Complaint Advisory Notice
Unauthorized use of seal , signature, title of “architect”
In recent months, the Maryland Board of Architects has received multiple complaints stemming from contract documents submitted to various Maryland jurisdictions, including the fraudulent use of architects’ registration numbers, seals, and/or signatures. Given the seriousness of this threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the Maryland public, the Board is issuing this advisory. The Board’s Complaint Committee continues to investigate each of these incidents and all complaints alleging misrepresentation, misuse, or fraud involving an architect’s instruments of service, or personal identity are being referred for investigation and further action to the Maryland States Attorney General.
In accordance with Maryland Architects Act — Annotated Code of Maryland, Business and Professions Article, Title 3:
§3–501. (a) Before a licensed architect issues to a client or submits to a public authority any final drawing, plan, specification, report, or other document required for the issuance of a building permit, the licensed architect who prepared or approved the document shall sign, seal, and date the document.
(b) Subject to exceptions stated and rights granted under § 3-103 of this title, a public authority may not accept any architectural drawing, plan, specification, report, or other document, unless the document is endorsed as required under subsection (a) of this section.
§3–603. Unless authorized under this title to practice architecture, a person may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including “architect”, “licensed architect”, or “registered architect”, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice architecture in the State.
And in accordance to regulations the Code of Maryland Regulations:
09.21.02.01 Rules of Conduct. Professional Conduct. (E) (5) An architect possessing knowledge of a violation of these regulations by another architect shall report this knowledge to the Board,
Finally, the Board reminds architects, code officials, members of the construction industry, and the public that all active licensees practicing in the State of Maryland can be verified by utilizing the “License Search” function on the board's website.
If you are aware of or suspect documents with fraudulent use of an architect license seal and/or signatures, please contact the Maryland Board of Architects, 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 121, Baltimore, MD 21201; Phone: 410-230-6261; Fax: 410-333-0023; e-mail.
Sincerely,
Zevi Thomas, LEED AP, CDT CCCA
Executive Director
Professional Design Boards
Maryland Department of Labor
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Your Contact Information with the Board
Why Does it Matter?
As a licensed Architect, you demonstrate a level of professional competency and a commitment to safeguarding life, health, public welfare, and property. Inherently, architects must abide by a code of ethics and regulations declared in Title 09 Maryland Department of Labor, Subtitle 21 Board of Architects.
These regulations also require you as a licensee to respond to the Board’s request in a timely manner. An applicant or licensee shall respond in writing to any written communication from the Board within 30 days of receipt of communication from the Board. Failure to respond to this Board per this regulation may be considered a violation of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §14-317(a)(1)(vi), Annotated Code of Maryland, and this could result in denial of your renewal, suspension, or revocation of your license.
Therefore, to ensure you receive timely, updated information for compliance purposes, it’s essential that as a licensed professional in Maryland, you maintain up-to-date records with the Board. An applicant or licensee shall notify the Board in writing if there has been a change in the applicant’s or licensee’s contact information work and/or home address, and telephone numbers. Not updating your contact information with the Board of Architects will not relieve the licensee from the responsibility of responding to the Board.
09.21.02.01(F) Failure to Respond.
(1) If an applicant or licensee receives from the Board a written communication requesting a response, the applicant or licensee shall respond within 30 days of the date of mailing.
(2) The Board shall send a written communication by first-class mail to the last known address furnished to the Board by the applicant or licensee.
(3) It is a responsibility of an applicant or licensee to notify the Board in writing if there has been a change in the applicant’s or licensee’s address.
(4) Failure to respond as required by this regulation may be considered by the Board to be a violation of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-311(a)(l)(iv), Annotated Code of Maryland.
HOW TO CONTACT THE BOARD?
Licensees and candidates may send information to the Board via email (preferred) or by mail to:
1100 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
WHAT IF I NO LONGER WORK OR HAVE PROJECTS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND?
Please submit a signed letter to the Board, using the points of contact provided above, stating that you are no longer working in Maryland, and will no longer sign or seal plans to maintain an accurate license status.
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