How to get your certificate: Firms

Who needs a license

All firms, regardless of their business structure, that practice, or offer to practice, architecture in Washington State must get a certificate of authorization with the Washington State Board for Architects.

Requirements

To qualify for a certificate of authorization, your firm must appoint a designated architect. The designated architect:

  • Is responsible for the practice of architecture by your business.
  • Has full authority to make all final architectural decisions on behalf of your business with respect to work performed in Washington.
  • Must be regularly employed in the office, having direct knowledge and supervisory control of work performed by your business in Washington.
  • Must be:
    • A general partner, if the firm is a partnership or limited liability partnership (LLP).
    • A manager, if the firm is a limited liability company (LLC).
    • A director, if the firm is a business corporation or professional service corporation.

How to apply for a certificate of authority

  • If your corporation is already registered with the Washington State Board for Architects, you don’t have to do anything. Your current certificate of authorization won’t change.
  • If you’re starting a new business, get a business license with a “Registered Professional Design Firm” certificate of authorization endorsement:
  • If your business is registered with the Secretary of State’s Office or the Business Licensing Service, apply for a “Registered Professional Design Firm” certificate of authorization endorsement to your business license under your existing UBI number:
    • Apply online: File an Online Business License Application, and pay with a MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit or debit card (gift cards not accepted).
      • Online Business License Applications will be unavailable May 18–21, 2012.
        It’s important that you finish partially-completed online applications before May 18, or you’ll have to start over. The system should be available again May 21. We apologize for the inconvenience.
    • or
    • Apply by mail:
      1. Complete the following forms:
      2. Mail your completed addendum and a check or money order for the fees (payable to the Department of Revenue) to:
        State of Washington
        Business Licensing Service
        PO Box 9034
        Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Frequently asked questions

What’s the fastest way to apply?

We can process your application more quickly if you file online. Applications filed in person take about the same time to process as those filed by mail.

What if my business doesn’t provide, or offer to provide, architectural services, but I use “architect,” “architecture,” or “architectural” in my business name or description?

You must change your business name and license description to remove all references to “architect,” “architecture,” and “architectural.” For more information, please contact the Business Licensing Service at 1-800-451-7985.

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