Regarding the use of the word Architecture

[meggon]

Hello,

I am currently working for a developer that has a design department that handles residential and commercial architecture.

Recently the made the decision to let all three of our registered architects go and we are left with a "manager" that is not licensed.

The company has decided that we need to rename our department, which is currently called The Design Group.

Our "manager" has decided that we shall be The (our company) Architecture Group. (I have left our parent company's name out for obvious reasons.)

My question is, is it legal for us to use the word Architecture in our new name, in spite of the fact that we do not employ any registered architects?

Thank you,
Meggon

[RWL]

In many states you are not allowed to use the words "architecture", architectural", or "architect" unless one is registered to practice.

So Architectural Drafter, or Architectural Designer are illegal.

The same would apply as you noted in that the word architecture could not be part of the firm's name unless there was a registered architect involved [and in many states, the firm would have to registered also, and the principles registered and listed, etc.]

[meggon]

Thank you for the quick response. We happen to be located in the state of Florida. Is this something that I could find out on the AIA website?

[BHanna]

I believe that you can call your company can call your department whatever it wants to internally. My understanding is that the legal implications really come into play with respect to what services your company markets to the public. If your manager calls you an “architect” as opposed to a “secretary,” it’s annoying, but not illegal. If you put the word “architect” on your business cards as a title, you potentially have problems, but if it says “architectural department” it’s more of a gray area. The true test is if, during the course of your company’s normal business operations any member of the general public construes your company to be providing “architectural services”, and endeavors to engage or otherwise benefit from the services of someone who they perceive to be a duly licensed professional, then you are hosed.

The AIA doesn’t deal with licensure from state to state, so they’re probably not a good resource. Your state licensure board, on the other hand, should be fairly specific about this topic.

But let’s look at the big picture here “meggon,” lot’s of development companies employ non-licensed architects to do crap architectural work and operate well within the established legal boundaries of every state. And they suck to work for. And they limit your future potential. You work for a company that laid off licensed architects, ostensibly so that they can exploit cheaper labor. Unless you’ve sold your artistic soul to hell, the writing should be on the wall. Get out. Quickly – there are so, so many opportunities out there.

[RWL]

Meggon, this is a state issue [not AIA].

Try the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design, to see their rules and regulations about registration, etc.

www.myflorida.com

[jpgarch2]

Meggon,

I am interested in the name of your firm "The Design Group." How long have you held this name? The main reason that I ask is that my Florida based firm is also named The Design Group for which we are listed on the Division of Corporations. As far as The Architecture Group name, you must have at least one registered architect in your firm to use that nomenclature.

[Architorture]

i don't think it is the actual name of the company... it is the internal designation that would be "the architecture group"

just like, "human resources" or "IT"...they are just names of departments within the company, not the name of the company itself

therefore i don't think there is any legal ramifications