All architects working in the state of Ohio need to have their own seal, which they can use for the documents they create in line with their work, as well as documents prepared under their supervision. The Ohio architectural embossing seals do not necessarily have to be embossing seals. The state also allows rubber stamps and electronically created seals, so long as they all conform to the specifications required.
Requirements and Specifications for Ohio Architect Seal Designs
The image size needs to be 2" in diameter and it has to contain a specific design and information. The Ohio architectural embossing seals need to have a circular shape with two concentric circles. The inner circle should be 1-3/8" in diameter.
In the space between the two circles, the words "Registered Architect" will appear at the bottom. On the top of the outer circle, the words "State of Ohio" will appear. In the center of the circle will be the architect's name placed horizontally. Below the name will be the license number. It's also important to note that both the inner and outer circles will have a knurled design.
Individual Architect Seals Versus Firm Seals
It is also possible to obtain a firm seal that is similar to the individual Ohio architectural embossing seals. The only difference is that it will contain the firm name and number rather than the individual architect. This can be used in conjunction with the individual architect's Ohio architectural embossing seals, but not in place of it.
Use of Your Official Ohio State Architect Seal Stamp
The architect will use their Ohio architectural embossing seals for the documents that they are the author of, as well as documents where they were responsible for the preparation, even if they didn't create them.
While it is possible to use a digital electronic seal in Ohio in place of the regular Ohio architectural embossing seals, they need to meet certain requirements. They need to be verifiable, and they need to be a unique way of identifying the architect. In addition, the electronic seal needs to be in the sole possession of the architect. The electronic seal needs to be linked to documents in a manner that shows changes and alterations to the document. It also needs to be in a view-only format so no one else can make changes to the document or the digital Ohio architectural embossing seals.
When using the physical Ohio architectural embossing seals, it is also important for the architect to keep control of the seal so no one uses it inappropriately. They are supposed to be the only people who use the stamp. This means they can't have one of their assistants simply stamp documents and plans for them. Doing so would be a violation of the laws in the state.
To learn more about the Ohio architectural embossing seals, the Ohio Architects Board is a great resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ohio architect seal requirements for size and layout?
The Ohio architect seal must be circular and 2" in diameter, with two concentric circles. The inner circle should be 1-3/8" in diameter. The words “State of Ohio” must appear on the top outer ring, “Registered Architect” on the bottom, and the architect’s name and license number should appear in the center. Both circles should also include a knurled design.
Is an Ohio architectural embossing seal required, or can I use a stamp or digital seal?
Ohio does not require the seal to be an embossing seal specifically. Architects may use an embossing seal, a rubber stamp, or an electronically created digital seal, as long as it meets the state’s specifications and is used properly.
What is the difference between an individual Ohio architect seal and a firm seal?
An individual Ohio architect seal identifies the licensed architect and includes the architect’s name and license number. A firm seal is similar, but it includes the firm name and firm number instead. A firm seal can be used alongside the individual architect seal, but not in place of it.
When should an Ohio architect seal be used on documents?
An architect should use their Ohio architect seal on documents they personally author or on documents prepared under their supervision and for which they are responsible. This applies whether the seal is embossed, stamped, or digital, as long as it complies with Ohio requirements.
What are the requirements for using an Ohio digital architect seal?
Ohio digital architect seals must be verifiable, unique to the architect, and kept in the sole possession of the architect. They also need to be linked to documents in a way that shows changes or alterations and must be in a view-only format so others cannot edit the sealed document or seal.
Can my assistant or staff member use my Ohio architect seal for me?
No. The architect must keep control of the seal at all times, whether it is a physical embossing seal or a digital seal. Staff or assistants should not apply the seal on the architect’s behalf, because that could violate Ohio law and professional requirements.
