Me. Stat. tit. 32 § 220

Current through 131st (2023-2024) Legislature Chapter 684

Section 220 - Licensing requirements

1. Architects.

A. A person may not practice architecture or profess to practice architecture inside the State or use the title or profess to be an "architect" or "licensed architect" or display or use any words, letters, figures, titles, sign, card advertisement or other symbol or device indicating or tending to indicate that the person is an architect or is practicing architecture, or sign technical submissions unless the person is duly licensed by the board.

As used in this chapter, the practice of architecture consists of rendering or offering to render service to clients by consultations, investigations, technical submissions and a coordination of structural factors concerning the aesthetic or structural design and administration of construction contracts or any other service in connection with the designing or administration of construction contracts for buildings located inside the State that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or habitation, regardless of whether the persons are performing one or all of these duties, or whether they are performed in person or as the directing head of an office or organization performing them.

As used in this chapter, the term "technical submissions" includes the preliminary studies, plans, designs, drawings, specifications and contract documents, as well as other documents, prepared in the course of practicing architecture or landscape architecture.

The practice of architecture does not include the practice of landscape architecture as defined in this chapter. A licensed architect may do landscape architectural work as is incidental to the architect's work. [2007, c. 402, Pt. F, §10(AMD).]

B. An architect must meet the qualifications established in this paragraph.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, to be qualified for a license to practice architecture in this State an applicant must submit evidence to the board that the applicant has passed an examination administered by a national council of architectural registration boards or an equivalent examination specified by board rule and:

(a) The applicant has completed a course of study in a school or college of architecture approved by the board, with graduation evidenced by a diploma setting forth a satisfactory degree, and practical experience under the supervision of an experienced architect or architects engaged in the practice of architecture as a profession as prescribed by the board by rule; or

(b) The applicant has training or practical experience, or a combination of both, that in the opinion of the board is fully equivalent to that required in division (a).

(2) An applicant for licensure as an architect in this State who has a current and valid license from another jurisdiction and a certificate from a national council of architectural registration boards or other organization approved by the board may offer to render architectural services in this State prior to licensure by the board if the applicant first notifies the board in writing that the applicant will be present in this State to offer to render architectural services. The applicant may not render architectural services until duly licensed by the board. [2015, c. 414, §1(AMD).]

C. [2013, c. 217, Pt. C, §1(RP).]

[2015, c. 414, §1(AMD).]

2.Landscape architects. Landscape architects are subject to the provisions of this section.

A. A person may not use the title "landscape architect" or profess to be a landscape architect or sign drawings or specifications as a landscape architect unless that person is duly licensed by the board.

As used in this chapter, the practice of landscape architecture consists of rendering or offering to render services to clients by consultations, investigations, technical submissions and administration of construction contracts for the purposes of public land development and enhancement projects involving site vehicular access and circulation, multi-vehicle parking areas, grading and drainage of such ways and areas and site grading that results in drainage flows that exceed the previously existing drainage capacity, when such project submissions require the stamp or seal of a licensed professional for permit or approval by a municipal land ordinance, site plan ordinance, zoning ordinance or state land development law. These services must apply artistic and scientific principles to the research, planning, design and management of both natural and built environments.

Practitioners of landscape architecture may collaborate in the design of buildings, roads, bridges and other structures with respect to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the landscape in which they are to be placed.

The practice of landscape architecture does not include the practice of architecture as defined in this chapter. A licensed landscape architect may do such architectural work as is incidental to the landscape architect's work.

A person licensed as a landscape architect pursuant to this subsection is entitled to practice within the scope of that person's knowledge, skill and abilities. This subsection may not be construed to affect or prevent the practice of architecture, engineering or any other legally recognized profession. [2007, c. 390, §1(RPR).]

B. A landscape architect must meet the qualifications established in this paragraph.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, to be qualified for a license to practice landscape architecture in this State, an applicant must submit evidence to the board that the applicant has passed an examination administered by a national council of landscape architectural registration boards or an equivalent examination specified by board rule and:

(a) The applicant has completed a course of study in a school or college of landscape architecture approved by the board, with graduation evidenced by a diploma setting forth a satisfactory degree, and practical experience in landscape architectural work as prescribed by the board by rule; or

(b) The applicant has training or practical experience, or a combination of both, that in the opinion of the board is fully equivalent to that required in division (a).

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

(2) An applicant for licensure as a landscape architect in this State who has a current and valid license from another jurisdiction and a certificate from a recognized council of landscape architectural registration boards may offer to render landscape architectural services in the State prior to licensure by the board as long as the applicant first notifies the board in writing that the applicant will be present in the State to offer to render landscape architectural services. The applicant may not render landscape architectural services until duly licensed by the board.

(3) An applicant for renewal of a license issued pursuant to this section shall submit evidence that the applicant meets the qualifications established by the board. [2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §16(RPR).]

C. [2013, c. 217, Pt. C, §2(RP).]

[2013, c. 217, Pt. C, §2(AMD).]

32 M.R.S. § 220

Amended by 2024, c. 548,§ 1, eff. 3/19/2024.

Amended by 2016, c. 414,§ 1, eff. 3/29/2016.

Amended by 2013, c. 217,§§ C-1 and C-2, eff. 10/9/2013.

1977, c. 463, § 3 (NEW) . 1977, c. 564, §§118I,118J (AMD) . 1987, c. 395, §A115 (AMD) . RR 1991, c. 1, § 44 (COR) . 1991, c. 396, § 11 (AMD) . 1991, c. 824, §§A63,64 (AMD) . 2007, c. 390, § 1 (AMD) . 2007, c. 402, Pt. F, §§10-12 (AMD) . 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §16 (AMD) .