Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized. PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers in 1919 for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the activities of persons engaged in the architectural profession. The legislation was updated in 1992 to include licensure for interior designers. In order to carry out its charge, the Board has the authority to adopt rules, set standards for licensure, adopt mandatory standards of professional conduct, and investigate and discipline unauthorized, negligent or incompetent practice. The Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers consists of nine members: six registered architects, two registered interior designers, and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times per year for regular business. Board meetings are open to the public with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/architects/. |
2009 Meetings: |
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| The Board Meets at the Professional Licensing Boards, Macon | |
Board Members: Anne K. Smith, Registered Architect |
Board Staff: Tanja Battle |
Number of Active Licensees: Registered Architect: 5,705 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers August: The Board voted to approve the issuance of 10 Registered Interior Designer licenses, 63 Registered Architect licenses by examination, 60 Registered Architect licenses by reciprocity, the reinstatement of four Registered Interior Designer licenses and 19 Registered Architect licenses, and the renewal of six Registered Architect licenses and one Registered Interior Designer license. The Board also voted to place 15 applications for an architectural license on inactive status. The Board voted to deny two applications for reinstatement of an expired Registered Architect license and the renewal of one Registered Architect license. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: Registered Architect – June 30 of odd numbered years It is illegal to work as an architect with an expired license or to claim to be a registered interior designer without a current license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The Board resolved a number of disciplinary issues this year, including unlicensed practice and violation of a consent order. Addressing these issues on a case-by-case basis, the Board takes these matters very seriously and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Architect and Interior Design Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/architects/. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-4 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19. State laws and Board rules may be found on our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/architects/ . |
Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers Complaints Process Information: The Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers, whose members are appointed by the Governor, has the responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-4. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or be submitted on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence to indicate a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rule. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |