50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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New Mexico Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in New Mexico.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in New Mexico for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

New Mexico Architecture Company Licenses

New Mexico Architecture Firm License

Not required



Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in New Mexico.

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all architectural work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

More information: New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects
Law:

NMSA § 61-15-6

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • If the firm primarily offers architectural services, at least one owner and a majority of shareholders must be licensed architects.

Professional Corporations:

  • All shareholders and incorporators must be individuals licensed in a professional service provided by the firm or entities that are similarly qualified.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • If the firm primarily offers architectural services, a majority of members must be licensed architects.

Partnerships:

  • If the firm primarily offers architectural services, a majority of partners must be licensed architects

New Mexico Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in New Mexico.

New Mexico does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

New Mexico Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in New Mexico.

More information: New Mexico Board of Landscape Architects

Individual Licenses

New Mexico Individual Architecture Licenses

New Mexico Architect License

Agency:New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Yes
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in New Mexico for the first time.

Form:By contacting the New Mexico Board following the Board’s receipt of the individual’s NCARB certificate.
Instructions:
  • BEA Pathway - If you are an experienced architect not certified by NCARB but you believe are qualified for licensure you may be able to apply using the Broadly Experienced Architect Program.
    • Obtain application materials from the New Mexico Board of Examiners
    • Submit application $1000 fee and related materials
    • Approved applicants interview before 3 board members
  • Exam Candidates - All the information you need to obtain initial licensure in the State of New Mexico.
    • Apply with NCARB to qualify for Certification.
    • NCARB notifies the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects about your application.
    • You will receive an email from the New Mexico Board of Examiners with instructions to login to the application portal. 
      Login to the portal to continue your application process.
Agency Fee:

BEA applicants $1000

Required Attachments:
  • BEA Pathway
    • Current and valid registration issued by the licensing authority of another NCARB jurisdiction and have held such registration with no disciplinary action for at least five (5) years
    • Sufficient evidence of my academic training and work experience directly related to architecture which demonstrates minimum competence in the practice of Architecture, including training and experience in (1) design and construction documents, (2) construction administration, (3) project management, and (4) architectural related activities
    • State pf NM Affidavit 

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in New Mexico.

Instructions:
  1. Notify NCARB of your desire to apply for licensure in New Mexico
  2. NCARB provides a copy of your certification to the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects
  3. You will receive an email from the New Mexico Board of Examiners with information to login to the application portal.
  4. Login to the portal, complete application and pay application fees online.
Agency Fee:
  • Out-of-state: $325.00
  • In-state: $225.00
Notes:

At this time forty-three (43) states require a professional degree for initial licensure. New Mexico is one of these states. With regards to providing an alternative means for satisfying the education requirements: currently seventeen (17) states provide for this, with thirty-three (33) not allowing for this exception. New Mexico is one of the thirty-three

Required Attachments:
  • NCARB Evaluation of Record (“blue cover” only)
  • NCARB Supplemental Evaluation
  • Notarized Application – sent to applicant by Board via email following receipt of NCARB documents
  • Pass jurisprudence exam

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in New Mexico and need to renew their license.

Agency Fee:

$225.00 for in-state residency; $325.00 for out-of-state residency.

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

New Mexico Interior Designer License

Agency:New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department - Board of Interior Design
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Licensure

Agency Fee:

$100 application fee + $200 licensure fee

Notarize:Required

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Annually by October 1.

New Mexico Landscape Architect Registration

Agency:New Mexico Board of Landscape Architects
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Licensure

Agency Fee:

$75 application fee + $200 licensure fee

Notarize:Required

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Learn about architecture licensing in other states:

ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.

AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.

BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.

COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.

Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.

NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.

Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.

State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.

National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.