Regulation of Architects in Georgia is found in Title 43, Chapter 4 of Official Code of Georgia Annotated.  Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-4-11 any person may apply to the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers (board) for examinations required for certification.   The examinations shall be prepared and graded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The candidate for examination shall submit to the board satisfactory evidence of one of the following qualifications:

• A professional degree in architecture from a school or college approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and practical experience as the board, by rules and regulations uniformly applied, shall deem appropriate.
• (A minimum of ten years’ practical experience, including academic training, following completion of high school or the equivalent thereof.
• A bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering technology from a school or college approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology, or any other bachelor’s degree with a substantial concentration in architecture approved by the board from a board approved school or college, and at least six years of practical experience.

The applicant for a certificate of registration who has been registered as an architect by another jurisdiction shall hold a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ certificate and a certificate of registration in such other jurisdiction, both of which shall be current and in good standing.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-4-12, A certificate of registration shall be valid for two years and shall be renewed biennially.  O.C.G.A. § 43-4-13 provides for suspension or revocation of certificate.  The board has power to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration or reprimand any registrant who is found by the board to have:

• Committed any fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in obtaining a certificate of registration;
• Committed any gross negligence, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, or recklessness in his or her professional practice;
• Permitted the use of his or her seal by any firm, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation
• Been convicted by any court of the United States of any act which would constitute a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or a plea of nolo contendere or the affording of first offender treatment to any such charge.

The board provides for a hearing into the charges against the registrant, before revoking or suspending the certificate.  The board issues a notice at least ten days prior to the hearing.

The board may reinstate a registration to any who has met the qualifications for reinstatement. Application for the reissuance of registration shall be made in such a manner as the board may direct and shall be accompanied by a fee established by the board.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-4-17, any person who uses the title “architect” or “registered architect” or uses any word, letters, or figures indicating or intending to imply that the person using the same is an architect or registered architect, or who makes any willfully false oath or affirmation in any matter or proceeding where an oath or affirmation is required, or who practices architecture without compliance with the statute shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-4-18, if a person violates Section 43-4-14, 43-4-16, or 43-4-17, the board may issue a cease and desist order prohibiting the person from committing further violations and may impose a fine not to exceed $10,000.00 for each violation.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-4-19, if the board finds that any person is violating any provisions of the chapter, the board may bring an action in its own name in the superior courts of this state alleging the facts and praying for a temporary restraining order and an injunction.