In 1998 as a newly minted intern, I began receiving the newsletter of the California Architects Board. I would scan it for information pertinent to interns, but it was the enforcement actions detailed on the final page that caught my attention each time. I never wanted to end up on the "wall of shame" printed there! I learned never to hold myself out as an architect before I was licensed, perform services without a contract, or sign the work of an unlicensed individual. In addition to not signing drawings by unlicensed individuals, some of the people I worked for were also resistant to outsourcing the production of construction documents to consultants, to avoid any chance of running afoul of the CAB.
Where their concerns valid? Is it illegal for architects to sign drawings created by consultants? The Business and Professions Code states “All persons preparing or being in responsible control of plans, specifications, and instruments of service for others shall [stamp and] sign those plans” (CA BPC 5536.1a). The BPC defines “Responsible control” as “that amount of control over the content of all architectural instruments of service during their preparation that is ordinarily exercised by architects applying the required professional standard of care” (CA BPC 5535.1). The California Architects Board regularly takes disciplinary action against architects who have signed the work of non-licensed individuals. However, according to the California Code of Regulations 16 CCR § 151a an architect may sign the work of another individual if that person is also a California licensed architect, even if that person is not in their direct employ.
Many CAD drafting companies have entered the market to offer construction document preparation services. Most of them are offshore companies based in countries such as India where they can hire drafters, architects, and engineers very cheaply. However, if they do not have a California licensed architect on staff supervising the work, the design architect who hires them and stamps their work must provide “immediate and responsible direction,” instructing the staff of the CAD drafting company in the preparation of instruments of service and reviewing all stages of the design documents (16 CCR § 151b).
As a company founded by a California licensed architect, Mosaic Architectural Production Studio is uniquely situated to prepare construction documents which achieve the vision of the design architect, while also meeting the requirements of California codes and local ordinances. While we can't offer you the same bargain-basement rates as a firm in Bangalore, working with us will give you peace of mind that you will stay off of the "wall of shame" in the CAB newsletter.
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