An important part of being a professional is helping to uphold the high standards of the profession. The regard with which a profession is considered is a direct result of the manner in which those professionals engaged in it conduct their practice. With the title of professional comes the responsibility of ensuring that the high standards of the profession are maintained. This is true for the practice of architecture.

The Oregon Board of Architect Examiners (Board) has laws and rules that prohibit the practice of architecture and use of the architect title by unlicensed individuals. It takes many years of study at an accredited architectural university program, along with advanced training and examinations before a person may become licensed and practice the profession of architecture. To ensure the protection of the public, those seeking to become registered to practice architecture in Oregon must meet established education, experience, training, and examination requirements. Those who do not meet these requirements and/or fail to become registered by this Board cannot use the architect title, nor may they provide, or offer to provide, architectural services in Oregon.

The Board's rules of professional conduct can be found in Chapter 806, Division 20 of the Oregon Administrative Rules. Other pertinent rules can be found in Division 10. OAR 806-020-0020 states that the architect shall, at all times, recognize the primary obligation to protect the life, health, and property of the public in the practice of architecture. It also cautions that if, in the architect's professional judgment life, health or property may be endangered, then the architect shall inform the employer, or client, the appropriate building officials, and the Board.

The Board does investigate complaints regarding the unlawful practice of architecture within Oregon, including complaints filed against architects, those claiming to be architects who are not, and those practicing architecture without an Oregon registration. The Board does not, however, have jurisdiction over fee disputes or most contractual issues.

If you wish the Board to investigate the circumstances surrounding any issues you may have, please complete the inquiry/complaint form and submit it to the Board office. Please submit any evidence or documentation you wish the Board to see with your complaint form or let us know that it is available for review. You will receive a letter from the Board showing that the complaint process has begun, and you will probably be contacted by Board staff or investigator, Darroll Morehouse. You will also be informed of the resolution of the complaint when the investigation has been completed and the Board determines a course of action. This may take some time to fully investigate and resolve the case.

Please send your completed form, along with any evidence or documentation, to the following address:

Oregon Board of Architect Examiners
205 Liberty St. NE Suite A
Salem, OR 97301

If you have any questions, you may reach the Board office by phone at 503-763-0662 ext. 22; or by fax at 503-364-0510.