In the state of South Carolina, anyone who works as an architect must not only give a signature of approval to any plans, documents, building permits, or drawings they directly produced or oversaw, but they must also ensure they are affixed with the proper architectural seal stamps that signify they are up to date on their qualifications with the board of licensing. The seal can be replicated in several ways, including making use of approved South Carolina architectural seal stamps, embossed seals, and electronic reproductions, so long as it meets applicable laws.
South Carolina Architectural Seal Requirements
Pursuant to state laws and regulations, South Carolina architectural seal stamps for architects must follow the minimal requirements:
- It must be circular and have a diameter that is 1-¾" with a concentric circle outside of the seal that measures 1-3/16" inches in diameter.
- In between the circles, the words “State of South Carolina” shall appear at the top, and “Registered Architect” shall be at the bottom.
- Within the seal itself, only the name of 1 architect and registration number or license number may be displayed, along with the city and state where the architect practices.
- No seal may ever be used to represent or identify multiple architects or businesses.
Architectural Registration Boards Rules
In general, no matter if one chooses to use South Carolina architectural seal stamps, embossed seals, or electronic reproductions, it must meet the preceding guidelines and it must only be used for architectural purposes. That is to say, an architect cannot use their architectural seal stamps to try and get an electrician's work approved at a permit office, nor can they allow someone else to use their architectural seal stamps to get plans approved that they did not design themselves.
For every blueprint that is filed, or used for building in South Carolina, there must be two sets of the design made and both must bear a signature and architectural seal of a registered architect. For copies used at a construction site, the seal and signature are only required on the title and index pages of the blueprints, but for copies filed for public records, every page must be signed and sealed.
Special Requirements for Electronic South Carolina Architectural Seal Stamps
In the state of South Carolina, you can use an electronic copy of a seal for plans that were created entirely in digital format and kept in digital, if and only if, they can meet certain safety precautions. It has to be unique and easily identifiable as being valid, and it must remain solely under the control of the professional. It can only be linked to blueprint documents with a digital copy of your signature and can only be added after it has been completed.
You must also be able to prove that once added, the file was irreversibly changed to a read-only format so no changes could be made. Visually, a South Carolina architectural seal stamp must follow all the same laws, have all the same information, and for all intents and purposes, have the same look as physical South Carolina architectural seal stamps, only in digital form.
Obtaining South Carolina Architect Seal Stamps
The South Carolina Board of Licensing sets forth many requirements regarding the use of architectural seal stamps but sets very few limits on where to obtain the supplies required to make them. You may order from any number of supply companies, such as ESS, who offer a wide variety of South Carolina architectural seal stamps, which come as both pre-inked, self-inking, and simple, firm molded rubber, if you want the most common method for producing a seal of approval.
Architectural Firm Seal Setup
Architectural Firm Seals have a separate setup from the South Carolina board office in the regulations. The architectural firm seal has almost an identical seal setup to the state of South Carolina Architect Seal, but with the only exception the bottom portion of the stamp will read "Registered Architects" instead of just Registered Architect
Registered Architect Seal Products to Purchase
Architects have quite a few different types of stamp and seal products to choose from below you will find a few different types of architect stamps.
Digital Seal
This electronic seal is guaranteed to meet all state specifications and comes in 6 different file formats, making it easy to use no matter what type of project you're working on. Plus, it's perfect for electronic sealing, with a high resolution of 300 dpi which makes it ideal for printing. Best of all, this is an instant download product so you'll receive it via email within 1 business day.
Self Inking Stamp
The Self-Inking South Carolina Architect Stamp is the perfect tool for any professional architect. With its simple press and print design, it's easy to use and helps you achieve consistent, high-quality stamps with every use. This stamp comes in 11 different ink colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your needs. It also features a replaceable internal ink pad that helps you get up to 5,000 impressions before needing to re-ink.
Pre-Inked Stamps
Looking for a high-end, professional-grade South Carolina architect stamp? Look no further than our Premium MaxLight Pre-Inked Stamp! This stamp is made to state specifications and comes in 5 ink colors. It works in a press-in-print manner, making it simple to use.
About ESS
ESS is a lead vendor for professional seals, including stamps for professional land surveyors, professional architects, and professional engineers. We are known for quick service and fast service at great prices. Our quality products are made in the USA, and typically processed and shipped within one business day. Our mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective professional seals and stamps for all licensed professionals.
For more information or to place an order, visit us online at www.engineersealstamps.com
