The Difference in New and Old Requirements for North Dakota Architect Seals
As is the case in other states, architects that are working in ND need to have a North Dakota architectural embossing seal to conduct their business. In the past, one of the major differences here is that the state would actually supply a rubber stamp that the architect can use upon their registration. The architect would have to pay for the North Dakota architectural embossing seal though. They will need to use this to seal the documents and drawings that they prepare. Most of the time, they were simple plan stamps. There are currently new requirements in place. We'll touch on the new rules, and the older plan stamps that are still in use.
Today, according to the latest rules out of the state, the certificate holder will have to acquire their own North Dakota architectural embossing seal. These stamps need to be a minimum of 1-½" in diameter and a maximum of 2" in diameter. The circular design of the North Dakota architectural embossing seal needs to include the words "Licensed Architect" on the top part of the outer circle, and the words "State of North Dakota" on the bottom part of the outer circle.
On the inner circle, the architect's name will be at the top of the circle. Below the name will be their license number. They will have a space for the date at the bottom of the circle.
The Format of the Older North Dakota Seal Design
The older plan stamps are still in use by those licensees who obtained their license before the adoption of the new North Dakota architectural embossing seal. These feature very specific wording:
"I hereby certify that this plan specification, or report was prepared by my or under my direct supervision, and that I am a duly Registered Architect under the laws of the State of North Dakota." Below this wording is a line for the architect's name, and below that a space for the date and their license number.
The format for the North Dakota architectural embossing seal can be a digital image, as well as a rubber stamp.
Architectural Seal Stamp Necessity
The stamp needs to be used on all documents the architect prepares, and they will need to place a stamp on all the final drawing sheets, as well as the cover, title, or index page of the project manual. The same holds true for technical submissions. When they add their stamp, the architect also needs to sign over the top of the North Dakota architectural embossing seal and add the date.
To learn more about the stamps and the requirements for architects in ND, you can find information at the North Dakota State Board of Architecture. The site features an array of information on licensing, the North Dakota architectural embossing seal requirements and usage, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current North Dakota architectural embossing seal requirements?
North Dakota now requires licensed architects to obtain their own architectural embossing seal. The seal must be circular, measure between 1-1/2 inches and 2 inches in diameter, and include “Licensed Architect” at the top outer circle and “State of North Dakota” at the bottom outer circle. The inner circle must show the architect’s name, license number, and a space for the date.
How are the old North Dakota architect stamp requirements different from the new ones?
The older North Dakota plan stamp format included a longer certification statement and was often used by architects licensed before the new rules were adopted. The new seal design is more standardized and focuses on the architect’s name, license number, and date. Under the older format, the state previously supplied a rubber stamp, while under the current rules the certificate holder must obtain their own seal.
Do North Dakota architects need to use the seal on every document?
Yes, the seal should be used on all documents prepared by the architect, including final drawing sheets and the cover, title, or index page of the project manual. It is also required for technical submissions. The architect must sign over the seal and include the date when applying it.
Can the North Dakota architectural embossing seal be digital, or does it have to be a rubber stamp?
The North Dakota architectural embossing seal can be used as either a digital image or a rubber stamp. This gives architects flexibility depending on how they submit their drawings and project documents, as long as the seal meets state requirements.
Who is responsible for getting the North Dakota architect seal?
Under the current rules, the license holder is responsible for obtaining their own North Dakota architectural embossing seal. In the past, the state supplied a rubber stamp, but that is no longer the case for new requirements. Architects should make sure their seal matches the latest board standards before using it.
Where can I verify the latest North Dakota architect stamp regulations?
The best place to verify the latest North Dakota architect stamp regulations is the North Dakota State Board of Architecture. The board provides information on licensing, seal requirements, and proper usage so architects can stay compliant before submitting documents.
