Just like an artist, each architect and engineer must sign and stamp each design plan with their own unique mark set forth by the New York State Education Law and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The New York architecture seal stamp is required for architects, landscape architects, surveyors, and engineers (N.Y. Educ. Law 7307 and Title 19 NYCRR Part 1203.3 (a) (3) (1)). However, the design varies slightly depending on the designer’s official title.
New York Architecture Seal Stamp Design
Per regulations, each seal must be circular in shape and 1-¾” in diameter. According to the New York State Education (NYSED) Office of Professions, for all “Registered Architects” or “Registered Landscape Architects,” the outer band on the New York architecture seal stamp must state this title at the top and “State of New York” at the bottom. The inner circle must contain the architect’s name and licensure number around the Great Seal. No other numbers or words may be included.
The New York architecture seal stamp design for an engineer or land surveyor varies from the above. The shape and size remain the same as the seal for registered architects and landscape architects, but the design itself is altered.
The outer band on the New York architecture seal stamp must state at the top “State of New York” and the bottom must list the licensee’s title, “Licensed Professional Engineer” or “Licensed Land Surveyor”. The inner circle around the Great Seal must include the name and licensure number.
New York Architecture Seal Stamp Requirements
The need for a seal on a design is to show “responsible control” of the architect for the structure. This means the registered architect has taken into account the materials being used and how they will affect each other due to climate changes and demonstrated a standard of care. Once the seal is affixed and approved, the architect must keep the plans on file for at least six years per State of New York laws.
It is a violation to alter any designs bearing a New York architecture seal stamp and a warning is stamped under the seal on the plans. Only a registered architect or someone working under the supervision of a registered architect may alter another architect’s work. The same rule applies for designs created by landscape architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors.
There are a few exceptions as to when an official New York architecture seal stamp is not required according to the American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS):
- A farm building or other building used solely for agricultural purposes
- Single family residence of 1500 square feet or less not including additions (porches, garages, etc.)
- Alterations, costing less than $10,000 within the New York City limit or $20,000 outside of New York City limits, as long as the alterations meet safety requirements
If a design must be changed, then the New York architecture seal stamp of the altering architect must be affixed for approval and the words “altered by” with that architecture’s signature and date must be included. All necessary alterations must be noted on the design plan as well.
Purchasing the New York Architecture Seal Stamp
To purchase state approved stamps for architects, research the ones offered before purchasing. The seals are available in a rubber stamp, pre-inked stamp, embossed, and as an electronic jpeg. Prices vary depending on the type of seal preferred.
Engineersealstamps.com offers a guarantee that all of their seals and stamps meet New York State requirements.
