Architecture-board ready, in every state.
PLLC formation
State-by-state PLLC drafted to your local architecture-board language. Member must be a licensed architect in most states.
Name pre-approval
Most states pre-clear your firm name with the architecture board before SOS filing. We coordinate both.
Multi-state foreign qual
Practicing in NY, CA, TX, and IL? Each state requires a separate registration. We foreign-qualify in parallel.
Architect on file
Most state boards require a licensed architect as the designated practitioner of record. We map your team to each state.
Board renewals tracked
State architecture board renewals + LLC annual reports tracked in your BOS dashboard. Auto-file with Compliance Subscription.
AIA-compliant practice
Firm naming meets AIA Code of Ethics standards. Designation suffix ("AIA", "PLLC") used per board guidance.
A clean handoff, in 4 steps.
Pick state + verify license
Confirm you (or a partner) hold a current license in the formation state. We pull the verification from the state board.
Name pre-approval
We submit firm name to the architecture board for pre-clearance. Most states clear in 1-3 weeks.
PLLC filed with SOS
Once board clears, we file articles of organization for PLLC with the Secretary of State.
Multi-state foreign qual + renewals
Add foreign qualifications as you expand. We track board + SOS renewals in your BOS.
One-time, or part of your BOS.
- PLLC drafted to state spec
- Architecture board name pre-approval
- EIN included
- RA · 1 year
- Filed receipts to vault
- Architecture board renewals
- State AR autofile
- RA + EIN included
- Compliance score
- BosAI compliance answers
- Multi-state portfolio
Common questions.
Do architecture firms need special licensing?
Often yes: many states require that a firm offering architecture services be a professional entity, hold a firm license, and have licensed architects in ownership or responsible control, in addition to the individual architects' licenses. We flag your state's rules and help form the right entity. See professional entities.
Does my architecture firm need to be a professional entity?
Frequently: states often require an architecture firm to be a professional LLC or professional corporation with licensed architect ownership or control, rather than a standard entity. We flag whether your state requires a professional entity so your firm is formed correctly for licensed practice.
Do owners of an architecture firm need to be licensed?
Many states require that licensed architects own or control the firm, sometimes allowing limited non-architect ownership, so ownership is constrained by licensing rules. We flag your state's ownership requirements so your firm is structured to satisfy them.
Does the firm itself need a license?
Often yes: beyond individual architect licenses, many states require the firm to register or hold a certificate of authorization to offer architecture services, which must be maintained. We flag your state's firm-registration requirement so your firm holds the authorization it needs to practice.
Is a responsible licensed architect required?
Many states require a licensed architect in responsible control of the firm's professional work, tying the firm's practice to a qualified individual, so this is a common requirement. We flag whether your state requires it so your firm is structured with the responsible-control arrangement it expects.
What entity type should an architecture firm use?
Typically a professional LLC or professional corporation where required for licensed practice, chosen based on your state's rules and tax preferences. We flag which professional entity fits your state and firm so you form the correct structure.
Do architecture firms face multi-state licensing?
Yes: a firm practicing in multiple states generally needs firm registration in each, since architecture licensing is state-specific, so multi-state practice adds compliance. We flag the multi-state requirements so your firm is authorized everywhere it offers services.
What ongoing compliance does an architecture firm have?
Beyond entity annual reports, the firm maintains its registration, the architects maintain licenses with continuing education, and responsible-control arrangements continue, so compliance is layered. We track the entity side and flag the professional requirements so nothing lapses.
Can File.Business help form my architecture firm?
Yes: we form the professional entity your state requires, coordinate any board or registration requirements, obtain the EIN, provide the registered agent, and flag the firm-licensing and multi-state rules, so your architecture practice is set up in the correct, compliant structure.