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WHAT'S YOUR TITLE?

Delaware statutes prohibit a person who is not licensed as an architect from not only practicing or offering to practice architecture in the state, but also from otherwise holding oneself out to the public as being an architect, or use in connection with the person’s name, or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description intending to convey the impress that the person s an architect. 

Delaware Code, Title 24, Section 303(a) states, in part, that: “No person shall engage in the practice of architecture in this State or otherwise hold oneself out to the public as being an architect, or use in connection with the person's name, or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description intending to convey the impression that the person is an architect, unless such person has a certificate of registration.”  This consistently has been interpreted to prohibit an unlicensed individual from holding themselves out as a "residential architect", "interior architect" or "architectural designer" and from using similar titles that include "architect" or derivative terms such as "architectural".

There are certain titles allowed by the state of Delaware, "Architectural Associate" is not one of them.

"Architectural Intern" Title
The appropriate term to describe individuals working to gain qualifying experience to become an architect has generated a great deal of attention.

  • The AIA supports the title of “intern” for students who are working in an architectural office while actively pursuing architecture degrees in programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), or studying in pre-professional programs.

    AIA supports the title of “Architectural Associate” or “Design Professional” for those who 1) have earned a degree from a program accredited by NAAB, or who have met education / experience requirements in their jurisdiction AND 2) are participating in the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ Architectural Experience Program or are meeting their jurisdictions’ experience requirements.

  • The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has announced an initiative to sunset the usage of the term “intern” as a way to describe those who are working to become architects versus those who are already licensed architects and to work with U.S. licensing boards and the architect community to implement the recommendations of its Future Title Task Force: restrict regulatory language to post-licensure status only and remove use of “intern” terminology.

However, in Delaware, according to Architecture statute (law) section 303(b)(15), individuals currently employed under the responsible control of an architect, and who maintain in good standing a NCARB record may use the title "intern architect” or “architectural intern" in conjunction with the person’s current employment.

Firms are encouraged to ensure that titles used in business and on business/marketing collateral comply with state statutes and related administrative rules.  In Delaware, only registered architects may use the title "architect".  Titles for individuals pursuing licensure other than "intern architect” or “architectural intern " that include "architect" or "architectural," such as "architectural designer," "architectural associate" or "architectural technician" are not permitted by state law.

Helpful Links:
                Delaware Architecture Statute (license law)
                Delaware Architecture Rules & Regulations

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