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All corporations, associations, partnerships and limited liability companies providing architecture or landscape architecture services in the state of Ohio are required to obtain a Firm Certificate of Authorization. It makes no difference whether the firm is located in Ohio or out of state, or whether it was previously grandfathered.
The only exemptions to firm registration are as follows:
Prior to submitting a firm application, please review the Firm Certificate of Authorization Requirements and ensure that your firm meets each of them, including being registered as a domestic or foreign business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State.
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How to Apply for a Firm Certificate of Authorization
Architecture and Landscape Architecture firms or firms with a Change of Name must also download, complete and attach the "Firm Ownership Spreadsheet" below and submit with their online application. 100% of the firm's ownership must be accounted for along with the name of the firm's Ohio architect or landscape architect in responsible control.
Failure to possess a current firm certificate of authorization is a violation of the Ohio Revised and Administrative Codes. The Board strictly enforces this law, which may be punishable by a fine and/or suspension or revocation of the individual’s license to practice in the state of Ohio.
If you have questions regarding the firm registration process or requirements, please contact, Chad Holland at (614) 466-1476 or via email at chad.holland@arc.ohio.gov.
Firm Registration Requirements:
The following requirements must be met:
Certain architecture firms are exempt from the 50% ownership requirement: firms which were actively registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and granted a charter to do business in the state of Ohio prior to August 7, 1943 or otherwise lawfully providing architectural services prior to November 15, 1982. These firms are still required to obtain a Firm Certificate of Authorization. This exemption does not apply to landscape architecture firms.
Certain architecture firms are exempt from the requirement regarding the number of shares or percentage of the interest owned: firms which were actively registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and granted a charter to do business in the state of Ohio prior to August 7, 1943 or otherwise lawfully providing architectural services prior to November 15, 1982. These firms are still required to obtain a Firm Certificate of Authorization. This exemption does not apply to landscape architecture firms.
Certain architecture firms are exempt from the board of directors’ requirement: firms which were actively registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and granted a charter to do business in the state of Ohio prior to August 7, 1943 or otherwise lawfully providing architectural services prior to November 15, 1982. These firms are still required to obtain a Firm Certificate of Authorization. This exemption does not apply to landscape architecture firms.
Steps to Firm Registration
Before your firm provides architectural or landscape architecture services in Ohio, please complete the following steps:
Important Information
Other Practice Requirements
Written contracts between architects and their clients are required when providing services in the state of Ohio. Please see the architect rules for complete requirements.
Professional liability insurance is required on all public projects in the state of Ohio as required by the public entity.
Amy Kobe, Hon AIA Executive Director 77 S. High Street, 16th Floor • Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108 Tel: (614) 466-2316