All architects that are registered to practice in New Mexico need to have a seal or rubber stamp, which they will use on their documents, plans, drawings, and reports, as well as for documents and plans created by those for whom they are responsible. The seal certifies that the architect in charge has either created the work or taken responsibility for it. The New Mexico architectural embossers and seals need to contain specific information in order to be valid.
Requirements and Specifications for New Mexico Seals
It is possible to choose New Mexico architectural embossers and seals, rubber stamps, and electronically generated files to serve as the official seal. The required size for the seal is 1-¾" in diameter. The seal needs to have the words "State of New Mexico" as well as "Registered Architect" in the design. These words will go on the outer portion of the circular seal. Some of the older seals will have the word "Licensed" displayed on them, but these are actually quite rare today.
The New Mexico architectural embossers and seals will also need to have the name of the architect displayed on them along with the license number. These will be on the inner part of the circle.It is extremely important to have a stamp that conforms to the requirements from the board. If the New Mexico architectural embossers and seals do not contain all of the needed information, or if it is in the wrong place, it will render it invalid. This would mean that all of the drawings and plans that used that particular stamp would not be certified and could not go forward. It would also invite punishment from the board for violating the rules.
Review and Qualifications for New Mexico Architect Seals
The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects is the official body in the state that will review the qualifications and certifications of the architects working in the state. Their job is to make sure that the architects are abiding by all of the rules in the state, and that they are keeping the public safe. A part of that duty is to make sure that the architects know and understand the need for their New Mexico architectural embossers and seals, and they are using them in the appropriate locations and at the right time.
Taking Responsibility for Work Using an Official New Mexico Seal
The architects need to take responsibility for their drawings and the items for which they are responsible that have been created by others on their team. The New Mexico architectural embossers and seals make this possible. However, the architect cannot use the New Mexico architectural embossers and seals on documents that they didn't review or create on their own. In addition, the only person able to use the seal is the architect that owns it. A firm can't simply rubber stamp anything that comes out of the office with the seal without proper review from the architect in charge of the project. Always review before affixing the New Mexico architectural embossers and seals
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the New Mexico architectural seal requirements for registered architects?
New Mexico registered architects must use a seal, rubber stamp, or electronic seal on documents, plans, drawings, and reports they create or take responsibility for. The seal must be 1-¾" in diameter and include “State of New Mexico” and “Registered Architect” on the outer circle, along with the architect’s name and license number on the inner circle.
What information must be included on New Mexico architectural embossers and seals to make them valid?
A valid New Mexico architectural embosser or seal must show the architect’s name, license number, and the required wording: “State of New Mexico” and “Registered Architect.” If any required information is missing, misplaced, or incorrect, the seal may be considered invalid.
Can New Mexico architects use an electronic seal instead of a physical embosser or rubber stamp?
Yes. New Mexico allows architectural embossers and seals, rubber stamps, and electronically generated files to serve as the official seal, as long as they meet all state requirements and are used properly on the appropriate documents.
When should a New Mexico architect apply their seal to plans and drawings?
The seal should be applied only after the architect has reviewed the work and is prepared to take responsibility for it. It should be used on documents, plans, drawings, and reports that the architect created or supervised, not on unreviewed work.
What happens if a New Mexico architectural seal does not meet board requirements?
If the seal does not contain all required information or is formatted incorrectly, it may be invalid. That can prevent the drawings or plans from being certified and could delay the project or lead to disciplinary action from the board.
Who is allowed to use a New Mexico architect seal on project documents?
Only the architect who owns the seal may use it. A firm or staff member cannot stamp documents without the architect’s review and approval. The registered architect must personally review the work before affixing the seal.
