Official documents used by Tennessee architects must include their unique seal applied with their Tennessee architect stamp. According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, the purpose of assigning registration numbers to architects and other professionals including Tennessee engineers and landscape architects is to improve professional conduct and establish a standard of care.
General Information on Tennessee Architecture Stamp Design
While all engineers, architects, and landscape architects in Tennessee are bound by the requirement to use a Tennessee architecture stamp to place a seal on various documents, there is some flexibility in the wording and type of stamp used. The architect may choose from an embossing seal or a rubber stamp but the size of the seal must be 2” in diameter. The design must include the name of the architect, their registration number and one of the following:
- Registered Architect
- Registered Engineer
- Registered Landscape Architect
In addition, the seal must contain either the words “State of Tennessee” and the prefix “No.” must be used in front of the license number. Only a registered architect with a registration number can be reflected on the Tennessee architecture stamp.
An architect in Tennessee should consider an architect stamp a part of their essential equipment. They should purchase a Tennessee architecture stamp with the appropriately designed seal and use it on all original sheets of any bound sets of plans and on the first sheet of specifications or reports they have prepared or which have been prepared under their charge.
In addition, the state of Tennessee forbids other persons than those represented by the registration number on the stamp to use it to add the seal to any document. This practice is considered forged and unlawful. Any architect practicing in Tennessee may have their license revoked or suspended if they fail to obtain, keep, and utilize the Tennessee architecture stamp.
The purpose of the architecture seal is to regulate Tennessee architects and protect the public safety, health and welfare. The information provided by the seal reflects the achievement of the architect for having successfully reached the level of training and having acquired a working knowledge of the laws and regulations required for licensure.
In addition to the use of a Tennessee architecture stamp to apply a seal to physical documents, today’s architects may also have the need to apply their unique seal to electronic documents. For this reason, the architect may want to purchase a Tennessee architecture stamp that also includes an electronic seal that is emailed as a JPG, DXF, or TIF file format. This is an option for some embossed and rubber stamps as well.
Choosing a Tennessee Architecture Stamp
The first choice the architect will need to make when purchasing a Tennessee architecture stamp is between an embossed seal and a rubber stamp. Embossed seals make an impression in the paper that cannot be photocopied. When photocopying is necessary, an impression inker must be used in combination with the seal.
Rubber stamps, on the other hand, apply ink to the surface of the paper. This allows the seal to be reproduced through photocopying. Within these two types of stamps, there are numerous designs that have different features to accommodate a number of different needs. These include heavy-duty models for deeper embossing and self-inking laser engraved rubber stamps for extensive use and crisp impressions.
Select your custom Tennessee architecture stamp from the variety of embossing seals and rubber stamps available from Acorn Sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Tennessee architecture stamp requirements for a registered architect?
A Tennessee architecture stamp must be 2 inches in diameter and include the architect’s name, registration number, and the words “Registered Architect” or “State of Tennessee.” The license number must be preceded by “No.” to meet Tennessee seal requirements.
When does a Tennessee architect need to use their seal?
A Tennessee architect should use their seal on original sheets in bound sets of plans and on the first sheet of specifications or reports they prepared or supervised. The seal is used to show the documents were prepared under the architect’s charge.
Which details are required on a Tennessee architect seal??
The seal must include the architect’s name, registration number, and an identifying title such as “Registered Architect.” It must also include “State of Tennessee” and use the prefix “No.” before the license number.
Can a Tennessee architecture stamp be used on electronic documents?
Yes, many architects also need an electronic seal for digital files. Depending on the stamp type, the seal can be provided in formats such as JPG, DXF, or TIF for use with electronic documents.
Why do professionals need a difference between an embossing seal and a rubber Tennessee architect stamp?
An embossing seal creates a raised impression in the paper, which cannot be photocopied without an inker. A rubber stamp applies ink directly to the page, making it easier to reproduce in copies and often better for everyday document processing.
What happens if someone else uses a Tennessee architect stamp?
Only the registered architect listed on the stamp may use it. Allowing another person to use the seal is considered forged and unlawful, and failure to obtain or properly use the stamp can put an architect’s license at risk of suspension or revocation.
