Public Laws

123rd Legislature

First Regular Session


Parts: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AA BB CC DD EE FF GG HH II JJ KK LL MM NN OO

Chapter 402

S.P. 659 - L.D. 1842

PART F

Sec. F-1. 32 MRSA §210  is enacted to read:

§ 210.   Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1 Board.   "Board" means the Maine State Board for Licensure of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers.
2 Department.   "Department" means the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
3 Office.   "Office" means the Office of Licensing and Registration within the department.

Sec. F-2. 32 MRSA §211,  as amended by PL 1999, c. 687, Pt. E, §2, is further amended to read:

§ 211.  Membership; term

The Maine State Board for Licensure of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers, established by Title 5, section 12004-A, subsection 4, referred to in this chapter as the "board," shall administer this chapter. The board consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor: Five must be licensed and practicing architects, one of whom may be a professor of architecture; one must be a licensed and practicing landscape architect; one must be a certified and practicing interior designer and 2 must be representatives of the public members as defined by Title 5, section 12004-A.

Appointments are for 3-year terms . Appointments of members must comply with the provisions of Title 10, section 60 8009. A member may be removed by the Governor for cause.

Sec. F-3. 32 MRSA §212,  as amended by PL 1993, c. 389, §6, is further amended to read:

§ 212.  Qualifications for members

Each member of the board must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of this State and in the case of architect, landscape architect or interior designer members must be currently licensed or certified by the State and have engaged in the independent practice of architecture, landscape architecture or interior design in the State for at least 5 years immediately prior to appointment. The member who may be a professor of architecture in a college or university of this State must have combined experience in practice and teaching of not less than 5 years, at least 2 of which must have been in the active practice of architecture as a profession.

Sec. F-4. 32 MRSA §213,  as amended by PL 1999, c. 687, Pt. E, §3, is further amended to read:

§ 213.  Meetings; chair; quorum

The board shall meet at least once a year to conduct its business and to elect its officers a chair. Additional meetings may must be held as necessary to conduct the business of the board and may be convened at the call of the chair or a majority of the board members. Five members of the board constitute a quorum.

The board shall annually elect a chair and a secretary. Five members of the board constitute a quorum for all purposes.

Sec. F-5. 32 MRSA §214, sub-§2,  as amended by PL 1993, c. 389, §8, is repealed.

Sec. F-6. 32 MRSA §214, sub-§4,  as enacted by PL 1983, c. 413, §6, is repealed.

Sec. F-7. 32 MRSA §216,  as amended by PL 1993, c. 389, §9, is repealed.

Sec. F-8. 32 MRSA §217,  as amended by PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §112, is repealed.

Sec. F-9. 32 MRSA §218,  as amended by PL 1993, c. 389, §10 and PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §78 and affected by §80, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

§ 218.   Denial or refusal to renew license; disciplinary action

The board may deny a license, refuse to renew a license or impose the disciplinary sanctions authorized by Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5-A for any of the reasons enumerated in Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5-A, paragraph A.

Sec. F-10. 32 MRSA §220, sub-§1, ¶A,  as amended by PL 1991, c. 396, §11, is further amended to read:

A.  A person may not practice architecture or profess to practice architecture inside the State or use the title or profess to be an "architect" or " registered licensed architect" or display or use any words, letters, figures, titles, sign, card advertisement or other symbol or device indicating or tending to indicate that the person is an architect or is practicing architecture, or sign technical submissions unless the person is duly licensed by the board.

As used in this chapter, the practice of architecture consists of rendering or offering to render service to clients by consultations, investigations, technical submissions and a coordination of structural factors concerning the aesthetic or structural design and administration of construction contracts or any other service in connection with the designing or administration of construction contracts for buildings located inside the State that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or habitation, regardless of whether the persons are performing one or all of these duties, or whether they are performed in person or as the directing head of an office or organization performing them.

As used in this chapter, the term "technical submissions" includes the preliminary studies, plans, designs, drawings, specifications and contract documents, as well as other documents, prepared in the course of practicing architecture or landscape architecture.

The practice of architecture does not include the practice of landscape architecture as defined in this chapter. A licensed architect may do landscape architectural work as is incidental to the architect's work.

Sec. F-11. 32 MRSA §220, sub-§1, ¶B,  as amended by PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §63, is further amended to read:

B.  Qualifications.

(1) To be qualified for admission to the examination to practice architecture in this State an applicant must submit evidence to the board that:

(a) The applicant has completed a course of study in a school or college of architecture approved by the board, with graduation evidenced by a diploma setting forth a satisfactory degree, and 3 years of practical experience in the office under the supervision of an experienced architect or architects engaged in the practice of architecture as a profession; or

(b) The applicant has training or practical experience, or a combination of both, that in the opinion of the board is fully equivalent to that required in division (a).

(2) An applicant for licensure as an architect in this State who has a current and valid license from another jurisdiction and a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards or its successor or other organization approved by the board may offer to render architectural services in this State prior to licensure by the board if the applicant first notifies the board in writing that the applicant will be present in this State to offer to render architectural services. The applicant may not render architectural services until duly licensed by the board.

Sec. F-12. 32 MRSA §220, sub-§2, ¶B,  as amended by PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §64, is further amended to read:

B.  Qualifications.

(1) To be qualified for admission to the examination to practice landscape architecture in this State an applicant must submit evidence that:

(a) The applicant has completed a course of study in a school or college of landscape architecture approved by the board, with graduation evidenced by a diploma setting a satisfactory degree and 2 years of practical experience in landscape architectural work of a grade and character satisfactory to the board; or

(b) The applicant has training or practical experience, or a combination of both, that in the opinion of the board is fully equivalent to that required in division (a).

(2) An applicant for licensure as a landscape architect in this State who has a current and valid license from another jurisdiction and a certificate from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards' certificate Boards or its successor or other organization approved by the board may offer to render landscape architectural services in the State prior to licensure by the board provided the applicant first notifies the board in writing that the applicant will be present in the State to offer to render landscape architectural services. The applicant may not render landscape architectural services until duly licensed by the board.

Sec. F-13. 32 MRSA §220-A,  as amended by PL 1989, c. 857, §73, is repealed.

Sec. F-14. 32 MRSA §220-B,  as enacted by PL 1993, c. 389, §12, is amended to read:

§ 220-B.  Use of the title "interior designer"; qualifications; grandfathering

1. Use of title.   A person may not use the title "certified interior designer" unless certified licensed under this chapter. This chapter does not prohibit a person from providing interior design services or from using the title "interior designer."

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.  "Certified interior designer" means an interior designer who has been certified licensed by the board in accordance with this chapter.
B.  "Interior designer" means an individual who provides or offers to provide interior design services.
C.  "Interior design services" means services that do not require the services of a licensed architect or engineer and that involve the preparation of working drawings, plans and specifications relative to building elements that are not necessary for the structural stability and mechanical and electrical integrity of the construction.
2. Qualifications.   The following are the qualifications for certification licensure as an interior designer.
A.  Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, each applicant for registration licensure must provide to the board proof of passage of the examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification or its successor organization or an equivalent examination as specified by the board.
B.  In addition to proof of passage of the examination, the applicant must provide substantial evidence to the board that the applicant:

(1) Is a graduate of a 5-year interior design program from an accredited institution and has completed at least one year of diversified and appropriate interior design experience;

(2) Is a graduate of a 4-year interior design program from an accredited institution and has completed at least 2 years of diversified and appropriate interior design experience;

3. Accreditation.   All interior design programs must be accredited by the Foundation of Interior Design Education Research, or its successor organization, or be determined by the board to be substantially equivalent to the accredited program.
4 Grandfathering.   A person who applies for certification and remits the application and appropriate fees within 1 1/2 years after the effective date of this section must be certified by the board without taking the written examination if:
A The applicant has previously passed the examination of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, or its successor organization, or an equivalent examination approved by the board; or
B The applicant has satisfactory evidence of having used or been identified by the title "interior designer" and has a combination of interior design education and diversified and appropriate experience totaling 6 years; except that if the interior designer has one year or less of interior design education, then 2 years of interior design experience acceptable to the board may be substituted for each year of interior design education required. A person is considered to have used or been identified by the title "interior designer" if the person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the person was either self-employed as an interior designer or, in the course of regular employment, rendered or offered to render to another person interior design services. In addition, the applicant must have passed the codes portion of the examination of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, or its successor organization, or an equivalent examination approved by the board.
5 Repeal.   Subsection 2, paragraph B, subparagraphs (3) and (4) are repealed 6 years after the effective date of this section.

Sec. F-15. 32 MRSA §221,  as amended by PL 1993, c. 389, §13, is further amended to read:

§ 221.  Examinations

Examinations for licensure as an architect or landscape architect and for certification as a certified interior designer must be held by the board at least once each year if applications have been received during the time announced. The board shall make all necessary rules, in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, section 8051, et seq., governing the time, place and method of giving and grading examinations, shall publish appropriate announcements and shall conduct examinations at the time designated for all applicants who desire to be licensed as an "architect" or "landscape architect" or to be certified as a "certified interior designer" and to engage in performing the functions of an architect, landscape architect or certified interior designer. The board has the power to provide a reasonable division into classes of the various applicants and the examination to be taken in each class. Examinations must consist of such technical and professional subjects and oral questioning as the board may from time to time prescribe. The rules for the manner in which examinations are conducted and the content of the examination must be adopted in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, section 8051, et seq.

Sec. F-16. 32 MRSA §222,  as amended by PL 1993, c. 389, §14, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

§ 222.   Fees

The director of the office may establish by rule fees for purposes authorized under this chapter in amounts that are reasonable and necessary for their respective purposes, except that the fee for any one purpose may not exceed $200. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Sec. F-17. 32 MRSA §223-A, sub-§1,  as enacted by PL 1991, c. 396, §18, is amended to read:

1. Certification by National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.   An architect license may be issued without examination to an applicant who has a current and valid certificate of licensure from another state and a current and valid certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards' certificate Boards or its successor or other organization approved by the board. The applicant must file an application for licensure with the Maine State Board for Licensure of Architects and Landscape Architects on a form prescribed by the board containing such information as the board considers pertinent.

Sec. F-18. 32 MRSA §223-B,  as enacted by PL 1993, c. 389, §15, is amended to read:

§ 223-B.  Certification by reciprocity

A certificate license may be issued by the board without further examination requirements for an individual who provides proof of passage of the examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, or its successor organization, or an equivalent exam as determined by the board or who is licensed or certified as an interior designer in another state if that state's requirements are substantially equivalent to those required for a certificate license in the State.

Sec. F-19. 32 MRSA §224,  as amended by PL 1991, c. 396, §19, is further amended to read:

§ 224.  License

The board shall issue a license upon payment of the fee provided for in this chapter as set under section 222 to any applicant who , in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met all the requirements of this chapter. Licenses must bear a serial number and the full name of the licensee.

Issuance of a license by the board shall be is evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a licensed architect or , licensed landscape architect or certified interior designer while the license remains unexpired and unrevoked. The license shall be synonymous with licensure, with the full meaning and effect of a license to practice architecture or landscape architecture.

Licenses expire on the last day of June of each year or any other time the Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation designates may designate. Renewal may be effected at any time during the renewal month by payment of the renewal fee. A license may be renewed up to 90 days after the date of its expiration upon payment of a late fee of $10 in addition to the renewal fee as set under section 222. Any person who submits an application for renewal more than 90 days after the license expiration date is subject to all requirements governing new applicants under this chapter, except that the board may in its discretion, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive examination if the renewal application is made received, together with the late fee, renewal fee and additional late fee as set under section 222, within 2 years from the date of the expiration.

Sec. F-20. 32 MRSA §224-A,  as enacted by PL 1993, c. 389, §15, is repealed.

Sec. F-21. 32 MRSA §225, first ¶,  as amended by PL 1991, c. 396, §20, is further amended to read:

Each licensee licensed architect or landscape architect shall upon licensure obtain a seal of such design as the board authorizes and directs and shall submit an impression of the seal to the board. Technical submissions prepared by or under the direct supervision of a licensed architect or under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect must be stamped with the seal during the life of the licensee's license. It is unlawful for anyone to stamp or seal any documents with the seal after the license named on the seal has expired or has been revoked, unless the license has been renewed or reissued.

Sec. F-22. 32 MRSA §225-A, sub-§1,  as enacted by PL 1993, c. 389, §15, is amended to read:

1. Signature required.   A drawing plan, specification or report prepared or issued by a certified interior designer and being filed for public record must bear the signature of the interior designer who prepared or approved the document, accompanied by a certification that the signer is certified licensed under this chapter, by the person's certification license number and by the date on which the signature was affixed.

Sec. F-23. 32 MRSA §225-A, sub-§2,  as enacted by PL 1993, c. 389, §15, is amended to read:

2. Competency.   A certified interior designer may not sign a plan, specification, drawing or other document that depicts work that the person is not competent or certified licensed to perform.

Sec. F-24. 32 MRSA §227,  as enacted by PL 1977, c. 463, §3, is repealed.

Sec. F-25. 32 MRSA §228,  as amended by PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §93 and affected by Pt. C, §1, is further amended to read:

§ 228.  Penalties

A person who violates any provision of this chapter for which a penalty has not been prescribed commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not more than $1,000 may be adjudged section 220, subsection 1 or 2 or section 220-B, subsection 1 is subject to the provisions of Title 10, section 8003-C.

The State may bring an action in Superior Court to enjoin any person from violating this chapter, regardless of whether other administrative, civil or criminal proceedings have been or may be instituted.

Office of the Revisor of Statutes
State House, Room 108
Augusta, ME 04333