The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners is the state agency responsible for regulating the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design in Texas. The agency protects public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that licensed professionals meet established standards of competence and ethical practice.
TBAE oversees examinations, registration, continuing education, and compliance enforcement across these regulated fields, and professionals facing disciplinary issues often seek guidance from an architect license defense lawyer to help protect their credentials and respond to Board actions.
Mission of TBAE
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners’ mission is to ensure a safe built environment for Texans by regulating architects, landscape architects, and registered interior designers.
Scope of Regulation
TBAE licenses and regulates architects, landscape architects, and registered interior designers throughout the state. The agency evaluates qualifications, monitors compliance, and enforces state laws and professional rules that govern these professions.
Key Functions
- Administers examinations and registration for new professionals
- Enforces professional standards, rules, and disciplinary actions
- Oversees continuing education requirements for license renewal
- Reviews and registers architectural firms and related businesses
History of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
The agency was established in 1937 following the New London School explosion, which heightened the need for oversight of design professionals. TBAE originally regulated architects and the use of the title “architect.” In 1979, it merged with the Texas State Board of Landscape Architects and assumed responsibility for regulating landscape architects and interior designers.
Funding Structure
TBAE operates as a Self Directed Semi Independent agency. It is primarily funded through registration and renewal fees collected from regulated professionals, allowing financial independence from general state appropriations.
TBAE Disciplinary Actions
TBAE enforces professional standards through several types of disciplinary actions, including:
- Administrative penalties, often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars
- Suspension or revocation of a license for serious or repeated violations
- Formal reprimands or letters of admonition
- Required completion of additional continuing education hours
- Referral for injunctive or criminal action in cases involving unlicensed practice or serious misconduct
Common Violations
Examples of violations commonly addressed by TBAE include:
- Falsely certifying completion of required continuing education
- Failure to keep continuing education records for the required five years
- Unauthorized or improper use of an architectural seal
- Practicing or advertising architectural or interior design services without proper registration
- Failing to deliver contracted services or engaging in dishonest conduct
- Not responding to Board inquiries within the required 30-day timeframe
- Failure to submit plans for the required accessibility review by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Complaints Handled by TBAE
TBAE investigates complaints involving violations of the laws and rules that govern architects, landscape architects, and registered interior designers. The agency does not handle contractual disputes, fee disagreements, or matters involving financial damages. Its jurisdiction focuses on professional conduct, lawful practice, and compliance with state regulations.
Clients, consumers, and other parties may file complaints when they believe a regulated professional has violated these standards. TBAE reviews each complaint, conducts investigations when appropriate, and administers disciplinary actions when violations are confirmed.
Helpful Links and Resources for Texas Architects and Designers
- What Professionals Does the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners Regulate? – overview of the professionals regulated by TBAE.
- Facing a Complaint Before the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners – guidance on handling complaints against your license.
- Disciplinary Proceedings Before the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners – explains the disciplinary process and hearings.
- Complaint Process Against Texas Architects – steps the Board takes when a complaint is filed.
- Sanctions That Architects May Face in Disciplinary Proceedings – possible penalties for license violations.
- Typical Reasons Architectural License Disputes & Investigations Occur – common causes of investigations and disputes.
- Complaint Against Your Texas Architecture License? – practical steps if facing a complaint.
Bertolino LLP’s Role in Defending Texas Architects
Bertolino LLP represents architects, interior designers, and other professionals regulated by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. Our attorneys help clients navigate complaints, disciplinary proceedings, and licensing issues to protect their careers and reputations. Call us today at (512) 476-5757 to schedule a consultation.
