Practice Management Member Conversations

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  • 1.  National licensure compliance

    Posted 06-22-2011 11:36 AM
    Like many firms, we maintain licensure across the country in numerous States.  Does anyone know of a company that exists to assist architects with this challenge?  NCARB is a good source for each States Board of Architects requirements but they do not have information related to for instance, Secretary's of State requirements.

    How do other firms handle national licensure compliance?

    thank you.
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    Stephen Maher AIA
    MJM Architects
    Nashville TN
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  • 2.  RE:National licensure compliance

    Posted 06-23-2011 10:15 AM
    What we have done is hire a law firm, one that is involved in the design/construction industry, who then assigns a paralegal to review the requirements of each state.  It is expensive and not that convincing.

    Frankly, the best approach is to simply have a policy to contact the license board in each state and the state department of each state and ask the question whenever you think you  may become involved with work in that state.  Don't forget that in many states it is illegal to pursue work if not licensed in that state.  Also, the continuing education requirements from state to state vary.  New York, for example, requirers that most of the credits earned come from "formal" presentations, which means a live presenter.  (NCARB Monographs, which are excellent, don't count but a brick salesman's presentation on proper flashing does!)

    This issue represents a major failure on the part of the AIA and NCARB.  There is no reason why these organizations can't provide leadership on this issue and coordinate the requirements of each state.  Of course, if they do we can expect to pay for that along with the fees required from each state.

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    Francis Watkins AIA
    Bignell Watkins & Hasser Architects, P.A.
    Annapolis MD
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  • 3.  RE:National licensure compliance

    Posted 06-24-2011 02:21 PM

    Good resources often go undiscovered, and the result can be unwarranted criticism.  
    NCARB offers the licensing overview that Mr. Watkins seeks, at http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Registration-Board-Requirements.aspx?jurisid=79.  Because state laws are devilishly different and often phrased in legalese, it can still be hard to provide simple answers, so it is best to use the NCARB resource to get an overview and then scrutinize the specific actual laws and rules.
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    William Dikis FAIA
    Principal
    Architectural Strategies LLC
    Clive IA
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  • 4.  RE:National licensure compliance

    Posted 06-23-2011 11:28 AM

    To track licenses, our company utilizes Deltek/Vision as a database for staff qualifications ranging from degrees to licenses. We receive 60 day notifications when licenses will expire. Regarding CE requirements, an excel spreadsheet was developed for the states that architects are licensed and it provides a breakdown of LU,HSW & SD's required.
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    Gary Nelson AIA
    Assistant Vice President
    Michael Baker Jr. Inc.
    Phoenix AZ
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  • 5.  RE:National licensure compliance

    Posted 06-23-2011 11:54 AM
    Stephan,

    There are companies that manage credentialing for design firms that do work nationally.  Try contacting Lexi Selvig (www.aecredentialing.com) with LS Credentialing Services.  You can take a look at their website www.aecredentialing.com to learn more.

    Good Luck!
    Mike

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    Michael Heule AIA
    Principal
    Helix Architecture + Design
    Kansas City MO
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  • 6.  RE:National licensure compliance

    Posted 06-24-2011 10:48 AM

    We have a local company that can provide this service on a national level. You might want to check out their website at http://aecredentialing.com. Our firm is considering using them and we have heard positive feedback on their service.



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    John Southard AIA
    Hollis & Miller Architects
    Overland Park KS
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