Licensing: Interrelationship of Architecture and
Engineering
Statement.
The American Institute of Architects believes that there are significant
differences between the practices of architecture and engineering that affect
public health, safety, and welfare and that each professionals in
either discipline should practice the other discipline only to the extent that
they are qualified and to the extent that it is incidental to that their
work on that each project.
Explanation. Architects
and engineers have specifically differing different
qualifications based on licensing standards for education, training, experience
and examination. Architects are particularly qualified to provide professional
services concerning patterns of human habitation and use, accommodation of
physical and social functions, aesthetics, and the coordination and design of
construction systems and building components.
The
architect’s education and training is one of diversity, which encompasses the
impact of design and technology on the health and well-being of the public and
on the built and natural environments. In contrast, the licensed engineer’s
education, training, and examination are within a specific area of expertise. and
demonstrate the ability to function as a specialist dealing with narrowly
focused building technologies.
In
limited situations, the areas of qualifications and practice of the two
disciplines overlap; under those specific conditions, the incidental practice
of one profession by the other may be justified. However, overlap and
incidental practice should not be viewed as exemptions and opportunities to
participate in the practice of another profession.
Increasingly, licensing boards are being asked to define incidental
practice and the areas of overlap of the two professions as a guide in
enforcement. Such efforts should not
undermine the principles of professional integrity and judgment that guide
practitioners in the practice of their own profession.
This policy is one of a group of
integrated public policies on licensing issues.
Board Approval - May 1991
September 2000 Committee
Recommendation: Revise