Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture

Sec. 310. Extension of licenses and registrations; waiver of deadlines.

Notwithstanding any provision of law during, or within 45 days after the end of, a period time for which the Mayor has declared a public health emergency pursuant to section 5a of the District of Columbia Public Emergency Act of 1980, effective October 17, 2002 (D.C. Law 14-194; D.C. Official Code § 7-2304.01), the Mayor, may:

Prospectively or retroactively extend the validity of a license, registration, permit, or authorization, including drivers licenses, vehicle registrations, professional licenses, registrations, and certifications;
Waive the deadlines for filings, and waive fees, fines, and penalties associated with the failure to timely renew a license, registration, permit, or other authorization or to timely submit a filing; or
Extend or waive the deadline by which action is required to be taken by the executive branch of the District government or by which an approval or disapproval is deemed to have occurred based on inaction by the executive branch of the District government.

General Information

The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture regulates the practice of architecture and the practice of interior design and landscape architecture to protect consumers by upholding the District of Columbia Architecture license law, the Interior Design license law, and the Landscape Architecture and Professional Design Firm license law. The Board consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor. Four members are architects, two are interior designers, two are landscape architects, and one is a consumer member. Five members of the Board constitute a quorum. The Board meets every six weeks at 9:30 a.m. at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs located at 1100 4^th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Board meeting minutes are available at www.open-dc.gov..

Applicant

Apply for license

Professional Design Firms

Application – $65.00
License – $110.00
Renewal – $110.00
Late Renewal Fee – $50.00
Reinstatement – $225.00

To apply for a license or access the online portal, please click here.

Please contact a customer service representative at 1(866) 270-9817 if you have any questions or you do not know the email address linked with your license.

Architects Only – In addition to completing an application, you must call National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to request that the credentialing information is forwarded to the board.

Examination
Schedule an examination:
Exams may be scheduled online by clicking here or by phone:

Dial 1 (800) 733-9267
Select Option 1 for government and state exams
Select Option 2 for District of Columbia exams

Click here for PSI Exams Online

Fees

Architects

Application – $65.00
License – $120.00 (up to 2 years)
Renewal – $155.00 (up to 2 years)
Late Renewal Fee – $50.00
Examination/Re-examination – See § 3500.3
Reinstated License – $155.00 (up to 2 years)
Inactive Status – $155.00
Duplicate License – $30.00
Verification of Records – $30.00

Interior Design

Application – $65.00
License – $110.00 (up to 2 years)
Renewal – $120.00 (up to 2 years)
Late Renewal Fee – $50.00
Examination/Re-examination – See § 3500.3
Reinstated License – $120.00 (up to 2 years)
Inactive Status – $120.00
Duplicate License – $30.00
Verification of Records – $30.00

Landscape Architects

Application – $65.00
License – $155.00 (up to 2 years)
Renewal – $ (up to 2 years)
Late Renewal Fee – $50.00
Examination/Re-examination – See § 3500.3
Reinstated License – $120.00 (up to 2 years)
Inactive Status – $155.00
Duplicate License – $30.00
Verification of Records – $30.00

Refund Request

Licensee

Continuing Education Requirements for Architects
The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture mandates a total of 24 professional development units of continuing education to renew your license. Note: This requirement applies to all applicants for the renewal of or a license to practice architecture, except those applicants seeking the first renewal of a license granted by examination. A renewal applicant must submit proof via course certificates or transcripts of having completed 24 hours of credit in approved continuing education programs in health, safety, and welfare subjects during the term of the license (May 1, 2018 – April 30, 2020). To qualify for approval by the Board, a continuing education program must be prepared, offered, administered, or accepted by an entity approved by the American Institute of Architects or accepted by an entity approved by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Renewal and Renewal Cycle

Architecture License Renewal Information
The biennial license renewal deadline for architects is April 30, 2020.

To complete your online renewal, follow the steps below:

Begin the online renewal process here.
Login to the system using your license number and your password.
If you do not know your password; click “Forgot your password?”
Check your e-mail inbox for a link to reset your password (check your Spam/Junk folder).
Once logged in, scroll down to your license type Architect Renewal.
Click “Begin” to start the application.
Answer the screening questions and follow the prompts to upload documents and make payment.
A 2”X2” photo is not required for this renewal cycle.

Interior Design License Renewal Information
Expiration Date: Oct 31^st; Renewal Year: Even

Landscape Architecture License Renewal Information
Expiration Date: April 30^th; Renewal Year: Even

Professional Design Firms License Renewal Information
Expiration Date: April 30^th; Renewal Year: Even

Letter of Certification/License Verification
Request a Letter of License Certification

Consumer

The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture, pursuant to DC Code Section 47-2853.08, is established to “determine the scope of practice, the requirements which an applicant must meet for initial licensure and for renewal of the same, including any continuing education requirements, and shall determine the appropriate level of regulation.” The Board is governed by the Non-Health Related Occupations and Professions Licensure Act of 1998, effective April 20, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-261; D.C. Official Code § 47-2853.01 et seq. (2001).

The Board consists of nine members who reside in the District of Columbia and appointed by the Mayor. Four members must each hold a license as an architect, two members must be licensed as interior designers, two members must be licensed as landscape architects and one member must be a consumer member.

The Board meets every six weeks on Friday and meetings begin at 9:30 am at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs located at 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Board meetings are being held virtually and are open to the public. To access information from previous meetings please visit opendc.gov

Choosing an Architect, Interior Designer or Landscape Architect
The Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture cannot refer or recommend an architect, interior designer, or landscape architect. The public is encouraged to visit the DCAILA licensee search and verify an active license (www.dcra.dc/architects)

Resources
The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture works with other national organizations to aid exam candidates and licensees.

Professional Organizations/Resources

Architects

Interior Design

Landscape Architect

100 4^th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Board meeting minutes are available at www.open-dc.gov.

License Lookup
Need to find the status of a licensee? Click here

File a Complaint
If there are allegations of non-compliance against an architect, interior designer, or landscape architect who are licensed with the DC Board, please file a complaint. The complaint form can be found on the website licensing@dcopla.com. Complaint Forms should be accompanied by all supporting documentation and contact information.

To request information regarding any disciplinary actions, a request must be made with the Freedom of Information (FOIA) Officer.

Calendar

Virtual Meeting Link - TBD

Meeting Dates

February – No meeting
March 12, 2021
April 23, 2021
May – No meeting
June 4, 2021
July 16, 2021
August 27, 2021
September – No meeting
October 1, 2021
November 5, 2021
December – No meeting

Contact Us

Board Members

Ronnie McGhee – Chair, Architect
Cametrick Nesmith – Architect
Melissa Cohen – Architect
Patrick Williams – Architect
Mathilda Cox – Interior Designer
Vacant – Interior Designer
Barbara Jones – Consumer Member
Vacant – Landscape Architect
Vacant – Landscape Architect

To apply for a vacancy, please visit the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments for more information and an application.

Board Staff

Leon Lewis – Executive Director
(202) 442-4345

Avis Pearson – Board Administrator
(202) 442-4343

Stephanie Johnston – Board Assistant
(202) 442-4340

Kevin Cyrus – Education Coordinator
(202) 442-4339

Address: 1100 4^th Street, SW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20024
Email: opla.design@dc.gov

Publication and Resources

2018 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
2016 Annual Report