The Architect’s Seal: An Ethical and Legal Obligation

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Some of the most common disciplinary actions against architects consist of those related to the use of the architect’s seal. In these case studies, we review the legal requirements and ethical considerations related to the use of the architect’s seal, responsible control, the boundaries between architecture and other disciplines, and interstate practice.

Want free access to this and other NCARB courses? The NCARB Continuum Education Program offers free HSW CE courses to licensure candidates and architects who hold a current NCARB Certificate, which can be accessed through their NCARB record. Renew your NCARB Certificate, or get NCARB Certified.

Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:

Define “responsible control” and relate this to public safety.
Explain the term “plan stamping” and give examples from the four scenarios.
Describe how ethical infractions in these case studies may impact the safety and security of building occupants.
Describe the applicable Model Rules of Conduct (NCARB 2018) for each of these case studies and describe how they protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

Approximately 1 hour. Delivered online, at your own pace.

Presented by Stephanie V. Hopkins, Leigh Jaunsen, Scott Harm, and Ian Nicholson on behalf of National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. View the Privacy Policy .

Presenter Information

Name: Stephanie V. Hopkins, Leigh Jaunsen, Scott Harm, and Ian Nicholson

Title: Contributing Authors, NCARB Continuing Education Committee

Background:

Stephanie Hopkins is a public member of the Maryland Board of Architects. Stephanie is retired from 47 years of public service in the fields of law and criminal justice. She also serves on the Judicial Nominations Committee for Baltimore City.

Leigh Jaunsen Leigh Jaunsen is managing partner of Dale Partners Architects, PA, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She is responsible for the overall management of the firm, including all design, administrative, and technical services, and she serves as partner-in-charge on many projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond. Leigh received her Bachelor of Science in architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Leigh is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a LEED AP® specializing in building design and construction; she also serves as a member of the Mississippi State Board of Architecture. Leigh is a Gulf Coast Business Council member and past president of the Ocean Springs Rotary Club. In 2015, the Mississippi Business Journal recognized Leigh as one of the Top 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi.

Scott E. Harm was appointed board member of the Washington State Board of Architects in 2013 with a current term scheduled to expire in June of 2025. Mr. Harm is an active license holder in 17 jurisdictions across the country and is the current vice-chair of his local community planning commission. Mr. Harm is an active member in NCARB and recently completed a term as the chair of the Western Council of Architectural Registration Boards (WCARB) Region 6 of the larger NCARB organization. Mr. Harm is employed as an architect and program manager for a publicly traded global architectural and engineering firm and practices architecture from the Tacoma, Washington, area of the country.

Ian Nicholson is an adjunct assistant professor in the real estate program at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP), where he has been teaching since 2019 with a focus on the intersections and overlaps between architecture, development, sustainability, and revitalization. Ian is currently a senior consultant on the Cities team at Buro Happold. In this role, Ian primarily works on early-stage strategy and visioning for economic development and recreation projects throughout upstate New York under the Reimagine the Canals program, a $300-million, 5-year program being implemented by the New York Power Authority and New York Canal Corporation to reinvigorate the historic Erie Canal and the many communities along it. Before joining Buro Happold, Ian practiced architecture at small firms in New York City and the Hudson Valley, working primarily on custom residential projects, including a house designed to Living Building standards in Cold Spring. Ian is a licensed architect in the state of New York and holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University and a Master of Science degree in real estate development from Columbia GSAPP.

This course is registered with: 6 Industry Association(s)