The Difference Between Corporate Architectural Seals And Personal Seals
All licensed architects in North Carolina will need to have a seal that's authorized by the state board. They are required to use their North Carolina architectural embossers and seals on their specifications and drawings. While there are corporate architectural seals required in the state for architect firms and corporations, it is important to realize that they are not a replacement to the individual seals. Each architect in the state will need their individual North Carolina architectural embossers and seals. The seals are required to meet all of the specifications of the board.
Specifications for the Official North Carolina State Architect Seal Stamp
It is possible to use either an embossing stamp or a computer generated seal. Regardless of the type of seal used for the North Carolina architectural embossers and seals, it needs to measure 1-½" in diameter. Embossed circular seals, as well as rubber stamps, are allowed so long as they are made up of concentric circles.
The diameter of the inner circle in these cases needs to be 1", while the outer circle is 1-½". In the top portion of the outer circle of the seal will appear the name of the state - "North Carolina." At the bottom part of the outer circle will be the name of the architect. On the inner portion of the circle, the word "Registered" will appear at the top. In two horizontal lines at the center of the North Carolina architectural embossers and seals will be the license number and the word "architect."For the aforementioned firm seals, the design is actually very similar. The size is the same. The firm name, rather than the individual architect's name will go on the bottom. On the top of the inner circle, the words "Registered Architectural Company" need to appear. Finally, the license number goes in the center.
Proper Use of Your Seal is Key
Proper use of the North Carolina architectural embossers and seals is highly important. The architect needs to use them on their drawings and specifications and on any documents where they are responsible for the work, even if they may not have created it. In addition, allowing someone to use North Carolina architectural embossers and seals that are not their own is illegal, and it could lead to suspension or even revocation of the license.
The architect will use the North Carolina architectural embossers and seals on the cover sheet for each drawing and design, as well as the index page of the specifications and the index page of any other technical submissions. In addition, they need to add their signature and date to the documents. The signature should go across the seal.
Architects need to understand the ins and outs of using the North Carolina architectural embossers and seals properly. The North Carolina Board of Architecture has useful information on their site including a handbook regarding the rules and practices in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are North Carolina architectural embossers and seals used for?
North Carolina architectural embossers and seals are used to officially authenticate drawings, specifications, and other documents prepared by a licensed architect. They show that the architect is responsible for the work and help ensure compliance with North Carolina architectural seal requirements.
How does a difference between a corporate architectural seal and a personal architect seal in North Carolina? work?
A corporate architectural seal is used for an architectural firm or company, while a personal seal belongs to the individual licensed architect. In North Carolina, a corporate seal does not replace the requirement for each licensed architect to have their own North Carolina architect seal embosser or stamp.
Why are official size and design requirements important?
The official North Carolina architect seal must be 1-½ inches in diameter and use concentric circles. The outer circle includes “North Carolina” at the top and the architect’s name at the bottom. The inner circle includes “Registered” at the top, with the license number and the word “architect” in the center.
Can North Carolina architectural seals be embossers, rubber stamps, or computer-generated seals?
Yes, North Carolina allows either an embossing seal or a computer-generated seal, as long as it meets the state board’s required design and size specifications. Rubber stamps are also acceptable if they follow the proper concentric circle format and required text placement.
Where should an architect place their seal on drawings and specifications in North Carolina?
The seal should be placed on the cover sheet for each set of drawings and designs, the index page of the specifications, and the index page of any technical submissions. The architect must also sign and date the documents, with the signature crossing over the seal.
What happens if someone else uses my North Carolina architect seal?
Allowing another person to use your North Carolina architectural embossers and seals is illegal and can lead to serious disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of your license. Each seal must be used only by the licensed architect it was issued to.
