Pennsylvania Statutes Title 63 P.S. Professions and Occupations (State Licensed) § 34.103. Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

“Accredited school.”Any educational institution with an academic program in architecture or interior design services accredited by a national accrediting body or approved by the board.

“Architect.” An individual licensed under this act to engage in the practice of architecture within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Board.” The Architects Licensure Board established by this act.

“Certificate.” The certificate issued by the board under Chapter 7  1 indicating that the individual named is a certified interior designer.

“Certified interior designer.”An individual who is certified under this act to provide interior design services.

“Continuing education.”Postlicensure or postcertification learning that enables an architect or certified interior designer to increase or update knowledge and competency in technical and professional subjects related to the practice of architecture or provision of interior design services, respectively.

“Design-build.” A project delivery method whereby a design-build entity signs a single contract to provide a combination of architectural and construction services to a client.

“Design-build entity.”An entity which provides by single contract to a client a combination of architectural and construction services.

“Interior design services.”The rendering or offering to render services in the preparation and administration of documents, including drawings, schedules and specifications which pertain to the design intent and planning of interior spaces, including furnishings, layout, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting and device location and type, finishes, materials and interior construction not materially related to or materially affecting the building systems. The term does not include the practice of architecture.

“License.” The license issued by the board under Chapter 5  2 indicating that the individual named is authorized to engage in the practice of architecture as an architect.

“Practice of architecture.”The rendering or offering to render certain services, hereinafter described, in connection with the design and construction of a structure or group of structures which have as their principal purpose human habitation or use, and the utilization of space within and surrounding such structures. The services referred to in the previous sentence include planning, providing preliminary studies, designs, drawings, specifications, and other design documents, construction management and administration of construction contracts. The foregoing shall not be deemed to include the practice of engineering as such, for which separate registration is required under the provisions of the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L. 913, No. 367),  3 known as the “Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law,” excepting only engineering work incidental to the practice of architecture.

“Professional degree.”A first professional degree in architecture conferred by an accredited school.