Architects

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Other Professional Licensure

The Architectural Examining Board was created in 1927 and the Code was amended to provide a practice Act in 1961. The practice of architecture affects the public health, safety and welfare and is subject to regulation and control in the public interest.  Both the board and licensed architects strive at all times to protect the public interest by promoting the highest standards of architecture.

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Individual Licenses

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Apply for and Renew Licenses

Certified Public Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants, Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects.

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Firm/Business Entity Licenses

Iowa no longer registers firms; it only registers individual architects. Any architectural work done in Iowa must be completed by or under the responsible charge of an Iowa–licensed architect.

The Board does not have any limits on the type or ownership of the company. Contact Iowa Economic Development and the Iowa Secretary of State for general business regulations.

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Other Applications

The following applications are also available online. Log into your account to complete the application checklist and submit for review:

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Renewal Overview

When a registrant is eligible for renewal, AMCs have a few options for how to proceed. Below are summaries of those options.

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Laws & Rules for Architects

Below are the statutes and administrative rules that pertain directly to the practice of architecture in Iowa.

Iowa Code & Administrative Rules for Other Professional Licenses

The following Iowa Code chapters and administrative rules apply to licensing boards within the department.

List of Potentially-Disqualifying Criminal Convictions

In accordance with Iowa Code section 272C.15(2), the department provides the following list of specific convictions that may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license, permit, or registration. In addition, any offense specified in the laws of another jurisdiction or prosecuted in a municipal, federal, military, or foreign court that is comparable to a conviction listed herein may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license or registration.

Please be advised that just because you have been convicted of one of the offenses listed does not mean you are automatically prevented from obtaining a license or registration. The following offenses are only disqualifying if:

  1. The actions taken in furtherance of the offense are customarily performed within the scope of practice of the profession; or
  2. The circumstances under which the offense was committed are circumstances customary to the profession. 

Additionally, even if your conviction is disqualifying, you are entitled to submit proof of rehabilitation to the licensing authority to demonstrate your current fitness to safely practice in the profession.

If you are interested in applying for a license, permit, or registration and have been convicted of an offense on this list, you may petition the licensing authority for an eligibility determination, or submit all relevant information as part of your application for licensure or registration, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481. If you have questions about what criminal history information to include with your license or registration application or how to submit a petition for eligibility determination, please contact staff for assistance.
 

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Resources

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How to File a Complaint

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