607 PETITION FOR INTERVENTION
(a) A person desiring to intervene in a contested case must file a written petition with the Board. The request must bear the notation: PETITION TO INTERVENE IN THE CASE OF (name of case).
(b) The petition must include the following information:
(1) the name and address of petitioner;
(2) the business or occupation of petitioner, where relevant;
(3) a full identification of the hearing in which petitioner is seeking to intervene;
(4) the statutory or non‑statutory grounds for intervention;
(5) any claim or defense in respect of which intervention is sought;
(6) a summary of the arguments or evidence petitioner seeks to present.
(c) If the Board determines to allow intervention, notice of that decision will be issued promptly to all parties and to the petitioner. In cases of discretionary intervention, such notification will include a statement of any limitations of time, subject matter, evidence, or whatever else is deemed necessary that are imposed on the intervenor.
(d) If the Board's decision is to deny intervention, the petitioner shall be notified promptly. Such notice shall be in writing, identifying the reasons for the denial, and shall be issued to the petitioner and all parties.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0606;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0608 TYPES OF INTERVENTION
(a) Intervention of Right. A petition to intervene of right, as provided in the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 24, will be granted if the petitioner meets the criteria of that Rule and his petition is timely.
(b) Permissive Intervention. A petition to intervene permissively as provided in the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 24, will be granted if the petitioner meets the criteria of that Rule and the Board determines that:
(1) There is sufficient legal or factual similarity between the petitioner's claimed rights, privileges, or duties and those of the parties to the hearings; and
(2) Permitting intervention by the petitioner as a party would aid the purpose of the hearing.
(c) Discretionary Intervention. The Board may allow discretionary intervention, with whatever limits and restrictions are deemed appropriate.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0607;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0609 INFORMAL PROCEDURES
(a) The Board and the party or parties may agree in advance to simplify the hearing by: decreasing the number of issues to be contested at the hearing; accepting the validity of certain proposed evidence; accepting the findings in some other case with relevance to the case at hand; or agreeing to such other matters as may expedite the hearing.
(b) Informal disposition may be made of any contested case or any issue therein by stipulation, agreement, or consent order at any time after Notice of Hearing or during the proceedings.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0608;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0610 DISQUALIFICATION OF BOARD MEMBERS
(a) Self‑disqualification. If for any reason a Board member determines that personal bias or other factors render that member unable to conduct the hearing and perform all duties in an impartial manner, that Board member shall voluntarily decline to participate in the hearing or decision.
(b) Petition for Disqualification. If for any reason any party in a contested case believes that a Board member is personally biased or otherwise unable to conduct the hearing and perform all duties in an impartial manner, the party may file a sworn, notarized affidavit with the Board. The title of such affidavit must bear the notation: AFFIDAVIT OF DISQUALIFICATION OF BOARD MEMBER IN THE CASE OF (name of case).
(c) Contents of Affidavit. The affidavit must state all facts the party deems to be relevant to the disqualification of the Board member.
(d) Timeliness of Affidavit. An affidavit of disqualification will be considered timely if filed ten days before commencement of the hearing. Any other affidavit will be considered timely provided it is filed at the first opportunity after the party becomes aware of facts which give rise to a reasonable belief that a Board member may be disqualified under this Rule.
(e) Procedure for Determining Disqualification:
(1) The Board will appoint a Board member to investigate the allegations of the affidavit.
(2) The investigator will report to the Board the findings of the investigation.
(3) The Board shall decide whether to disqualify the challenged individual.
(4) The person whose disqualification is to be determined will not participate in the decision but may be called upon to furnish information to the other members of the Board.
(5) A record of proceedings and the reasons for any decision reached will be maintained as part of the contested case record.
(6) When a Board member is disqualified prior to the commencement of the hearing or after the hearing has begun, such hearing will continue with the remaining members sitting provided that the remaining members still constitute a majority of the Board.
(7) If disqualification of a Board member leaves less than a majority of the Board, the Board shall petition the Office of Administrative Hearings to appoint an administrative law judge to hear the contested case pursuant to G.S. 150B‑40(e).
(8) Where a petition for disqualification is filed less than ten days before or during the course of a hearing, the hearing shall continue with the challenged Board member sitting. Petitioner shall have the opportunity to present evidence supporting his petition, and the petition and any evidence relative thereto presented at the hearing shall be made a part of the record. The Board, before rendering its decision, shall decide whether the evidence justifies disqualification. In the event of disqualification, the disqualified member will not participate in further deliberation or decision of the case.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38; 150B‑40;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Recodified from 21 NCAC 2 .0609;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
SECTION .0700 ‑ ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS: DECISIONS: RELATED RIGHTS
21 NCAC 02 .0701 CONTINUANCES FAILURE TO APPEAR
(a) The presiding officer may grant continuances and adjournments only in compelling circumstances.
(b) Should a party fail to appear at a hearing or fail to appear following the granting of a continuance adjournment, the hearing shall be conducted in the party's absence.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6; 150B-11; 150B-38; 150B-40;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2010; May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0702 WITNESSES
Any party may be a witness and may present witnesses on the party's behalf at the hearing. All oral testimony at the hearing shall be under oath or affirmation and shall be recorded or transcribed. At the request of a party or upon the Board's own motion, the presiding officer may exclude witnesses from the hearing room so that they cannot hear the testimony of other witnesses.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38; 150B‑40;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0703 SUBPOENAS
(a) Requests for subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or for the production of documents, either at a hearing or for the purposes of discovery, shall be made in writing to the Board, shall identify any document sought with sufficient particularity, and shall include the full name and home or business address of all persons to be subpoenaed and, if known, the date, time, and location in which the witness is commanded to appear. The Board shall issue the requested subpoenas within five days of receipt of the request.
(b) Subpoenas shall contain:
(1) the caption of the case;
(2) the name and address of the person subpoenaed;
(3) the date, hour, and location of the hearing in which the witness is commanded to appear;
(4) a particularized description of the books, papers, records or objects the witness is directed to bring with him to the hearing, if any;
(5) the identity of the party on whose application the subpoena was issued;
(6) the date of issue;
(7) the signature of one of the members of the Board or the Board's Secretary; and
(8) a "return of service." The "return of service" form, as filled out pursuant to Paragraph (c) of this rule shall include:
(A) the name and capacity of the person serving the subpoena,
(B) the date on which service was made,
(C) the person on whom service was made,
(D) the manner in which service was made, and
(E) the signature of the person making service.
(c) The subpoena shall be issued in duplicate, with a "return of service" form attached to each copy. A person serving the subpoena shall fill out the " the "return of service" form, as required in Subparagraph (b)(8) of this Rule for each copy and return one copy of the subpoena, with the attached "return of service" form completed, to the Board.
(d) Any person receiving a subpoena from the Board may object thereto by filing a written objection to the subpoena with the Board's office.
(e) Such objection shall include a concise, but complete, statement of reasons why the subpoena should be revoked or modified. These reasons may include lack of relevancy of the evidence sought or any other reason sufficient in law for holding the subpoena invalid, such as that the evidence is privileged, that appearance or production would be so disruptive as to be unreasonable in light of the significance of the evidence sought or other undue hardship.
(f) Any such objection to a subpoena must be served on the party who requested the subpoena simultaneously with the filing of the objection with the Board.
(g) The party who requested the subpoena, in such time as may be granted by the presiding officer, may file a written response to the objection. The written response shall be served by the requesting party on the objecting witness simultaneously with filing the response with the Board.
(h) After receipt of the objection and response thereto, if any, the presiding officer shall issue a notice to the party who requested the subpoena and the party challenging the subpoena, and may notify any other party or parties, of an open hearing, to be scheduled as soon as practicable, at which time evidence and testimony may be presented, limited to the narrow questions raised by the objection and response.
(i) After the close of such hearing, a majority of the Board members hearing the contested case shall rule on the challenge and issue a written decision. A copy of the decision shall be issued to all parties and made a part of the record.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6; 150B-38; 150B-39;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. November 1, 2010; May 1, 1989;
Readopted Eff. October 1, 2015.
21 NCAC 02 .0704 FINAL Agency DECISION
In all cases heard by the Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers, the Board will issue its decision within 60 days after its next regularly scheduled meeting following the close of the hearing. This decision will be the prerequisite "final agency decision" for the right to judicial review.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38; 150B‑42;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2021.
21 NCAC 02 .0705 PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS
(a) When an administrative law judge conducts a hearing pursuant to G.S. 150B‑40(e), a "proposal for decision" shall be rendered within 45 days of the hearing pursuant to the Rules of the Office of Administrative Hearings. The parties may file written exceptions to this "proposal for decision" and submit their own proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The exceptions and alternative proposals must be received within ten days after the party has received the "proposal for decision" as drafted by the administrative law judge.
(b) Any exceptions to the procedure during the hearing, the handling of the administrative law judge, rulings on evidence, or any other matter must be written and refer specifically to pages of the record or otherwise precisely identify the occurrence to which exception is taken. The exceptions must be filed with the Board within ten days of the receipt of the proposal for decision. The written exceptions must bear the notation: EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE CASE OF (name of case).
(c) Any party may present oral argument to the Board upon request. The requests must be included with the written exceptions.
(d) Upon receipt of request for further oral argument, notice will be issued promptly to all parties designating the time and place for such oral argument.
(e) Giving due consideration to the proposal for decision and the exceptions and arguments of the parties, the Board may adopt the proposal for decision or may modify it as the Board deems necessary. The decision rendered will be a part of the record and a copy thereof given to all parties. The decision as adopted or modified becomes the "final agency decision" for the right to judicial review. Said decision will be rendered by the Board within 60 days of the next regularly scheduled meeting following the oral arguments, if any. If there are no oral arguments presented, the decision will be rendered within 60 days of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting following receipt of the written exceptions.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A‑6; 150B‑11; 150B‑38; 150B‑40;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015.
SECTION .0800 ‑ JUDICIAL REVIEW
21 NCAC 02 .0801 RIGHT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW
21 NCAC 02 .0802 MANNER OF SEEKING REVIEW: TIME FOR FILING PETITION: WAIVER
History Note: Authority G.S. 83‑4; 150A‑43;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 29, 1977;
Repealed Eff. May 1, 1989.
SECTION .0900 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
21 NCAC 02 .0901 SCOPE
The rules in this Section set forth the continuing education requirements to be complied with by licensees or registrants.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0902 DEFINITIONS
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 2012.
21 NCAC 02 .0903 REQUIREMENTS
(a) Every licensee and registrant shall obtain 12 contact hours of continuing education for each calendar year. "Contact Hour" means 50 minutes contact.
(b) The contact hours shall be obtained in structured educational activities intended to increase or update the architect's or registered interior designer's knowledge and competence in technical and professional architectural and interior design subjects d related to safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare("HSW"). "Structured educational activities" are activities in which at least 75 percent of an activity's content and instructional time is devoted to HSW subjects related to the practice of architecture, including courses of study or other activities under the areas identified as HSW by individuals or organizations, whether delivered by direct contact or distance learning methods.
(c) Licensees and registrants shall not carry forward any contact hours into the subsequent period.
(d) Licensees and registrants shall certify completion of the contact hours for the previous calendar year with annual renewal.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0904 DETERMINATION OF CREDIT
The Board may randomly audit the compliance of individual licensees and registrants and require proof in the form of records maintained pursuant to Rule .0905 of this Section of participation in courses or programs that conform with the content and contact hours calculation requirements contained in G.S. 83A-6(a) and these Rules.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012; July 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0905 RECORD KEEPING
(a) The licensee or registrant shall maintain records to support credits claimed. Records shall be any of the following:
(1) a self-made log showing the type of activity claimed, sponsoring organization, location, duration, the name of the instructor or speaker and contact hours earned; or
(2) attendance certificates or other evidence of participation that includes the type of activity claimed, sponsoring organization, location, duration, the name of the instructor or speaker and contact hours earned; or
(3) records maintained by the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) or the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC).
(b) Records shall be retained by the licensee or registrant for a period of six years after the credit is claimed and provided to the Board upon request.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0906 cONTINUING EDUCATION EXCEPTIONS
A licensee or registrant shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for any of the following reasons:
(1) new licensees or registrants for the calendar year in which they become licensed or registered;
(2) architects or registered interior designers currently licensed by or registered and in good standing with the Board (whose license or registration is not suspended or revoked) who are serving in the armed forces of the United States and who are eligible for an extension of time to file a tax return pursuant to G.S. 105-249.2 are granted a waiver of their mandatory continuing education requirements for the time period disregarded pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. 7508;
(3) the Board shall exempt a licensee or registrant if the Board determines that the licensee or registrant is experiencing physical disability, illness, or other extenuating circumstances that prevent the licensee or registrant from continuing education. Supporting documentation must be furnished to the Board.
(4) licensees who receive emeritus status from the Board. In order to return to active practice, licensees shall complete continuing education requirements for each exempted year not to exceed two years.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012; July 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0907 REINSTATEMENT
A former licensee or registrant may only apply for reinstatement pursuant to G.S. 83A-11 if he or she has earned all delinquent contact hours within the 12 months preceding the application. However, if the total number of contact hours required to become current exceeds 24, then 24 shall be the maximum number required.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0908 Continuing EDUCATION RECIPROCITY
The continuing education requirements of North Carolina shall be deemed satisfied by a non-resident licensee or registrant provided:
(1) the licensee or registrant's resident jurisdiction has a similar continuing education program; and
(2) the same jurisdiction accepts the North Carolina continuing education requirements as satisfying their requirements.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0909 Documentation and audits
All renewal applications shall require the completion of a continuing education certification provided by the Board documenting the contact hours claimed for the renewal period. Upon request by the Board, the licensee or registrant shall supply documentation as set forth in Rule .0905 of this Chapter to permit audit verification.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0910 NON-COMPLIANCE
(a) If any credits are disallowed by the Board, then the licensee or registrant shall have 60 calendar days from the date on the notice to substantiate the original claim or obtain other contact hours to meet the minimum requirements.
(b) A licensee or registrant who fails to complete the continuing education requirement by the end of the previous calendar year shall have his or her license or registration placed on probation and shall complete the outstanding continuing education by December 31st of the current calendar year. If the licensee or registrant fails to complete the outstanding continuing education requirements his or her license shall be suspended for 60 days or until such time as compliance is demonstrated if prior to 60 days. If the licensee or registrant fails to complete the outstanding continuing education within the 60 days suspension period, his or her license or registration shall be revoked.
History Note: Authority G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11; 83A-15;
Eff. July 1, 1998;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2012; July 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 13, 2015;
Temporary Amendment Eff. November 30, 2021;
Amended Eff. June 1, 2022.
21 NCAC 02 .0911 Emergency Rule - Continuing Education for Individuals Impacted by Hurricane Helene AS SET FORTH IN SESSION LAW 2024-53, SENATE BILL 743
History Note: Authority: G.S. 83A-6(a)(4); 83A-6(a)(5); 83A-11; Session Law 2024-53 Senate Bill 743;
Emergency Adoption Eff. November 21, 2024;
Emergency Adoption Expired Eff. March 1, 2025.