NC Board of Architects: What You Need to Know

The North Carolina Board of Architects is a regulatory agency responsible for licensing and regulating architects and registered interior designers in the state of North Carolina. The Board ensures that those who are licensed to practice architecture and registered interior design in the state are qualified and adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct.

The Board of Architecture is committed to safeguarding the life, health, property, and welfare of the people of North Carolina. It accomplishes this by setting and enforcing standards for professional education, experience, and ethics. The Board also provides continuing education opportunities for licensed architects and registered interior designers to ensure that they stay current with the latest developments and trends in their field.

If you are interested in becoming an architect or registered interior designer in North Carolina, or if you are already licensed and need to renew your license or registration, the North Carolina Board of Architects is an essential resource. The Board's website contains a wealth of information on licensing requirements, examination procedures, continuing education requirements, and more. Additionally, the Board's staff is available to answer your questions and provide guidance on navigating the licensing process.

About the NC Board of Architects

Board Composition

The North Carolina Board of Architecture is composed of 7 members appointed by the Governor. The Board is responsible for regulating the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina. Members of the Board are appointed for 3-year terms and may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms. The Board is supported by staff, including the Executive Director, Cathe Evans.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of the NC Board of Architecture is to safeguard the life, health, property, and welfare of the people of North Carolina by ensuring that individuals licensed to practice architecture and registered interior design in this state are duly qualified. The Board sets standards for professional education, experience, and examination, and investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action against individuals who violate the laws and rules governing the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina.

The Board also provides information and assistance to the public, design professionals, and other interested parties regarding the laws and rules governing the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina. The Board maintains a public registry of licensed architects and registered interior designers, which can be searched on their website.

Executive Leadership

The Executive Director of the NC Board of Architecture is Cathe Evans. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Board and its staff. Evans has been with the Board since 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in the regulation of professions. She is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

In summary, the NC Board of Architecture plays a crucial role in regulating the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina. With the support of its staff, including Executive Director Cathe Evans, the Board sets standards for professional education, experience, and examination, and investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action against individuals who violate the laws and rules governing the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina.

Licensing and Registration

Licensing Requirements

To practice as an architect or a registered interior designer in North Carolina, an individual must obtain a license from the North Carolina Board of Architecture (NCBA). The licensing requirements vary depending on the type of license an individual is seeking. For example, to become a licensed architect, an individual must have a professional degree in architecture from an accredited program, complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). On the other hand, to become a registered interior designer, an individual must have a degree in interior design from an accredited program and pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.

Renewal Process

Licenses and registrations issued by the NCBA are valid for one year, from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Licensees and registered interior designers are required to renew their licenses and registrations annually. Renewal notices are emailed out in mid-May to the last known email address on file for the licensee or registered interior designer and are due by July 1st. If a licensee or registered interior designer has not received their renewal notice via email by June 1st, it is their responsibility to contact the Board office to determine the status. It is the licensee's or registered interior designer's responsibility to ensure that their contact information is up-to-date.

Continuing Education

Licensees and registered interior designers are required to complete continuing education (CE) hours to maintain their active status. The NCBA requires architects to complete a minimum of 12 hours of CE each year, including at least one hour of HSW (Health, Safety, and Welfare) coursework. Registered interior designers are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of CE each year, including at least one hour of HSW coursework. The NCBA may audit licensees and registered interior designers to ensure compliance with the CE requirements. The NCBA also offers Emeritus status for individuals who have been licensed for at least 20 years and have retired from the practice of architecture.

Licensees and registered interior designers can renew their licenses and registrations online using the NCBA's online renewal system. Corporations and individuals can also register with the NCBA using the appropriate forms and fees. The NCBA also has reciprocity agreements with other states and jurisdictions, allowing architects and registered interior designers to practice in North Carolina without taking additional exams.

Regulation and Enforcement

The NC Board of Architects is responsible for regulating and enforcing the rules and laws related to the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina. The board ensures that all licensed architects and registered interior designers adhere to the guidelines and policies set forth by the state to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Guidelines and Policies

The board provides guidance on the latest changes to NCGS 83A related to the definition of the practice of registered interior design. The board also interprets exemptions in NCGS 83A-13 as set forth in its policy statement. The board's policy statement on BIM/IPD outlines its position on building information modeling and integrated project delivery.

Enforcement Report

The board takes enforcement of the rules and laws seriously and has a comprehensive enforcement program to ensure compliance. The board investigates all complaints and takes appropriate action against any architect or registered interior designer who violates the rules and laws related to their practice. The board's enforcement report provides details of each case, including the nature of the violation, the disciplinary action taken, and the date of the action.

The board has the power to suspend or revoke a license, impose fines, or require continuing education as part of its disciplinary action. The board also has the authority to issue cease and desist orders to individuals who are practicing architecture or registered interior design without a license.

In conclusion, the NC Board of Architects is responsible for regulating and enforcing the rules and laws related to the practice of architecture and registered interior design in North Carolina. The board provides guidance on the latest changes to NCGS 83A related to the definition of the practice of registered interior design and interprets exemptions in NCGS 83A-13 as set forth in its policy statement. The board takes enforcement of the rules and laws seriously and has a comprehensive enforcement program to ensure compliance.

Professional Development

Architects licensed in North Carolina are required to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their license. This includes continuing education courses that provide learning units (LU) in health, safety, and welfare (HSW). The North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers, in conjunction with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), provides architects with numerous opportunities to fulfill their professional development requirements.

NCARB News

NCARB offers a Continuum Education Program that provides architects with free, self-guided continuing education courses. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including building envelopes, accessibility, and sustainability. Each course is worth a varying number of LUs in HSW and can be completed at the architect's own pace. Additionally, NCARB offers a variety of resources to help architects prepare for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), including study materials, practice tests, and study groups.

CIDQ News

The CIDQ offers a variety of resources to help interior designers maintain their license and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. These resources include continuing education courses, webinars, and conferences. The CIDQ also offers a certification program that allows interior designers to demonstrate their expertise in the field. To become certified, interior designers must pass the NCIDQ Examination, which tests their knowledge of building systems, codes, and regulations, as well as their design skills.

In conclusion, architects and interior designers licensed in North Carolina have access to numerous resources to help them fulfill their professional development requirements. By taking advantage of these resources, architects and interior designers can stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and maintain their license.
Communication and Resources

The NC Board of Architecture provides a variety of resources to help architects and registered interior designers stay up-to-date on important news and information. These resources include board newsletters, important notices, and more.

Board Newsletters

The board releases a monthly newsletter that contains important updates and news related to the practice of architecture and interior design in North Carolina. The April newsletter, for example, contained a President's Message that highlighted recent accomplishments and upcoming events. The January 2024 issue of the newsletter included an article about proposed rule changes and a link to the North Carolina Register, which contained more information about the changes. The latest issue of the board newsletter, Columns, is available on the board's website.

Important Notices

The board also sends out important notices to architects and registered interior designers via email. For example, license and registration renewal is due by June 30, 2023. If you have not received your notice, you can email the board office at [email protected] to ensure your contact information is correct. The board also publishes expired license and registration reports on its website.

In addition to these resources, the board website provides a wealth of information about continuing education, disciplinary actions, and more. Architects and registered interior designers are encouraged to visit the website regularly to stay informed about changes and updates that may impact their practice.