Forming Your Architecture PLLC or PC: Licensure, NCARB, and Business Registration
Forming an architecture firm is not as simple as filing a standard LLC. Most states require architects to form a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) or Professional Corporation (PC) — and critically, the firm must be owned and controlled by licensed architects. Beyond entity formation, you need an active state architecture license, a professional seal, an EIN, and ideally NCARB certification if you plan to practice in multiple states. This guide walks through every formation step in the right order.
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Why Architects Cannot Use a Standard LLC
In most states, licensed professionals — including architects, engineers, attorneys, and physicians — are prohibited from practicing through a standard LLC or corporation. The reason is professional accountability: states require that ownership and management of firms providing licensed services remain in the hands of licensed practitioners.
For architects, this means forming a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company) or PC (Professional Corporation). The exact entity type required varies by state — some states only allow PCs for architecture firms, others allow PLLCs, and a few allow both. Check with your state's architecture licensing board or an attorney familiar with professional practice in your state before filing.
The AIA's state government affairs pages and the NCARB state licensing requirement database are good starting points for understanding your state's specific requirements.
State Architecture License: The ARE Exam and Licensure Path
To form and operate an architecture firm as the licensed architect of record, you must hold an active architecture license in your state. The licensure path involves three components:
1. Accredited Degree: A professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program (B.Arch, M.Arch, or D.Arch).
2. Experience: Documented work experience under a licensed architect, recorded through the AXP (Architectural Experience Program) administered by NCARB. The AXP requires a minimum of 3,740 hours across six experience areas.
3. Examination: Passing all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE 5.0), administered by NCARB: Practice Management, Project Management, Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, Project Development & Documentation, and Construction & Evaluation.
After passing the ARE and completing AXP requirements, you apply to your state's architecture licensing board for licensure. Many states require you to have a licensed architect supervisor confirm your AXP hours, so start documenting experience early.
NCARB Certification: Enabling Multi-State Practice
NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certification is separate from state licensure but is the key to efficient multi-state practice. Once certified, you can apply for reciprocal licensure in other states without retaking exams — critically important if you plan to take projects in adjacent states or serve national clients.
To become NCARB-certified: (1) Hold an active license in at least one state. (2) Have completed AXP requirements recorded in your NCARB Record. (3) Have passed the ARE. (4) Submit your NCARB Record for certification review (fee applies — currently $400 for initial certification, $100/year to maintain).
If you have not yet created an NCARB Record, do it now even if you are still years from licensure — it is the tracking mechanism for your education and experience. NCARB Records cost $225 to open.
Forming Your PLLC or PC: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Confirm entity type: Verify with your state licensing board and/or a local attorney whether your state requires a PLLC or PC for architecture firms. Some states (e.g., New York) have specific rules about naming and ownership structure for PCs.
Step 2 — Choose and check your firm name: Your firm name will typically need to include your name (e.g., 'Smith Architecture PLLC') or meet your state's naming conventions. Check availability via your state's Secretary of State business name database.
Step 3 — File Articles of Organization (PLLC) or Articles of Incorporation (PC): File with your state Secretary of State. Fees range from $50–$500 depending on state. Online filing is available in most states.
Step 4 — Draft an operating agreement (PLLC) or bylaws (PC): Even for a solo firm, you need this governing document. An attorney familiar with professional practice structures should draft or review it.
Step 5 — Obtain your EIN: Apply free at irs.gov. You need an EIN to open a business bank account, pay employees or contractors, and file business taxes.
Step 6 — Register your PLLC/PC with your state architecture board: Many states require professional firms to register separately with the architecture licensing board beyond Secretary of State filing. Confirm this requirement and pay the applicable fee.
Step 7 — Open a business bank account: Bring your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement. Keep business finances completely separate from personal from day one.
Professional Seal Requirements
Every licensed architect must use a professional seal (stamp) on drawings, specifications, and other instruments of service that they are signing and sealing as the architect of record. Seal requirements vary by state but typically specify the seal's size, the information it must contain (your name, license number, state, and 'Licensed Architect' or equivalent), and whether a wet stamp, electronic seal, or digital signature is accepted.
Order your seal from a professional seal supplier (most AIA state components have preferred vendors) after your license is issued. Electronic seals are now accepted in many states — platforms like Adobe Sign or state-specific e-seal systems are increasingly common for permit submissions.
Important: signing and sealing drawings for projects you did not substantially perform or directly supervise is a license violation. Your seal = your professional responsibility for that work.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
NCARB
Open your NCARB Record, track AXP hours, register for the ARE exam, and obtain NCARB certification for multi-state licensure
AIA (American Institute of Architects)
Access state-specific practice guidance, AIA contract documents, and connect with your local AIA chapter for peer support during firm formation
IRS EIN Application
Apply free for your EIN — required to open a business bank account and pay contractors or employees
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can a non-architect own part of my architecture firm?
It depends on your state. Most states require that all or a majority of owners and officers be licensed architects. Some states (notably California and New York) have stricter requirements. A small number of states allow minority non-architect ownership if a licensed architect controls the firm and all professional decisions. Always verify with your state architecture board before bringing on non-architect investors or partners.
How many ARE divisions do I need to pass to become licensed?
All six divisions of the ARE 5.0: Practice Management, Project Management, Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, Project Development & Documentation, and Construction & Evaluation. There is no partial credit — all six must be passed. NCARB allows retaking failed divisions after a 60-day waiting period. Most candidates complete the ARE over 12–24 months.
Do I need to register my PLLC with the state architecture board separately from the Secretary of State?
Yes, in many states. Filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State creates your legal entity, but the architecture board separately regulates who can practice architecture and what firms can call themselves architects. Many boards require firm registration and renewal fees. Check your state board's website under 'firm registration' or 'entity registration.'
What is an NCARB Record and do I need one before taking the ARE?
An NCARB Record is your official transcript of education, experience, and examination history maintained by NCARB. You must have an active NCARB Record to register for and take the ARE. Open your record as early as possible — ideally while still in school or early in your career — so your AXP hours are being tracked from the start. The initial fee is $225.