Updating architectural licensing requirement in WA State

Hi Everyone,

Please see below for an email I received from AIA WA Council. They need your help in passing this bill. I don't know if anyone of you are aware but there is an urgent need to pass this bill. It's basically asking to update the current WA state licensing for those with no architecture degree to have 12 years of experience instead of 8 years. This is for those in the non-traditional path to licensing (high school graduate, non-architecture degree, etc). I don't know about you all, but it was frightening to hear that WA state licensing law has not been changed since 1985!!!

I hope you all will do your part in helping pass this bill. This bill affects us all.

Thanks,

Ha Pham

Dear members,

Many of you helped us by contacting your legislators to let them know about these important licensing bills: SHB 1634 and SSB 5529.

It worked! Because of you the bills moved out of Rules Committees. Now we need your help again – and even more!

Due to politics, the Speaker of the House, Frank Chopp, will not bring the House bill to the floor for a vote. He has also stated that when the Senate Bill gets to the House he will not call for a vote then either. These bills will die if the Speaker is not moved by his constituents to hear them!

We need you to call Frank Chopp at (360) 786-7920 or send him a letter. Click here to let him know that the public health, safety, and welfare are important! Urge him to pull SHB 1634 to the floor for a vote today!

Please contact your legislators again and let them know how important these bills are!

The state architecture licensing law, and prerequisites for qualification, haven’t changed since 1985. New technologies and current practice methods, such as sustainability, have significantly modernized the practice of architecture in the last two decades.

The AIA Washington Council has helped underwrite new legislation at the state level, SHB 1634 and SSB 5529, which would update the qualifications for licensing. This legislation is necessary to protect the public health safety and welfare in Washington State.

Please help us get this important legislation passed by calling or writing your legislator!