Oregon requires that all of the registered architects working in the state have a stamp that bears their name, along with some other information. The Oregon architectural impression seal can be an embossing seal or a stamp, or it can be an electronically generated image. The architect will be responsible for obtaining their Oregon architectural impression seal at their own cost. It's important that they make sure it includes all of the needed information, as ordered by the board.
What Info Does the Oregon Architectural Impression Seal Need?
The Oregon architectural impression seal needs to have the name of the architect along with the city and the state where their main office is located. One of the things that make this state different from many others is that they do not require you to have your license number on the stamp. It is entirely optional, though many architects add it. If you choose to add the license number, it will go above the city and state. There is no specific size required for the Oregon architectural impression seal. However, the typical size that the majority of the architects in the state use is 1 5/8".
Another element that makes the design of the Oregon architectural impression seal different from other states is the fact that it doesn't have a typical concentric circle design found in other state seals. Instead, the words on the outer part of the design - "Registered Architect" and "State of Oregon" will form the circle itself.
The Oregon architectural impression seal will need to be on the original title page of specifications. It also needs to be on all of the drawing sheets that are to be used for permits and construction. This is true even in those cases where the project might be exempt under ORS 671.030. In addition to the Oregon architectural impression seal, the documents will also need to contain either a handwritten signature or digital signature and the date. If the architect uses a digital signature, they need to make sure that it is unique to them, that it is able to be verified, and that they are the only one who has control of it. They also need to ensure that there is encryption on the digital signature to ensure there are no alterations.
What Can You Not Use the Seal for?
The architect cannot use the Oregon architectural impression seal on any documents, plans, reports, or drawings that they did not create or that weren't prepared with their direct supervision. When they do use their seal, it means that they are taking responsibility for the contents of the documents they've sealed. Therefore, it is highly important for the career of the architect to ensure they never misuse their stamp.
The Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners is a fantastic resource for architects to learn more about the regulations of the state and how they will use their Oregon architectural impression seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information is required on an Oregon architectural impression seal?
An Oregon architectural impression seal must include the architect’s name plus the city and state of their main office. Unlike many other states, Oregon does not require a license number on the seal, though it may be added if desired. The seal must also match the Oregon Board’s requirements for format and content.
Does Oregon require a specific size or shape for an architect seal?
No, Oregon does not require a specific seal size. However, many architects use a 1 5/8" seal. Oregon also differs from many states because the seal does not use a traditional concentric-circle design; instead, the wording “Registered Architect” and “State of Oregon” forms the outer circle.
Can an Oregon architect use an embossing seal, stamp, or digital seal?
Yes. Oregon allows an architectural impression seal to be an embossing seal, a stamp, or an electronically generated image. If a digital seal is used, it must be unique to the architect, verifiable, under the architect’s sole control, and protected against alterations.
Where must the Oregon architect seal be placed on project documents?
The Oregon architectural impression seal must appear on the original title page of specifications and on all drawing sheets used for permits and construction. This applies even in cases where the project may be exempt under ORS 671.030. The seal must also be accompanied by a handwritten or digital signature and the date.
Can an Oregon architect seal documents they did not prepare?
No. An architect may only use their Oregon architect stamp or seal on documents, plans, reports, or drawings they created or prepared under their direct supervision. Using the seal means the architect is accepting responsibility for the content, so it should never be applied to unverified work.
Who is responsible for getting the Oregon architectural impression seal?
The registered architect is responsible for obtaining their Oregon architectural impression seal at their own cost. Because seal requirements can affect document acceptance, licensing compliance, and project workflow, it’s important to ensure the seal includes all required information before using it on official documents.
