Architectural Designs

If I have a Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Design from an accredited college, can I legally design a house?

If I have a Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Design from an accredited college, can I legally design a residential house in Rhode Island? With a Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Design and Engineering from an accredited college, can I legally design a house to be built, and obtain all of the needed documentation and permits?

Public Comments

1. You can legally design a house without a degree. But obtaining a building permit to build it might create a problem.
2. You need to take a certification exam in architecture or be recognized as qualified by passing it in another State whose exam is recognized in the State where you practice, before you can affix the required Stamp. (Some Licensed Architects will review and 'Stamp' your design for a fee.) How did you pass the course without knowing this?
3. Check Rhode Island's specific requirements - but generally if your house is less than 3 stories tall and for a single family, you are not legally required to be a licensed architect to design it. Unless your jurisdiction requires something more stringent, you can do the design and turn it in to the building department - then just wait and wait for them to process your permit.