Select the appropriate application type for further instructions and applications.
Licensure Required for Practice and Use of the Title
Mississippi has a title act, as well as some aspects of a practice act. An individual cannot offer architectural services, use the title "architect," or practice architecture without first having obtained a license. For strict guidelines on solicitation as an applicant, see rule 2.7.
To obtain licensure in Mississippi, an applicant must meet the requirements of Sections 73-1-13 and/or 73-1-21 of the Architect Registration Act, as well as those outlined in Chapter 2 of the Rules and Regulations.
Individuals can apply for initial licensure after completing the ARE and other registration requirements, or for reciprocal licensure if initial licensure has been granted by another NCARB jurisdiction.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Military Family Freedom Act and the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act, Mississippi shall recognize occupational licenses obtained from other states.
Business Structure and Name Requirements
Architect Business/Firm Ownership and Structure Requirements
The Board does not register firms separately from individuals. However, individual licensees must comply with the provisions of Section 73-1-19 of the Architect Registration Act when practicing through a firm or business entity in this State. Questions regarding firm structure can be best answered by an attorney.
- Business Corporation and LLC - An architect is prohibited from providing or offering architectural services through a business corporation or an LLC (see 73-1-19).
- Allowable Businesses - The only types of businesses through which an architect can lawfully practice in Mississippi are (see rule 3.2.1):
- sole proprietorship (individual)
- professional association (PA)
- professional limited liability corporation (PLLC)
- professional corporation (PC)
- partnership
- Firm Management and Structure - In order for a Mississippi licensed architect to practice through a business entity, each stockholder, member, officer, director, partner and/or manager of that entity must be either a licensed architect or engineer in their state of residence, AND at least one person with ownership must be licensed as an architect in Mississippi (see rule 3.2.1).
- Firm Names - Use of the word "architects" in a firm name is reserved for firms with more than one licensed architect (see rule 3.2.13). Also, a firm name is considered improper if it contains the name or names of individuals who are actively licensed in other jurisdictions if none of the individuals named in the firm name are actively licensed in Mississippi (see rule 3.2.3).
Change in Business or Firm Affiliation
Licensed architects or applicants may change the business name or firm associated with their individual record by completing the Business & Firm Verification Form. Out-of-state firms (PCs, PAs and PLLCs) must also provide documents to verify that the firm type and ownership is compliant.
Business & Firm Verification Form
Architect Business/Firm Ownership and Structure Requirements