All architects in Missouri are required to have a Missouri architectural embossed seal or stamp acquired at their own expense. It is important that this seal conform to all of the rules and requirements set forth by the board in the state.
Missouri Architectural Seal Specifications and Requirements
The Missouri architectural embossed seal needs to be 1 ¾" in diameter and it needs to follow a very specific design. No other sizes are allowed. The seal needs to have two concentric circles. In between the two circles, the words "State of Missouri" and "Architect" need to appear. State of Missouri is on the top of the circle, while Architect is on the bottom portion of the circle.
These words need to be in Times New Roman capital letters. On the inner part of the circle will be the name of the architect as well as their license number. Since this particular seal is for architects, the letter "A" followed by a dash will precede the license number.
Where the use of a Missouri architectural embossed seal for architects who received their license before 2002 is concerned, the term on the bottom part of the circle can appear as "Registered Architect". The middle part of the circle on these older Missouri architectural embossed seal will remain the same as in the new seals.
Acceptable Varieties of Missouri Architect Seals
It is possible to obtain the seal in a number of different forms including rubber stamps and computer generated images, as well as the Missouri architectural embossed seal. However, they all need to contain the same information and be the same size. When the architect is using the stamp or Missouri architectural embossed seal, they also need to add their signature as well as the date when they seal documents.
When it comes to the signature, it can refer to the handwritten signature of the architect who owns the stamp, as well as electronic signature authentication for digital documents. Of course, when using a digital signature it needs to be unique for the person using it, and it needs to be verifiable through the digital document to ensure authenticity.
In the event that the digital document does not have a proper electronic signature, the seal is removed and the following text needs to be inserted: "This media should not be considered a certified document". Whenever the architect needs to revise a document, they need to add the Missouri architectural embossed seal along with a signature and a date, as well as an explanation for the revisions to the plans.
Instead of needing to add the Missouri architectural embossed seal, signature and date to all pages, it is possible for the architect to add these elements to the title page as well as the index page or seals page on multiple documents bound together. To learn more about the requirements for architects and using the Missouri architectural embossed seal, you can visit the Missouri Board of Architects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Missouri Architectural Embossed Seal and why do architects need it?
The Missouri Architectural Embossed Seal is the official seal required for licensed architects practicing in Missouri. It helps verify the architect’s identity, license status, and responsibility for the work. Using the correct seal is important for meeting state requirements and avoiding delays, rejected documents, or compliance issues.
What are the Missouri architectural seal requirements for size and design?
The Missouri architectural seal must be 1 ¾ inches in diameter and include two concentric circles. The outer ring must read “State of Missouri” on the top and “Architect” on the bottom in Times New Roman capital letters. The inner circle must include the architect’s name and license number, with an “A-” before the number.
Can Missouri architects use a rubber stamp or digital seal instead of an embossed seal?
Yes, Missouri architects may use a rubber stamp or a computer-generated seal instead of a Missouri architectural embossed seal, as long as the seal contains the same required information and matches the required size. When using any seal format, the architect must also include a signature and date on the documents.
Do Missouri architectural seal rules change for digital documents?
Yes. For digital documents, the architect must use a unique, verifiable electronic signature linked to the sealed file. If a document does not include a proper electronic signature, the seal should be removed and the statement “This media should not be considered a certified document” must be added.
What should an architect do when revising sealed plans in Missouri?
When revising a document, the architect must reapply the Missouri architectural embossed seal or stamp, add a signature and date, and include an explanation of the revisions. This helps show that the updated plans are properly reviewed and certified by the licensed architect.
Can Missouri architects place the seal on only one page of a multi-page document set?
Yes, in many cases the seal, signature, and date do not need to appear on every page. Missouri architects may place them on the title page, index page, or a separate seals page when documents are bound together, as long as the sealed set clearly meets the state’s requirements.
