Architects

​​​​​​​​Congratulations to Kentucky Architects Licensed by Examination!
During the last year, the following individuals were licensed as architects by the Kentucky Board of Architects. They have recently met the requirements of KRS 323 and KAR 201, Chapter 19, specifically 1) a NAAB accredited professional degree from a school or college of architecture, 2) successful completion of the NCARB Architectural Experience Program, and 3) successful passage of the Architect Registration Examination administered by NCARB.

License Renewals

The FY2023-2024 Architect renewal period is now closed. If you did not renew, voluntarily surrender your license, or apply for and received emeritus status by August 30, 2023, your license has been administratively revoked, effective August 31, 2023. If you are not sure of your status you may contact the board office at:

boa.irc@ky.gov​, or by (859)246-2069​

​Architects - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am a licensed architect in another state; how do I acquire my license in Kentucky?

A: You must have an active National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate to request reciprocity with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. To authorize NCARB to transmit your Record, go to MY NCARB and select "Request a Transmittal" to access instructions on transmitting your Record.
 
The KY Board of Architects requires the following when applying for reciprocity:
 
1. Uniform Application – Login to your MY NCARB account and download the application on the NCARB website.
2. Your NCARB Record – Request your Record from NCARB using the online transmittal request.
3. Application Fee of $200.
 
Go to the BOA Payment Portal to upload your completed Uniform Application and pay the $200 Architect Application fee.  Your reciprocity application will be reviewed after we receive your NCARB file.
  
If you cannot access your NCARB account online or need assistance with your request, please contact customerservice@ncarb.org.
 
Q: I have an architectural degree from a college; may I use the word architect in my title?
A: People licensed in Kentucky as Registered Architects (RA) are the only ones who can legally call themselves an architect. Without having a license, one is technically and legally not an architect and cannot use the word architect in a title or description tending to convey the impression that they are an architect.
 
Q: What is the practice of Architecture?
A:
The practice of architecture is the rendering or offering to render certain services in connection with the design and construction of a structure or group of structures which have as their principal purpose human habitation or use, and the utilization of space within and surrounding such structures. The services include planning, providing preliminary studies, designs, drawings and specifications, and administration of construction contracts.
 

Q: What is Contract Administration?
A:
Administration of construction contracts means:

  • Conducting periodic site visits;
  • Reviewing shop drawings and reviewing other submittals required of the contractor by the terms of the construction contract documents;
  • Reporting to the owner any violations of applicable building codes and any substantial deviations from the contract documents that the architect observes; or
  • Reporting to the building official any violations of applicable building codes that the architect observes.

Q: Is a license required before starting a project in Kentucky?
A:
Except as otherwise provided in KRS 323.031 or KRS 323.033, no person shall practice architecture in the Commonwealth of Kentucky without first obtaining a license under the provisions of KRS 323, its purpose being to safeguard the life, health, property and welfare of the public. Further, only persons licensed under KRS 323 may be styled or known as architects in Kentucky, or use any words or letters or assume any titles or description rending to convey the impression that they are architects. This would include erroneous references in proposals or marketing efforts.

Q: What buildings require the services of Architects?
A:
Refer to https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=31484   

Q: What are frequently used abbreviations?
A:
Frequently used abbreviations include:

  • ARE® - Architect Registration Examination®
  • NCARB - National Council for Architectural Registration Boards
  • AXP - Architectural Experience Program (Formally known as IDP - Intern Development Program)
  • CCEH - Continuing Education Hours (Formally known as PDU -Professional Development Unit)
  • KRS - Kentucky Revised Statutes
  • KAR - Kentucky Administrative Regulation
  • NAAB - National Architectural Accrediting Board
  • CID - Kentucky Certified Interior Designer (same as KYCID)
  • IPAL - Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure
  • HSW - Health, Safety, and Welfare (ref: 201 KAR 19:087, Section 1(3))

Q: When is my architectural renewal license due?
A:
June 30 of each calendar year.

Q: How much is my annual renewal fee?
A:
$125 annually

Q: Is continuing education required for architects?
A:
Yes. 12 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) are required as a condition for the annual license renewal. The requirement for the CEH for the annual renewal shall be acquired during the period beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of the previous calendar year. A minimum of 12 CEH shall consist of structured educational activities on relevant topics addressing health, safety, and welfare subjects as referenced in 201 KAR 19:087, Section 1(3).

Q: How do I obtain a list of Architects?
A:
  For a list of Architects, please contact the Board office at (859) 246-2069.

 
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Statutes & Administrative Regulations

KRS (KRS 323)

KAR (201 KAR CHAPTER 19)

Additional Resources

View the roster of Architects by name, city, state, or license number.​​​​

: Architects