Code: RA (Licensed design professional)
Description: (Registered Architect) is a design professional licensed and registered in New York State to provide architectural services and take legal responsibility for building plans and documents filed with the Department Of Buildings.
Practical Meaning: For a NYC homeowner, a Registered Architect is one of the main licensed design professionals who can prepare plans, sign and seal drawings, and act as the applicant of record for DOB filings on your project. You often need a Registered Architect when your job involves structural work, changing layouts, adding extensions, or other work that requires DOB-approved plans and permits.
Where You May See It: Where You May See It DOB NOW filings, BIS records, plan sets and drawings, permit applications, violation correction filings, city contracts, professional certification (Pro Cert) and self-certification forms.
Why It Matters: Using a Registered Architect when required helps you get DOB approvals, meet code and zoning rules, avoid unsafe conditions, and reduce the risk of fines, stop work orders, or rejected filings. A Registered Architect can also use programs like Professional Certification to speed up approvals but must follow all laws because they are legally responsible for the accuracy and safety of the plans.
Source: More About Registered Architects