Washington’s Architectural Stamps: Know the Guidelines First
The health, safety, and welfare of the public depend upon the integrity of many professionals who practice various occupations across the nation. From bus drivers to food servers and everyone in between, we rely on the professional training and education of the individual as well as their adherence to both national and state guidelines to keep us all safe.
The importance of this integrity is especially true when it comes to architects, engineers, and the like. And although there are national guidelines it’s vital for these professionals to know and follow their specific state rules too. Washington State has their own protocol for use of Washington architectural stamps. The Washington State Board for Architects authorizes all seals in Washington.
Washington Architectural Stamps Specifics
When it comes to the actual Washington architectural stamps, there are several guidelines to follow. Rubber stamps, embossed stamps, digital stamps are all acceptable and must contain the following:
- Washington State licensed architect’s name
- Washington State licensed architect’s license number
- “Registered Architect, State of Washington”
- Approved design provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing, provided by the Washington State Board for Architects
- No size or shape requirements however the stamps typically are in the shape of the state (rectangular) and measure approximately 1.63” x 1.243”
Ensuring Compliance with Safety Regulations in Washington State
Buildings and other structures are designed by a professional architect with many variables being considered simultaneously. From climatic concerns that vary by area of the country as well as part of each state to aesthetic desires from clients, the professional architect must employ their knowledge of this complex industry to create plans that are safe above all else.
The Washington architectural stamps represent that all of the many intricate guidelines and specifications have been met by the professional architect involved with the designing and planning of the building or structure.
Documents Requiring Washington Architectural Stamps
Another area that can vary by state, the specific documents to which the Washington architectural stamps must be affixed is designated by the Washington State Board for Architects.
For Washington State, the law requires the following documents to carry the Washington architectural stamp:
- All technical submissions for building permits or regulations (filed with proper jurisdictions)
- Drawings prepared by the Washington State licensed architect
- Specifications and technical submissions must be sealed with Washington architect’s stamps on cover page, title pages, and all table of contents pages
- All seals must also be signed by the licensed architect holding the Washington architect’s stamps
The documents listed above which require the stamp and seal are to be prepared only by the professional architect who is licensed and holds the Washington architect’s stamp. Keep in mind that in addition to the official Washington architect’s stamp, the architect must also put their signature across the seal to ensure authenticity.
Exceptions to this are if the plans were prepared by an employee of the licensed architect and were reviewed in their entirety by the architect possessing the official Washington architect’s stamp. This holds true for anyone with whom the architect is working with as a subcontractor, or even another architect that the Washington State licensed architect is working with collaboratively.
Once the architect places their official Washington architect’s stamp on the document, they then become the architect of record and are responsible for all aspects of the design or plans to the same extent as if they had created the plans and designs themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Washington architectural stamp requirements?
A Washington architectural stamp must include the licensed architect’s name, Washington license number, and the wording “Registered Architect, State of Washington.” The seal must be an approved design provided through the Washington State Department of Licensing/Washington State Board for Architects. Rubber, embossed, and digital stamps are all acceptable.
Which documents need a Washington architect seal?
In Washington, the architectural stamp is required on technical submissions for building permits or other regulatory filings, drawings prepared by the licensed architect, and specifications or technical submissions. The seal should also appear on cover pages, title pages, and table of contents pages when required by the Board.
Can I use a digital Washington architectural stamp?
Yes. Washington allows digital stamps, along with rubber and embossed seals, as long as the seal includes all required information and follows the state’s approved design. The final stamped document must still meet Washington State Board for Architects rules.
Does the Washington architect seal need a signature?
Yes. In Washington, the architect’s seal must be signed by the licensed architect who holds the stamp. The signature helps verify authenticity and compliance with state requirements.
Can a Washington licensed architect stamp plans they did not personally draw?
Yes, in some cases. If drawings were prepared by an employee, subcontractor, or another architect and were fully reviewed by the licensed Washington architect, they may be sealed by that architect. Once the seal is applied, the licensed architect becomes the architect of record and accepts responsibility for the work.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid with Washington architectural stamps?
Common mistakes include using an incomplete seal, forgetting the architect’s signature, sealing the wrong documents, or applying the stamp before a full review. Another major issue is assuming every state allows the same seal format—Washington has its own specific rules, so checking compliance before filing helps avoid permit delays.
