As home to the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois offers up some amazing architecture, but with more than 3,750 architects currently at work in the state, it is a sure thing that even more impressive work is to come. For those currently working in the state or those who are studying, interning, and preparing for licensing, there is a single common need: that of an Illinois architect seal embosser.
Use of Illinois State Official Architect Seal Stamps
The Illinois architect seal embossers are a must have for any licensed professional in the industry. It is something which, according to state laws, will be used on the first page or cover page of any technical submissions in contracts or for approval of any work by a public authority. The Illinois architect seal embossers must meet very specific design criteria, though there are some allowances for electronic seals as well.
The usual approach for licensed architects is to use Illinois architect seal embossers or rubber stamp seals. The designs of these seals are identical with clearly outlined specifications provided by the state Board.
Requirements for Illinois State Architect Seals
The Illinois architect seal embossers or stamps have to 1-5/8" in diameter. The information contained in the seals will appear in two fixed areas delineated as two circles contained within the seal.
The outer ring or band of all Illinois architect seal embossers features the words "Licensed Architect" around the top of the band with "State of Illinois" along the bottom. Within the central circular area of Illinois architect seal embossers is the name of the architect and their official license number. The format of the license number must be properly done with a dash appearing between the first three digits and the rest of the numbers. Alternately, a dot can appear after the first three digits as well.
Other Requirements for Illinois State Seals
In addition to using Illinois architect seal embossers for their documents, architects will also have to sign documents as well, and computer generated signatures are not usually allowable on sealed documents. Additionally, the seals are an indicator that the architect has done the work his or her self, or that it is has been done under their supervision by an employee or intern.
The need for seals is ongoing, and it is important to entrust the manufacture and design of such seals to groups with experience in these matters. As a symbol of professionalism and authenticity, they should be the best quality possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Illinois architect seal requirements for stamped or embossed plans?
Illinois architect seal embossers must be 1-5/8" in diameter and include “Licensed Architect” on the top of the outer ring, “State of Illinois” on the bottom, the architect’s name in the center, and the official license number with either a dash or dot after the first three digits. The seal is typically used on the first page or cover page of technical submissions.
When is an Illinois architect seal embosser legally acceptable?
An Illinois architect seal embosser is legally acceptable when it is used on documents that require sealing under state rules, such as technical submissions for contracts or public authority approval. In many cases, the embosser may be used along with a required signature, but architects should confirm whether a physical seal, rubber stamp, or electronic seal is appropriate for the specific submission.
Do Illinois architects need to sign documents in addition to sealing them?
Yes, Illinois architects generally need to sign documents in addition to applying their seal. A seal alone is not enough for many sealed documents, and computer-generated signatures are not usually allowed on sealed submissions. The signature helps verify the architect’s responsibility for the work.
Can an Illinois architect use an embossing seal instead of a rubber stamp seal?
Yes, in many cases an Illinois architect can use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp seal, as long as the seal meets the state’s design requirements. Both options are used to identify the licensed architect and confirm that the seal complies with Illinois Board specifications.
What should be included in an Illinois architect seal embossing?
The seal should include the words “Licensed Architect” and “State of Illinois” on the outer ring, plus the architect’s full name and official license number in the center. The license number must be formatted correctly, with a dash or dot after the first three digits.
Why should architects choose a high-quality Illinois architect seal embosser?
A high-quality Illinois architect seal embosser helps ensure compliance, produces a clean professional impression, and adds credibility to plan sets and official documents. Since the seal represents the architect’s professional responsibility and authenticity, it’s important that it is accurate, durable, and made to state requirements.
