OAR 806-010-0080: Registration of Architectural Firms

(1) Prior to practicing architecture or providing architectural services in Oregon, a firm must apply for and obtain a certificate of registration from the Board. (2) The practice of architecture by firms in Oregon shall be managed and directed by an Architect or Architects registered under ORS 671.010 to 671.220. (3) An architectural firm name is considered to be "assumed" when it is other than the real and true name of each person conducting business in Oregon or having an interest therein, such as J. L. Smith; Smith, Smith and Jones; Architectonics. (4) When wording is used in a corporate or assumed business name to suggest the existence of additional principals, directors, partners or associates, the reference must be to existing persons currently or previously within the architectural firm, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership. Wording which suggests the existence of additional persons within the meaning of this rule includes "Associated," "Group," "& Associates," or "Partners." (5) An architectural firm may use the plural form of architect in its name only if the architectural firm has more than one individual architect, actively registered in any Board recognized jurisdiction. (6) An architectural firm name may contain numbers as long as it is not misleading to the public (i.e., "Three Oregon Architects" must have three architects registered in Oregon). (7) To become registered as an architectural firm in Oregon, a firm must: (a) Submit a complete Architectural Firm Application form; (b) Pay the required fees; and (c) Provide a certificate of existence from the Oregon Secretary of State. (8) The submitted Architectural Firm Application form must include: (a) Confirmation of the Oregon Registered Architect(s) with responsible control of the provision of architectural services in Oregon; (b) Any other information required by the Board; and (c) The signature of the architectural firm representative taking responsibility for the information contained in the Architectural Firm Application form and attachments. The architectural firm representative must be an officer or voting member of the architectural firm or have ownership interest in the architectural firm. (9) If an application is not deemed complete within 12 months of the date of the original application, the applicant must apply again as a new applicant. (10) Upon successful completion of all requirements for registration of an architectural firm, the firm will be issued a certificate of registration and decorative wall certificate according to OAR 806-010-0040.