Firm Registration

FIRM CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZATION

Since November 15, 1982, the Architects Board has required that all corporations, associations, partnerships and limited liability companies providing architectural services in the state of Ohio obtain a firm certificate of authorization. It makes no difference whether the firm is located in Ohio or out of state.
The only exemptions to firm registration are as follows:

• Corporations holding active registration with the Ohio Secretary of State and which were granted a charter prior to August 7, 1943 or otherwise lawfully providing architectural services in Ohio prior to November 15, 1982.
• Sole Proprietorships, but only if the firm or architect is not registered with the Ohio Secretary of State as a corporation or a limited liability company.
• Design/Build firms, as defined in Ohio Revised Code section 4703.182 and Ohio Administrative Code section 4703-3-12.

Failure to possess a current firm certificate of authorization is a violation of Ohio Revised Code sections 4703.18 (H) and (L). The Board strictly enforces this law, which may be punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or suspension or revocation of a license.

FIRM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

All of the following requirements must be met:

1. More than 50% of the shareholders, members, trustees or partners must be design professionals (architects, landscape architects, engineers, or surveyors) with an active registration in any state. (For example, if ten individuals hold all of the stock or interest in the firm, then six must be registered design professionals.)
2. More than 50% of the shares or interest in the corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, or association must be owned by design professionals with an active registration in any state.
3. More than 50% of the firm's board of directors (in a corporation) must be actively registered design professionals in any state.
4. At least one Ohio registered architect is in responsible charge of the professional activities and decisions of the firm. This architect must hold an active registration in Ohio.
5. At least one Ohio registered architect, designated in responsible charge of the professional activities and decisions of the firm, is also a member of the firm's Board of Directors. This architect must hold an active registration in Ohio.
6. The firm must hold active registration to do business in the state of Ohio with the Ohio Secretary of State.

STEPS TO FIRM REGISTRATION:

Before your firm provides architectural services in Ohio, please complete the following steps:

• Ensure that your firm meets each of the statutory ownership requirements to be eligible for firm registration. See the above requirements or Ohio Revised Code section 4703.18 (H-L) and Ohio Administrative Code section 4703-3-02 at http://arc.ohio.gov/laws.stm
• If your firm meets the ownership requirements, contact the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division, in order to obtain the business/corporate forms required to do business in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Secretary of State can be reached at (614) 466-3910 or toll-free at (877) 767-3453. They also can be reached on-line at: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/businessServices.aspx
• Once your firm is properly registered to do business in the state of Ohio by the Ohio Secretary of State, send the Board a completed "New Firm Certificate of Authorization Application", which can be downloaded from "Forms" link on the Board's website at: www.arc.ohio.gov.
• A complete application will include the following:
  • Notarized certificate of authorization application
  • Check for $125.00, U.S. dollars only, payable to "Treasurer, State of Ohio"
  • A copy of the certificate/registration to do business in Ohio from the Ohio Secretary of State.
• After your firm's application for a new firm certificate of authorization has been approved, you will receive a certificate permitting your firm to legally provide architectural services in Ohio.
• The Certificate of Authorization must be displayed in public view.

IMPORTANT FIRM REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

The cost of a new certificate of authorization is $125. The cost to renew a firm registration is $100.

All firm certificates expire on June 30 of every year. Firms will receive a renewal postcard approximately two months prior to the expiration date. Renewal forms will be made available for download on the Board website.

A firm "certificate of authorization" and an architect's individual "certificate of qualification" to practice architecture are not the same thing.

All changes in the firm's name, address, or ownership must be reported in writing to the board within 30 days such change.

If a firm changes its name, it must apply for a new certificate of authorization.

Firm or corporate seals are not permitted in Ohio. All seal documents must bear the name and number of an active Ohio registered architect. Electronic seals are permitted in Ohio.

Failure to comply with the firm registration requirements may result in penalties, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the designated architect's license.

Firms without a current certificate of authorization are not permitted to provide architectural services in Ohio.

If it is determined by the Board that a firm's application does not meet the requirements, the firm may either withdraw the application and request a refund of the application fee, or request additional time in order to correct the deficiency.

Firms providing both architectural and landscape architectural services may obtain dual certification and may renew by completing one application. The Board will send a "Dual Renewal Application" form to these firms.

Applications forms can be obtained at: http://arc.ohio.gov/forms.stm

If you have any questions, or are unsure if your firm is required to possess a firm certificate of authorization, please contact the Board’s Investigator,Chad B. Holland at (614) 466-2316.