South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 3 - Architects
Section 40-3-270. Certificate of authority.

(A) A firm desiring a certificate of authorization shall file with the board an application on forms provided by the board and pay an application fee. Before a certificate of authorization may be issued to an out-of-state business or professional corporation, the corporation must be approved to transact business in this State. A copy of the approved certificate of authority issued by the State must be filed with the board application.
(B) A firm must maintain on file in the board office the name of the individual in full authority and responsible charge and written evidence of authority. Failure to provide accurate and timely information may constitute a violation of this subsection.
(C) For the purpose of this chapter, a sole proprietorship means a business in which one or more registered architects are engaged as employees; however, the practice must be conducted under the name registered with the board as an individual (i.e., John Doe, Architect). Any other practice name, i.e., Doe & Company, or Doe & Associates, requires a certificate of authorization to practice.
(D) If a South Carolina firm seeks to register under a name referring to persons rather than a trade name, the persons referred to in the firm's name must be licensed as individual architects, engineers, land surveyors, or landscape architects in this State.
(E) If an out-of-state firm seeks to register under a name referring to persons rather than a trade name, the persons referred to in the firm's name must be licensed as individual architects, engineers, land surveyors, or landscape architects in this State or in another state or jurisdiction.
(F) The requirement to obtain a certificate of authorization applies to associations for one or more projects but does not apply to an out-of-state firm or individual retained by a registered South Carolina architect as a consultant only.
(G) A registered architect practicing in his name who does not employ a registered architect is not required to obtain a certificate of authority.
HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 424, Section 1.

Structure South Carolina Code of Laws

South Carolina Code of Laws

Title 40 - Professions and Occupations

Chapter 3 - Architects

Section 40-3-5. Applicability of professional licensing statutes.

Section 40-3-10. Board of Architectural Examiners created.

Section 40-3-20. Definitions.

Section 40-3-30. Licensing, certificate of authorization, and registration requirements.

Section 40-3-50. Administrative support for board; fees.

Section 40-3-60. Adoption of rules governing board proceedings; officers; promulgation of regulations; seal.

Section 40-3-70. Additional powers and duties of board.

Section 40-3-80. Investigation of fitness to practice or complaint charging violation; power of board to issue subpoenas and administer oaths.

Section 40-3-90. Hearings.

Section 40-3-100. Enjoining violations of chapter.

Section 40-3-110. Restriction of authorization to practice.

Section 40-3-115. Jurisdiction over actions of licensees.

Section 40-3-120. Fines; public knowledge of finding of guilt.

Section 40-3-130. Grounds for denial of license.

Section 40-3-140. Denial of license based on prior criminal record.

Section 40-3-150. Surrender of license.

Section 40-3-160. Appeal.

Section 40-3-170. Costs.

Section 40-3-180. Collection of costs and fines.

Section 40-3-190. Confidentiality of investigations and proceedings.

Section 40-3-200. Penalty.

Section 40-3-210. Petition for injunctive relief.

Section 40-3-230. Registration certificate not transferable; review of applications for admission to practice; license qualifications.

Section 40-3-240. Application for licensure; examination; credits from other jurisdictions.

Section 40-3-250. Renewal of license.

Section 40-3-255. South Carolina Architecture Education and Research Fund established.

Section 40-3-260. Registration of architects registered in another state, territory, or foreign country.

Section 40-3-270. Certificate of authority.

Section 40-3-280. Seal.

Section 40-3-290. Exceptions from coverage of chapter.

Section 40-3-300. Prohibition on entering into contract for professional services on any basis other than direct negotiations; exceptions.

Section 40-3-310. Service of process on nonresident architect.

Section 40-3-320. Issuance of building permits.

Section 40-3-325. Architect immunity.

Section 40-3-330. Severability.