When an architect in PA receives his or her license, they will need to obtain a seal they can use in order to work in the field. They will need to make sure the Pennsylvania architectural seal matches the requirements of the state in order to be valid. If they are using a seal that's not board approved, then it would render their drawings, reports, and other documents invalid.
Requirements for the Pennsylvania Architectural Seal
Architects are able to use rubber stamps and embossing seals for their Pennsylvania architectural seal. There is not a required size for the seals in the state, but the typical size that many architects choose is 1 5/8". The seal needs to include the words "Registered Architect" at the top of the circular design. Along the bottom of the design are the name and the license number. The license number needs to have the letters "RA No." at the beginning. The inner part of the Pennsylvania architectural seal contains the name of the state.
One of the things that make PA different when it comes to these types of seals is that they allow several architects in a firm to use a single Pennsylvania architectural seal rather than individual seals. However, they can only do this when all of the names of the architects, along with their license numbers, are included on the seal. All of the people on the seal have to be licensed to practice in PA as well.
Guidelines for Use of the Pennsylvania State Architect Seal
When it comes to actually using the Pennsylvania architectural seal, the architect can only use the seal and signature when it is on work they created, or on work that was completed under their direct supervision and control. It can also be used when providing the complete and final documents for a client's records or to public and government agencies for their final review. They will need to include their seal, as well as their signature, on the first page of all of the documents. Facsimile seals are permissible on all of the other pages of the plans.
Whenever an architect uses their Pennsylvania architectural seal, they will have to add a signature as well. They are able to place their signature near the seal or across the seal. However, the signature must never cover or obscure their license number.
When it comes to actually using the Pennsylvania architectural seal, the architect can only use the seal and signature when it is on work they created, or on work that was completed under their direct supervision and control. It can also be used when providing the complete and final documents for a client's records or to public and government agencies for their final review. They will need to include their seal, as well as their signature, on the first page of all of the documents. Facsimile seals are permissible on all of the other pages of the plans.
Whenever an architect uses their Pennsylvania architectural seal, they will have to add a signature as well. They are able to place their signature near the seal or across the seal. However, the signature must never cover or obscure their license number.
Responsibility is Key, Learn How to Use Your Seal Diligently
Naturally, if their license has expired, they are not allowed to use their Pennsylvania architectural seal. They cannot use their seal for unlawful purposes at any time. The architect is also responsible for their seal. They can't let it be used by anyone other than themselves. This includes anyone else in their firm. The Pennsylvania architectural seal is their personal stamp. They can't have others stamp any documents for them either.
You can learn more about Pennsylvania architectural seals and working in the state at the PA government website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pennsylvania architectural seal requirements?
A Pennsylvania architectural seal must include the words “Registered Architect” at the top, the architect’s name and license number at the bottom, and “RA No.” before the license number. The center of the seal should identify Pennsylvania. Both rubber stamps and embossing seals are allowed, and the state does not require a specific seal size.
Can Pennsylvania architects use both a seal and a signature on the same document?
Yes. When an architect uses a Pennsylvania architectural seal, they must also include a signature. The signature may be placed near or across the seal, but it cannot cover or obscure the license number. The seal and signature should appear on the first page of the final documents.
When is it allowed to use the Pennsylvania architectural seal?
An architect may use the seal only on work they created or on work completed under their direct supervision and control. It can also be used on final documents delivered to clients, public agencies, or government agencies for final review. It should not be used on documents outside those approved uses.
Can one Pennsylvania architectural seal be used by multiple architects in the same firm?
Yes, Pennsylvania allows multiple architects in a firm to use a single seal, but only if all architects whose names appear on the seal are licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. The seal must list each architect’s name and license number to be valid.
Are facsimile seals allowed on Pennsylvania architectural drawings?
Yes. Facsimile seals are permitted on pages after the first page of the plans. However, the seal and original signature must appear on the first page of the final document set. This helps ensure the documents comply with Pennsylvania architectural seal regulations.
What happens if an architect uses an expired or non-board-approved Pennsylvania seal?
If a license has expired, the architect cannot legally use the seal. Using a seal that is not board approved can render drawings, reports, and other documents invalid. The architect is also responsible for controlling their seal and should never allow anyone else to use it.
