Va. Code Ann. tit. 54.1, ch. 4

Va. Code Ann. tit. 54.1, ch. 4
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-400 Definitions

As used in this chapter unless the context requires a different meaning: "Architect" means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences, and the principles of architecture and architectural design, acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as an architect. The "practice of architecture" means any service wherein the principles and methods of architecture are applied, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design, and includes the responsible administration of construction contracts, in connection with any private or public buildings, structures or projects, or the related equipment or accessories. "Board" means the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. "Certified interior designer" means a design professional who meets the criteria of education, experience, and testing in the rendering of interior design services established by the Board through certification as an interior designer. "Improvements to real property" means any valuable addition or amelioration made to land and generally whatever is erected on or affixed to land which is intended to enhance its value, beauty or utility, or adapt it to new or further purposes. Examples of improvements to real property include, but are not limited to, structures, buildings, machinery, equipment, electrical systems, mechanical systems, roads, and water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems. "Interior design" by a certified interior designer means any service rendered wherein the principles and methodology of interior design are applied in connection with the identification, research, and creative solution of problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. Such services relative to interior spaces shall include the preparation of documents for nonload-bearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. "Land surveyor" means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the several sciences and of the principles of land surveying, and of the planning and design of land developments acquired by practical experience and formal education, is qualified to engage in the practice of land surveying, and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a land surveyor. The "practice of land surveying" includes surveying of areas for a determination or correction, a description, the establishment or reestablishment of internal and external land boundaries, or the determination of topography, contours or location of physical improvements, and also includes the planning of land and subdivisions thereof. The term "planning of land and subdivisions thereof" shall include, but not be limited to, the preparation of incidental plans and profiles for roads, streets and sidewalks, grading, drainage on the surface, culverts and erosion control measures, with reference to existing state or local standards. "Landscape architect" means a person who, by reason of his special knowledge of natural, physical and mathematical sciences, and the principles and methodology of landscape architecture and landscape architectural design acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the practice of landscape architecture and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a landscape architect. The "practice of landscape architecture" by a licensed landscape architect means any service wherein the principles and methodology of landscape architecture are applied in consultation, evaluation, planning (including the preparation and filing of sketches, drawings, plans and specifications) and responsible supervision or administration of contracts relative to projects principally directed at the functional and aesthetic use of land. "Professional engineer" means a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a professional engineer. The "practice of engineering" means any service wherein the principles and methods of engineering are applied to, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas: consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines, equipment, processes, transportation systems and work systems, including responsible administration of construction contracts. The term "practice of engineering" shall not include the service or maintenance of existing electrical or mechanical systems. "Residential wastewater" means sewage (i) generated by residential or accessory uses, not containing storm water or industrial influent, and having no other toxic, or hazardous constituents not routinely found in residential wastewater flows, or (ii) as certified by a professional engineer. "Responsible charge" means the direct control and supervision of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or land surveying. 1970, c. 671, § 54-17.1; 1974, c. 534; 1980, c. 757; 1982, c. 590; 1984, c. 437; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 512; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 1998, c. 27 ; 2008, c. 68 ; 2009, c. 309 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-401 Exemptions

The following shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter: 1. Practice of professional engineering and land surveying by a licensed architect when such practice is incidental to what may be properly considered an architectural undertaking. 2. Practice of architecture and land surveying by a licensed professional engineer when such practice is incidental to an engineering project. 3. Practice as a professional engineer, architect or landscape architect in this Commonwealth by any person not a resident of and having no established place of business in this Commonwealth, or by any person resident in this Commonwealth whose arrival is recent, provided that such person is otherwise qualified for such professional service in another state or country and qualifies in Virginia and files prior to commencement of such practice an application, with the required fee, for licensure as a professional engineer, architect or landscape architect. The exemption shall continue until the Board has had sufficient time to consider the application and grant or deny licensure or certification. 4. Engaging in the practice of professional engineering as an employee under a licensed professional engineer, engaging in the practice of architecture as an employee under a licensed architect, engaging in the practice of landscape architecture as an employee under a licensed landscape architect, or engaging in the practice of land surveying as an employee under a licensed land surveyor; provided, that such practice shall not include responsible charge of design or supervision. 5. Practice of professional engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, or land surveying solely as an employee of the United States. However, the employee shall not be exempt from other provisions of this chapter if he furnishes advisory service for compensation to the public in connection with engineering, architectural, landscape architecture, or land surveying matters. 6. Practice of architecture or professional engineering by an individual, firm or corporation on property owned or leased by such individual, firm or corporation, unless the public health or safety is involved. 7. Except as provided by regulations promulgated by the State Corporation Commission pursuant to § 56-257.2:1 , the practice of engineering solely as an employee of a corporation engaged in interstate commerce, or as an employee of a public service corporation, by rendering such corporation engineering service in connection with its facilities which are subject to regulation by the State Corporation Commission, provided that corporation employees who furnish advisory service to the public in connection with engineering matters other than in connection with such employment shall not be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Code 1950, § 54-37; 1968, c. 77; 1980, c. 757; 1988, c. 765; 1992, cc. 595, 780, 783; 2009, c. 309 ; 2020, c. 822 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-402 Further exemptions from license requirements for architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors

A. No license as an architect or professional engineer shall be required pursuant to § 54.1-406 for persons who prepare plans, specifications, documents, and designs for the following, provided any such plans, specifications, documents, or designs bear the name and address of the author and his occupation: 1. Single- and two-family homes, townhouses, and multifamily dwellings, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, not exceeding three stories; or 2. All farm structures used primarily in the production, handling, or storage of agricultural products or implements, including structures used for the handling, processing, housing, or storage of crops, feeds, supplies, equipment, animals, or poultry; or 3. Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as business (Use Group B) and mercantile (Use Group M), as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) and churches with an occupant load of 100 or less, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 5,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or 4. Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as factory and industrial (Use Group F) and storage (Use Group S) as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.), excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 15,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or 5. Additions, remodeling, or interior design without a change in occupancy or occupancy load and without modification to the structural system or a change in access or exit patterns or increase in fire hazard; or 6. Electric installations which comply with all applicable codes and which do not exceed 600 volts and 800 amps, where work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master's level electrician or Class A electrical contractor by written examination, and where such installation is not contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any of the following categories: a. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons; b. Use Group A-3, except churches; c. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or 7. Plumbing and mechanical systems using packaged mechanical equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design which has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, which comply with all applicable codes. These mechanical systems shall not exceed gauge pressures of 125 pounds per square inch, other than refrigeration, or temperatures other than flue gas of 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) where such work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master's level plumber, master's level heating, air conditioning and ventilating worker, or Class A contractor in those specialties by written examination. In addition, such installation may not be contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any structure which is defined as to its use in any of the following categories: a. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons; b. Use Group A-3, except churches; c. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or 8. The preparation of shop drawings, field drawings, and specifications for components by a contractor who will supervise the installation and where the shop drawings and specifications (i) will be reviewed by the licensed professional engineer or architect responsible for the project or (ii) are otherwise exempted; or 9. Buildings, structures, or electrical and mechanical installations which are not otherwise exempted but which are of standard design, provided they bear the certification of a professional engineer or architect registered or licensed in another state, and provided that the design is adapted for the specific location and for conformity with local codes, ordinances, and regulations, and is so certified by a professional engineer or architect licensed in Virginia; or 10. Construction by a state agency or political subdivision not exceeding $75,000 in value keyed to the January 1, 1991, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and not otherwise requiring a licensed architect, engineer, or land surveyor by an adopted code and maintenance by that state agency or political subdivision of water distribution, sewage collection, storm drainage systems, sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, culverts, and other facilities normally and customarily constructed and maintained by the public works department of the state agency or political subdivision; or 11. Conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems receiving residential wastewater, under the authority of Chapter 6 (§ 32.1-163 et seq.) of Title 32.1, designed by a licensed onsite soil evaluator, which utilize packaged equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design that has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, and complies with all applicable codes, provided (i) the flow is less than 1,000 gallons per day; and (ii) if a pump is included, (a) it shall not include multiple downhill runs and must terminate at a positive elevational change; (b) the discharge end is open and not pressurized; (c) the static head does not exceed 50 feet; and (d) the force main length does not exceed 500 feet. B. No person shall be exempt from licensure as an architect or engineer who engages in the preparation of plans, specifications, documents, or designs for: 1. Any unique design of structural elements for floors, walls, roofs, or foundations; or 2. Any building or structure classified with respect to its use as high hazard (Use Group H). C. Persons utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology shall not be required to be licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 to: (i) determine topography or contours, or to depict physical improvements, provided such maps or other documents shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination, or (ii) graphically show existing property lines and boundaries on maps or other documents provided such depicted property lines and boundaries shall only be used for general information. Any determination of topography or contours, or depiction of physical improvements, utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology by persons not licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to § 54.1-406 shall not show any property monumentation or property metes and bounds, nor provide any measurement showing the relationship of any physical improvements to any property line or boundary. Any person not licensed pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 preparing documentation pursuant to subsection C of § 54.1-402 shall note the following on such documentation: "Any determination of topography or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination." D. Terms used in this section, and not otherwise defined in this chapter, shall have the meanings provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) in effect on July 1, 1982, including any subsequent amendments. 1982, c. 590, § 54-37.1; 1988, cc. 294, 765; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 2005, cc. 359 , 440 ; 2008, c. 68 ; 2026, c. 460 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-402.1 State and local government employees

A. The chief administrative officer of any agency of the Commonwealth or political subdivision thereof employing persons engaged in the practice of engineering, architecture, or land surveying as regular, full-time, salaried employees shall have the authority and responsibility to determine the engineering, architecture, and land surveying positions which have responsible charge of engineering, architectural, or land surveying decisions. B. Notwithstanding these provisions, any state agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth unable to employ a qualified licensed engineer, architect, or land surveyor to fill a responsible charge position, after a reasonable and unsuccessful search, may fill the position with an unlicensed person upon the determination by the chief administrative officer of the agency or political subdivision that the person, by virtue of education, experience, and expertise, can perform the work required of the position. 1992, cc. 780, 783; 1994, c. 379 ; 2026, c. 460 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-402.2 Cease and desist orders for unlicensed activity; civil penalty

A. Notwithstanding § 54.1-111 , the Board may issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from (i) practicing or offering to practice as an architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, or landscape architect when such person is not licensed or registered by the Board in accordance with this chapter or (ii) holding himself out as a certified interior designer when such person is not certified or registered by the Board in accordance with this chapter. The order shall be effective upon its entry and shall become final unless such person files an appeal with the Board in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) within 21 days of the date of entry of the order. B. If the person fails to cease and desist the unlicensed, uncertified, or unregistered activity after entry of an order in accordance with subsection A, the Board may refer the matter for enforcement pursuant to § 54.1-306 . C. Any person engaging in unlicensed, uncertified, or unregistered activity shall be subject to further proceedings before the Board and the Board may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500. Any penalties collected under this section shall be paid to the Literary Fund after deduction of the administrative costs of the Board in furtherance of this section. D. Nothing contained in this section shall apply to any person engaged in activity exempted from the provisions of this chapter. 2007, c. 618 ; 2009, c. 309 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-403 Board members and officers; quorum

The Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects shall be composed of 15 members as follows: three architects, three professional engineers, three land surveyors, two landscape architects, two certified interior designers, and two nonlegislative citizen members. Except for the nonlegislative citizen members appointed in accordance with § 54.1-107 , Board members shall have actively practiced or taught their professions for at least 10 years prior to their appointments. The terms of Board members shall be four years. The Board shall elect a president and vice-president from its membership. Nine Board members, consisting of at least one engineer, one architect, one land surveyor, one landscape architect, one interior designer, and one nonlegislative citizen member, shall constitute a quorum. Code 1950, §§ 54-19, 54-22, 54-23; 1980, c. 757, § 54-18.1; 1981, c. 447; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 1990, c. 512; 1991, c. 291; 1998, c. 27 ; 2009, c. 309 ; 2010, c. 91 ; 2018, c. 824 ; 2024, c. 383 ; 2026, c. 454 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-404 Regulations; code of professional practice and conduct

A. The Board shall promulgate regulations not inconsistent with this chapter governing its own organization, the professional qualifications of applicants, the requirements necessary for passing examinations in whole or in part, the proper conduct of its examinations, the implementation of exemptions from license requirements, and the proper discharge of its duties. B. The Board may impose different licensure requirements for a limited area of the practice of land surveying for persons who determine topography, contours, or depiction of physical improvements utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology who are not otherwise exempt pursuant to subsection C of § 54.1-402 . Any such requirements shall include reasonable provisions for licensure without examination of persons deemed by the Board to be qualified to provide photogrammetric and remote sensing surveying services. Any license issued pursuant to this subsection shall be distinctive, reflecting the limited area of the practice of land surveying so authorized, and considered as a land surveyor and the practice of land surveying for the purposes of §§ 13.1-549 , 13.1-1111 , 54.1-402 , 54.1-405 , 54.1-406 and 54.1-411 . Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize a person issued a limited license pursuant to this subsection to practice beyond such limited area of practice. The establishment of any such limited license shall not prohibit any duly qualified land surveyor licensed pursuant to § 54.1-400 from engaging in any such limited area of practice. C. The regulations may include a code of professional practice and conduct, the provisions of which shall serve any or all of the following purposes: 1. The protection of the public health, safety and welfare; 2. The maintenance of standards of objectivity, truthfulness and reliability in public statements by professionals; 3. The avoidance by professionals of conflicts of interests; 4. The prohibition of solicitation or acceptance of work by professionals on any basis other than their qualifications for the work offered; 5. The restriction by the professional in the conduct of his professional activity from association with any person engaging in illegal or dishonest activities; or 6. The limitation of professional service to the area of competence of each professional. Code 1950, § 54-25; 1974, c. 459; 1982, c. 590; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 359 , 440 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-404.2 Continuing education

A. The Board shall promulgate regulations governing continuing education requirements for architects, professional engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects licensed by the Board. Such regulations shall require the completion of the equivalent of 16 hours per biennium of Board-approved continuing education activities as a prerequisite to the renewal or reinstatement of a license issued to an architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, or landscape architect. The Board shall establish criteria for continuing education activities including, but not limited to (i) content and subject matter; (ii) curriculum; (iii) standards and procedures for the approval of activities, courses, sponsors, and instructors; (iv) methods of instruction for continuing education courses; and (v) the computation of course credit. B. The Board may grant exemptions or waive or reduce the number of continuing education hours required in cases of certified illness or undue hardship. 2006, c. 683 ; 2009, c. 309 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-405 (Effective until July 1, 2026) Examinations and issuance of licenses and certificates

A. The Board shall hold at least one examination each year at times and locations designated by the Board. A license to practice as a professional engineer, an architect, a land surveyor, or a landscape architect shall be issued to every applicant who complies with the requirements of this chapter and the regulations of the Board. A license shall be valid during the life of the holder unless revoked or suspended by the Board. A license holder must register with the Board to practice in the Commonwealth. B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 54.1-111 , a license holder who has retired from practice may use the designation granted by such license, followed by the word "emeritus," without possessing a current registration from the Board provided (i) the license has not been revoked or suspended by the Board and (ii) the license holder does not practice or offer to practice architecture, engineering, land surveying, or landscape architecture. Code 1950, § 54-26; 1974, c. 534; 1980, c. 757; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 613; 1994, c. 29 ; 2009, c. 309 ; 2010, c. 612 ; 2024, c. 383 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-406 License required

A. Unless exempted by § 54.1-401 , 54.1-402 , or 54.1-402.1 , a person shall hold a valid license prior to engaging in the practice of architecture or engineering which includes design, consultation, evaluation, or analysis and involves proposed or existing improvements to real property. Unless exempted by § 54.1-401 , 54.1-402 , or 54.1-402.1 , a person shall hold a valid license prior to engaging in the practice of land surveying. B. Unless exempted by § 54.1-402 , any person or business entity offering to practice architecture, engineering, or land surveying without being registered or licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, shall be subject to the provisions of § 54.1-111 . C. Any person or business entity which is not licensed or registered to practice in accordance with this chapter and which advertises or promotes through the use of the words "architecture," "engineering," or "land surveying" or any modification or derivative thereof in its name or description of its business activity in a manner that indicates or implies that it practices or offers to practice architecture, engineering, or land surveying shall be subject to the provisions of § 54.1-111 . D. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a contractor who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) shall not be required to be licensed or registered to practice in accordance with this chapter when bidding upon or negotiating design-build contracts or performing services other than architectural, engineering, or land surveying services under a design-build contract. The architectural, engineering, or land surveying services offered or rendered in connection with such contracts shall only be rendered by an architect, professional engineer, or land surveyor licensed in accordance with this chapter. 1979, c. 408, § 54-26.1; 1982, c. 590; 1984, c. 470; 1988, c. 765; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 1994, c. 784 ; 1996, c. 329 ; 2004, c. 191 ; 2005, cc. 359 , 440 ; 2010, c. 91 ; 2026, c. 460 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-406.1 Alternative to education requirement for licensure of architects

A. The Board shall adopt regulations establishing work and education experience equivalencies that shall provide an alternative to the requirement of a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) pursuant to 18VAC10-20-110. In establishing an alternative pathway to a NAAB-accredited degree, the Board shall require a minimum of 10 years of qualifying work experience, education experience, or combination of work and education experience. B. In establishing qualifying work and education experience under this section, the Board shall adopt regulations establishing a credit system to account for varying degrees of work and education experience and such credit system shall be based on the applicability of such work or education experience to the practice of architecture. C. The Board shall develop requirements for applicants seeking licensure to certify work and education experience on an annual basis. 2025, cc. 534 , 541 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-407 Land surveying

Notwithstanding the provisions of any regulation promulgated by the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects, a land surveyor shall not be required by Board regulations to set corner monumentation or perform a boundary survey on any property when (i) corner monumentation has been set or is otherwise required to be set pursuant to the provisions of a local subdivision ordinance as mandated by § 15.2-2240 or subdivision 7 of § 15.2-2241 , or where the placing of such monumentation is covered by a surety bond, cash escrow, set-aside letter, letter of credit, or other performance guaranty, or (ii) the purpose of the survey is to determine the location of the physical improvements on the said property only, if the prospective mortgagor or legal agent ordering the survey agrees in writing that such corner monumentation shall not be provided in connection with any such physical improvements survey. The provisions of this section shall apply only to property located within the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Stafford; and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park. 1986, c. 531, § 54-25.1; 1988, cc. 271, 765; 1998, c. 27 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-408 Practice of land surveying; subdivisions

In addition to the work defined in § 54.1-400 , a land surveyor may, for subdivisions, site plans and plans of development only, prepare plats, plans and profiles for roads, storm drainage systems, sanitary sewer extensions, and water line extensions, and may perform other engineering incidental to such work, but excluding the design of pressure hydraulic, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. The work included in this section shall involve the use and application of standards prescribed by local or state authorities. The land surveyor shall pass an examination given by the Board in addition to that required for the licensing of land surveyors as defined in § 54.1-400 . Any land surveyor previously licensed pursuant to subdivision (3) (b) of former § 54-17.1 may continue to do the work herein described without further examination. Except as provided, nothing contained herein or in the definition of "practice of land surveying" in § 54.1-400 shall be construed to include engineering design and the preparation of plans and specifications for construction. 1970, c. 671, § 54-17.1; 1974, c. 534; 1980, c. 757; 1982, c. 590; 1984, c. 437; 1988, c. 765.

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-409 Practice of landscape architecture; license required

A. Beginning July 1, 2010, a person who engages in the practice of landscape architecture as defined in § 54.1-400 and who holds himself out as a landscape architect shall hold a valid license prior to engaging in such practice. Resulting site plans, plans of development, preliminary plats, drawings, technical reports, and specifications, submitted under the seal, stamp or certification of a licensed landscape architect, shall be accepted for review by local and state authorities, in connection with both public and private projects. However, no landscape architect, unless he is also licensed as a land surveyor, shall provide boundary surveys, plats or descriptions for any purpose, except in conjunction with or under the supervision of an appropriately licensed professional, who shall provide certification, as required. Landscape architects shall only engage in projects which they are qualified to undertake based on education, training, and examination and in accordance with the practice of landscape architecture as defined in § 54.1-400 . Any person who (i) holds a valid certification as a landscape architect issued by the Board on June 30, 2010, and (ii) is a Virginia-certified landscape architect in good standing with the Board, shall be licensed to practice landscape architecture as of July 1, 2010. B. Nothing contained herein or in the definition of "practice of landscape architecture" or in the definition of "landscape architect" in § 54.1-400 shall be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the right of any architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, nurseryman, landscape designer, landscape contractor, land planner, community planner, landscape gardener, golf course designer, turf maintenance specialist, irrigation designer, horticulturist, arborist, or any other similar person from engaging in their occupation or the practice of their profession or from rendering any service in connection therewith that is not otherwise proscribed. C. Any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity that is not licensed to practice landscape architecture in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and that advertises or promotes through the use of the words "landscape architecture" or any modification or derivation thereof in its name or description of its business activity in a manner that indicates or implies that it practices or offers to practice landscape architecture as defined in this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of § 54.1-111 . Nothing contained herein or in the definitions of "landscape architect" or "practice of landscape architecture" in § 54.1-400 shall be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the right of any person undertaking the occupations or professions referred in subsection B of this section to engage in their occupation, or the practice of their profession, or from rendering any service in connection therewith that is not otherwise proscribed. D. Any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity offering to practice landscape architecture without being registered or licensed to practice landscape architecture in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, shall be subject to the provisions of § 54.1-111 . Nothing contained herein or in the definitions of "landscape architect" and "practice of landscape architecture" in § 54.1-400 shall be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the right of any person undertaking the occupations or professions referenced in subsection B of this section to engage in their occupation, or the practice of their profession, or from rendering any service in connection therewith that is not otherwise proscribed. 1970, c. 671, § 54-17.1; 1974, c. 534; 1980, c. 757; 1982, c. 590; 1984, c. 437; 1988, c. 765; 2000, c. 990 ; 2006, c. 643 ; 2009, c. 309 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-410 Other building laws not affected; duties of public officials

A. Nothing contained in this chapter or in the regulations of the Board shall be construed to limit the authority of any public official authorized by law to approve plans, specifications or calculations in connection with improvements to real property. This shall include, but shall not be limited to, the authority of officials of local building departments as defined in § 36-97 , to require pursuant to the Uniform Statewide Building Code, state statutes, local ordinances, or code requirements that such work be prepared by a person licensed or certified pursuant to this chapter. B. Any public body authorized by law to require that plans, specifications or calculations be prepared in connection with improvements to real property shall establish a procedure to ensure that such plans, specifications or calculations be prepared by an architect, professional engineer, land surveyor or landscape architect licensed or authorized pursuant to this chapter in any case in which the exemptions contained in §§ 54.1-401 , 54.1-402 or § 54.1-402.1 are not applicable. Drafting of permits, reviewing of plans or inspection of facilities for compliance with an adopted code or standard by any public body or its designated agent shall not require the services of an architect, professional engineer, land surveyor or landscape architect licensed pursuant to this chapter. 1982, c. 590, § 54-37.2; 1988, c. 765; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 1993, c. 662; 2009, c. 309 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-410.1 Prerequisites for obtaining business license

Any architect or professional engineer applying for or renewing a business license in any locality in accordance with Chapter 37 (§ 58.1-3700 et seq.) of Title 58.1 shall furnish prior to the issuance or renewal of such license either (i) satisfactory proof that he is duly licensed under the terms of this chapter or (ii) a written statement, supported by an affidavit, that he is not subject to licensure as an architect or professional engineer pursuant to this chapter. No locality shall issue or renew or allow the issuance or renewal of such license unless the architect or professional engineer has furnished his license number issued pursuant to this chapter or evidence of being exempt from the provisions of this chapter. 2011, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-411 Organization for practice; registration

A. Nothing contained in this chapter or in the regulations of the Board shall prohibit the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture or the offering of the title of certified interior designer by any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or other entity provided such practice or certification is rendered through its officers, principals or employees who are correspondingly licensed or certified. No individual practicing architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, or offering the title of certified interior designer under the provisions of this section shall be relieved of responsibility that may exist for services performed by reason of his employment or other relationship with such entity. No such corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or other entity, or any affiliate thereof, shall, on its behalf or on behalf of any such licensee or certificate holder, nor any licensee or certificate holder, be prohibited from (i) purchasing or maintaining insurance against any such liability; (ii) entering into any indemnification agreement with respect to any such liability; (iii) receiving indemnification as a result of any such liability; or (iv) limiting liability through contract. B. Except for professional corporations holding a certificate of authority issued in accordance with § 13.1-549 , professional limited liability companies holding a certificate of authority issued in accordance with § 13.1-1111 , and sole proprietorships that do not employ other individuals for which licensing is required, any person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity offering or rendering the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture or offering the title of certified interior designer shall register with the Board. As a condition of registration, the entity shall name at least one licensed architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect or certified interior designer for such profession offered or rendered. The person or persons named shall be responsible and have control of the regulated services rendered by the entity. C. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the registration of persons, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, sole proprietors and other entities as required in subsections A and B which: 1. Provide for procedural requirements to obtain and renew registration on a periodic basis; 2. Establish fees for the application and renewal of registration sufficient to cover costs; 3. Assure that regulated services are rendered and controlled by persons authorized to do so; and 4. Ensure that conflicts of interests are disclosed. 1982, c. 590, § 54-37.3; 1983, c. 28; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 574; 2000, c. 763 ; 2009, c. 309 ; 2010, cc. 99 , 206 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-412 Applicability

This chapter shall not be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the right of any uncertified interior designer, architect, engineer, or any other person from rendering any of the services which constitute the practice of interior design; however, no person may hold himself out as, or use the title of, "certified interior designer" unless he has been so certified pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. 1990, c. 512.

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-413 Examination

At least once each year the Board shall arrange for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination or an equivalent examination approved by the Board to be given to qualified applicants for certification as interior designers. 1990, c. 512; 1991, c. 291.

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-414 Issuance of certification; waiver of examination

The Board shall issue a certification to practice as a certified interior designer in the Commonwealth to every applicant who shall have complied with the requirements of this chapter and the regulations of the Board. The certificates shall be signed by at least three members of the Board. The Board shall certify any person who is a graduate of a minimum four-year professional degree program accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, an equivalent accrediting organization or a professional program approved by the Board and who has two years of monitored experience in the performance of interior design services and who has taken and passed the examination for certification as a certified interior designer. The Board, in its discretion, shall determine whether an applicant's professional education and professional experience in the field of interior design are sufficient to establish eligibility for the examination. The Board, in lieu of all examinations, may accept satisfactory evidence of licensing or certification in another state or country or the District of Columbia where (i) the qualifications for such licensure or certification are equal, in the opinion of the Board, to the qualifications required by the provisions of this chapter as of the date of application and (ii) the applicant is the holder of a license or certificate in good standing. Upon receipt of such satisfactory evidence and provided all other such requirements of this chapter are complied with, a certificate shall be issued to such applicant. 1990, c. 512; 1991, c. 291; 1994, c. 625 ; 2000, c. 42.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter4/Fetched: 10/16/2026

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