What does the architectural practice act allow regarding unlicensed individuals?

The architectural practice act allows unlicensed individuals to engage in the planning of single-family residences. This means that while they may not have the formal credentials of a licensed architect, they are permitted to prepare designs or plans for simpler building types, which typically fall below certain thresholds in complexity and scale.

Single-family residence projects are generally seen as straightforward enough that they do not require the extensive education and oversight that comes with licensed architectural practice. This provision serves to facilitate home construction and modifications by allowing homeowners and some builders to create plans without needing to hire a licensed architect for every small project.

In contrast, the act typically restricts unlicensed individuals from preparing plans for commercial buildings, designing complex structures, or revising architectural designs that require a higher level of expertise. These tasks involve more intricate knowledge of regulations, safety standards, and architectural principles, necessitating the experience and professional accountability that licensed architects provide. Therefore, the planning of single-family residences remains an area where unlicensed individuals can operate legally under the architectural practice act.