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Skip Navigation LinksWV Board of Architects > Public

Board Mission: Public Protection

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The West Virginia Board of Architects exists to serve the public.  Its mission is to safeguard the life, health, and property of the public through protection from the unauthorized, unqualified, and improper practice of architecture in West Virginia.  The Board takes the actions listed below to protect the public.
 
Governor Justice Proclaims May as Building Safety Month - Board of Architects Unites with Code Officials
See Proclamation.  

Registration

The Board ensures that each architect registered in West Virginia is competent to practice based on the following criteria:
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Examination.

  

Continual Learning

The Board requires each architect registered in West Virginia to complete 12 continuing education hours annually in subjects related to health, safety, and welfare.  The board conducts a random audit annually of registered architects to check for compliance.
 

Investigation & Discipline

When the public files a complaint against a registered architect, the Board is responsible for determining if the complaint is within its jurisdiction, if there are sufficient grounds to take action,  investigation, and when appropriate, discipline of the registered architect. 
 

When Hiring an Architect

  • Use the License Lookup to make sure the architect is currently licensed.
  • Ask the architect if he or she has been subject to discipline in WV or other states.
  • Ask about qualifications, including education, experience, examination, and any advance credentialing.
  • Ask to see examples of the architect’s work.
 

Why Does Registration Matter?

 Visit NCARB's website to learn about how and why the registration of architects and protection of the public became an important  national priority in the late 1800s.
 

What projects are exempt from an architect's seal?

There are limited exemptions in the architect’s law to permit a person who is not registered as an architect to design and supervise the erection or alteration of a building.  See Exemptions to learn when an architect’s seal is not required.
 
 
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