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 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.

  • All partners, stockholders, directors, officers and/or owners of an architectural firm must be registered architects, landscape architects or engineers in their state of residence. See section 73-1-19 and rule 3.2.1.
  • At least one person with an ownership interest in the firm or business must be a licensed architect in Mississippi. See section 73-1-19 and rule 3.2.1.
  • If landscape architects hold ownership interest in the firm, at least two-thirds (2/3) of those with ownership interest in the firm must be registered architects and engineers and no more than one-third (1/3) of the individual or collective ownership interest of the firm may be owned by the landscape architect(s).
  • Unless the firm name contains the name of at least one person who holds an active Mississippi license to practice architecture, the name of at least one person licensed in Mississippi to practice architecture must be disclosed on any announcement, stationery, printed matter, contract, title block or listing (for example: ABC Architects, John Doe, Architect). See rule 3.2.3.
  • Use of the plural “architects” in a firm or business name is restricted to firms employing more than one actively licensed architect. See rule 3.2.13.

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. Businesses and firms must also provide documents to verify that the firm ownership is compliant. 

Business & Firm Verification Form

Architect Business/Firm Ownership and Structure Requirements