{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-400.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-400.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-400.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-400.html"}],"law_id":76379,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76379,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-400","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1970, c. 671, \u00a7 54-17.1; 1974, c. 534; 1980, c. 757; 1982, c. 590; 1984, c. 437; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 512; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 1998, c. 27; 2008, c. 68; 2009, c. 309.","full_text":"As used in this chapter unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t&#8220;Architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences, and the principles of architecture and architectural design, acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as an architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of architecture&#8221; means any service wherein the principles and methods of architecture are applied, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design, and includes the responsible administration of construction contracts, in connection with any private or public buildings, structures or projects, or the related equipment or accessories.\n\t\t&#8220;Board&#8221; means the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects.\n\t\t&#8220;Certified interior designer&#8221; means a design professional who meets the criteria of education, experience, and testing in the rendering of interior design services established by the Board through certification as an interior designer.\n\t\t&#8220;Improvements to real property&#8221; means any valuable addition or amelioration made to land and generally whatever is erected on or affixed to land which is intended to enhance its value, beauty or utility, or adapt it to new or further purposes. Examples of improvements to real property include, but are not limited to, structures, buildings, machinery, equipment, electrical systems, mechanical systems, roads, and water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems.\n\t\t&#8220;Interior design&#8221; by a certified interior designer means any service rendered wherein the principles and methodology of interior design are applied in connection with the identification, research, and creative solution of problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. Such services relative to interior spaces shall include the preparation of documents for nonload-bearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.\n\t\t&#8220;Land surveyor&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the several sciences and of the principles of land surveying, and of the planning and design of land developments acquired by practical experience and formal education, is qualified to engage in the practice of land surveying, and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a land surveyor.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of land surveying&#8221; includes surveying of areas for a determination or correction, a description, the establishment or reestablishment of internal and external land boundaries, or the determination of topography, contours or location of physical improvements, and also includes the planning of land and subdivisions thereof. The term &#8220;planning of land and subdivisions thereof&#8221; shall include, but not be limited to, the preparation of incidental plans and profiles for roads, streets and sidewalks, grading, drainage on the surface, culverts and erosion control measures, with reference to existing state or local standards.\n\t\t&#8220;Landscape architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his special knowledge of natural, physical and mathematical sciences, and the principles and methodology of landscape architecture and landscape architectural design acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the practice of landscape architecture and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a landscape architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of landscape architecture&#8221; by a licensed landscape architect means any service wherein the principles and methodology of landscape architecture are applied in consultation, evaluation, planning (including the preparation and filing of sketches, drawings, plans and specifications) and responsible supervision or administration of contracts relative to projects principally directed at the functional and aesthetic use of land.\n\t\t&#8220;Professional engineer&#8221; means a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a professional engineer.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of engineering&#8221; means any service wherein the principles and methods of engineering are applied to, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas: consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines, equipment, processes, transportation systems and work systems, including responsible administration of construction contracts. The term &#8220;practice of engineering&#8221; shall not include the service or maintenance of existing electrical or mechanical systems.\n\t\t&#8220;Residential wastewater&#8221; means sewage (i) generated by residential or accessory uses, not containing storm water or industrial influent, and having no other toxic, or hazardous constituents not routinely found in residential wastewater flows, or (ii) as certified by a professional engineer.\n\t\t&#8220;Responsible charge&#8221; means the direct control and supervision of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or land surveying.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":274199,"text":"As used in this chapter unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t&#8220;Architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences, and the principles of architecture and architectural design, acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as an architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of architecture&#8221; means any service wherein the principles and methods of architecture are applied, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design, and includes the responsible administration of construction contracts, in connection with any private or public buildings, structures or projects, or the related equipment or accessories.\n\t\t&#8220;Board&#8221; means the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects.\n\t\t&#8220;Certified interior designer&#8221; means a design professional who meets the criteria of education, experience, and testing in the rendering of interior design services established by the Board through certification as an interior designer.\n\t\t&#8220;Improvements to real property&#8221; means any valuable addition or amelioration made to land and generally whatever is erected on or affixed to land which is intended to enhance its value, beauty or utility, or adapt it to new or further purposes. Examples of improvements to real property include, but are not limited to, structures, buildings, machinery, equipment, electrical systems, mechanical systems, roads, and water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems.\n\t\t&#8220;Interior design&#8221; by a certified interior designer means any service rendered wherein the principles and methodology of interior design are applied in connection with the identification, research, and creative solution of problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. Such services relative to interior spaces shall include the preparation of documents for nonload-bearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.\n\t\t&#8220;Land surveyor&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the several sciences and of the principles of land surveying, and of the planning and design of land developments acquired by practical experience and formal education, is qualified to engage in the practice of land surveying, and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a land surveyor.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of land surveying&#8221; includes surveying of areas for a determination or correction, a description, the establishment or reestablishment of internal and external land boundaries, or the determination of topography, contours or location of physical improvements, and also includes the planning of land and subdivisions thereof. The term &#8220;planning of land and subdivisions thereof&#8221; shall include, but not be limited to, the preparation of incidental plans and profiles for roads, streets and sidewalks, grading, drainage on the surface, culverts and erosion control measures, with reference to existing state or local standards.\n\t\t&#8220;Landscape architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his special knowledge of natural, physical and mathematical sciences, and the principles and methodology of landscape architecture and landscape architectural design acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the practice of landscape architecture and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a landscape architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of landscape architecture&#8221; by a licensed landscape architect means any service wherein the principles and methodology of landscape architecture are applied in consultation, evaluation, planning (including the preparation and filing of sketches, drawings, plans and specifications) and responsible supervision or administration of contracts relative to projects principally directed at the functional and aesthetic use of land.\n\t\t&#8220;Professional engineer&#8221; means a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a professional engineer.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of engineering&#8221; means any service wherein the principles and methods of engineering are applied to, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas: consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines, equipment, processes, transportation systems and work systems, including responsible administration of construction contracts. The term &#8220;practice of engineering&#8221; shall not include the service or maintenance of existing electrical or mechanical systems.\n\t\t&#8220;Residential wastewater&#8221; means sewage (i) generated by residential or accessory uses, not containing storm water or industrial influent, and having no other toxic, or hazardous constituents not routinely found in residential wastewater flows, or (ii) as certified by a professional engineer.\n\t\t&#8220;Responsible charge&#8221; means the direct control and supervision of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or land surveying.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":14278,"edition_id":1,"name":"Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and Landscape Architects","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13996,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:35","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:35","permalink":{"id":240555,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14278,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1","url":"\/54.1\/II\/4\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13996,"edition_id":1,"name":"Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers","identifier":"4","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12755,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:33","permalink":{"id":240553,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13996,"identifier":"4","token":"54.1\/II\/4","url":"\/54.1\/II\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12755,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12755,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":76379,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-400","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-400\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-400","metadata":false},{"id":55543,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-401","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-401\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-401","metadata":false},{"id":55882,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-402","catch_line":"Further exemptions from license requirements for architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors","url":"\/54.1-402\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-402","metadata":false},{"id":76750,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-402.1","catch_line":"State and local government employees; license exemptions for persons employed prior to March 8, 1992","url":"\/54.1-402.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-402.1","metadata":false},{"id":63753,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-402.2","catch_line":"Cease and desist orders for unlicensed activity; civil penalty","url":"\/54.1-402.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-402.2","metadata":false},{"id":67074,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-403","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Board members and officers; quorum","url":"\/54.1-403\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-403","metadata":false},{"id":77321,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-404","catch_line":"Regulations; code of professional practice and conduct","url":"\/54.1-404\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-404","metadata":false},{"id":56833,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-404.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-404.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-404.1","metadata":false},{"id":59827,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-404.2","catch_line":"Continuing education","url":"\/54.1-404.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-404.2","metadata":false},{"id":69257,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-405","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Examinations and issuance of licenses and certificates","url":"\/54.1-405\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-405","metadata":false},{"id":57598,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-406","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-406\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-406","metadata":false},{"id":73143,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-406.1","catch_line":"Alternative to education requirement for licensure of architects","url":"\/54.1-406.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-406.1","metadata":false},{"id":79139,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-407","catch_line":"Land surveying","url":"\/54.1-407\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-407","metadata":false},{"id":62825,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-408","catch_line":"Practice of land surveying; subdivisions","url":"\/54.1-408\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-408","metadata":false},{"id":82740,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-409","catch_line":"Practice of landscape architecture; license required","url":"\/54.1-409\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-409","metadata":false},{"id":83060,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-410","catch_line":"Other building laws not affected; duties of public officials","url":"\/54.1-410\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-410","metadata":false},{"id":69869,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-410.1","catch_line":"Prerequisites for obtaining business license","url":"\/54.1-410.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-410.1","metadata":false},{"id":63798,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-411","catch_line":"Organization for practice; registration","url":"\/54.1-411\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-411","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":55543,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-401","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-401\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-401","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-400\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1970. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 671 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1970 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1974, chapter 534; in 1980, chapter 757; in 1982, chapter 590; in 1984, chapter 437; in 1988, chapter 765; in 1990, chapter 512; in 1992, chapters 780 and 783; in 1998, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0027\">27<\/a>; in 2008, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?081+ful+CHAP0068\">68<\/a>; in 2009, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0309\">309<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":70033,"section_number":"13.1-1111","catch_line":"Qualifications of members and managers; special provisions for limited liability companies rendering service of architects, professional engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects, and using the title of certified interior designers","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1111\/"},{"id":69102,"section_number":"13.1-549","catch_line":"Qualifications of shareholders; special provisions for corporations rendering services of architects, professional engineers, landscape architects and land surveyors, and using the title of certified interior designers","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-549\/"},{"id":61355,"section_number":"15.2-2245","catch_line":"Provisions for periodic partial and final release of certain performance guarantees","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2245\/"},{"id":79501,"section_number":"15.2-961.1","catch_line":"Conservation of trees during land development process in localities belonging to a nonattainment area for air quality standards","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-961.1\/"},{"id":83823,"section_number":"2.2-1133","catch_line":"Use of value engineering","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1133\/"},{"id":84330,"section_number":"2.2-1515","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1515\/"},{"id":54690,"section_number":"2.2-4303.2","catch_line":"Job order contracting; limitations","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-4303.2\/"},{"id":67030,"section_number":"25.1-203","catch_line":"Authority of certain condemnors to inspect property; reimbursement for damages; notice prior to entry","order_by":null,"url":"\/25.1-203\/"},{"id":65435,"section_number":"32.1-163.5","catch_line":"Onsite sewage evaluations","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-163.5\/"},{"id":83571,"section_number":"32.1-163.6","catch_line":"Professional engineering of onsite treatment works","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-163.6\/"},{"id":56630,"section_number":"33.2-1011","catch_line":"Right to enter on land to ascertain its suitability for highway and other transportation purposes; damage resulting from such entry","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1011\/"},{"id":56954,"section_number":"33.2-319","catch_line":"Payments to cities and certain towns for maintenance of certain highways","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-319\/"},{"id":75278,"section_number":"38.2-1845.12","catch_line":"Standards of conduct for public adjusters","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-1845.12\/"},{"id":68112,"section_number":"40.1-142","catch_line":"Exemptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/40.1-142\/"},{"id":66218,"section_number":"54.1-1102","catch_line":"Board for Contractors membership; offices; meetings; seal; record","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1102\/"},{"id":86599,"section_number":"54.1-1103","catch_line":"Necessity for license; requirements for water well drillers and landscape irrigation contractors; exemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1103\/"},{"id":72090,"section_number":"54.1-2201","catch_line":"Exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2201\/"},{"id":67517,"section_number":"54.1-2344","catch_line":"Fair Housing Board; membership; terms; chairman; powers and duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2344\/"},{"id":76750,"section_number":"54.1-402.1","catch_line":"State and local government employees; license exemptions for persons employed prior to March 8, 1992","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-402.1\/"},{"id":77321,"section_number":"54.1-404","catch_line":"Regulations; code of professional practice and conduct","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-404\/"},{"id":62825,"section_number":"54.1-408","catch_line":"Practice of land surveying; subdivisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-408\/"},{"id":82740,"section_number":"54.1-409","catch_line":"Practice of landscape architecture; license required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-409\/"},{"id":86981,"section_number":"55.1-609","catch_line":"Correcting errors in deeds, deeds of trust, and mortgages; affidavit","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-609\/"},{"id":60030,"section_number":"56-257.2:1","catch_line":"Projects presenting material risk to public safety; licensed professional engineers; regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-257.2_1\/"},{"id":61469,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.3","catch_line":"Acceptance of signed and sealed plan in lieu of local plan review","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.3\/"},{"id":59650,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:28","catch_line":"Development of regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_28\/"},{"id":63117,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:30","catch_line":"Training and certification","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_30\/"},{"id":59976,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:51","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_51\/"},{"id":58461,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:53","catch_line":"Certification of program personnel","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_53\/"},{"id":68663,"section_number":"9.1-140","catch_line":"Exceptions from article; training requirements for out-of-state central station dispatchers","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-140\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":240557,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76379,"identifier":"54.1-400","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-400","url":"\/54.1-400\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-400\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-400","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-400","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>As used in this chapter unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t&#8220;Architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences, and the principles of architecture and architectural design, acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the <span class=\"dictionary\">practice of architecture<\/span> and whose competence has been attested by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> through licensure as an architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">practice of architecture<\/span>&#8221; means any service wherein the principles and methods of architecture are applied, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design, and includes the responsible administration of construction <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span>, in connection with any private or public buildings, structures or projects, or the related equipment or accessories.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span>&#8221; means the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> for Architects, <span class=\"dictionary\">Professional Engineers<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">Land Surveyors<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">Certified Interior Designers<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\">Landscape Architects<\/span>.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Certified interior designer<\/span>&#8221; means a design professional who meets the criteria of education, experience, and testing in the rendering of <span class=\"dictionary\">interior design<\/span> services established by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> through certification as an interior designer.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Improvements to real property<\/span>&#8221; means any valuable addition or amelioration made to land and generally whatever is erected on or affixed to land which is intended to enhance its value, beauty or utility, or adapt it to new or further purposes. Examples of <span class=\"dictionary\">improvements to real property<\/span> include, but are not limited to, structures, buildings, machinery, equipment, electrical systems, mechanical systems, roads, and water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Interior design<\/span>&#8221; by a <span class=\"dictionary\">certified interior designer<\/span> means any service rendered wherein the principles and methodology of <span class=\"dictionary\">interior design<\/span> are applied in connection with the identification, research, and creative solution of problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. Such services relative to interior spaces shall include the preparation of documents for nonload-bearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Land surveyor<\/span>&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the several sciences and of the principles of land surveying, and of the planning and design of land developments acquired by practical experience and formal education, is qualified to engage in the <span class=\"dictionary\">practice of land surveying<\/span>, and whose competence has been attested by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> through licensure as a <span class=\"dictionary\">land surveyor<\/span>.\n\t\tThe &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">practice of land surveying<\/span>&#8221; includes surveying of areas for a determination or correction, a description, the establishment or reestablishment of internal and external land boundaries, or the determination of topography, contours or location of physical improvements, and also includes the <span class=\"dictionary\">planning of land and subdivisions thereof<\/span>. The term &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">planning of land and subdivisions thereof<\/span>&#8221; shall include, but not be limited to, the preparation of incidental plans and profiles for roads, streets and sidewalks, grading, drainage on the surface, culverts and erosion control measures, with reference to existing state or local standards.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Landscape architect<\/span>&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his special knowledge of natural, physical and mathematical sciences, and the principles and methodology of landscape architecture and landscape architectural design acquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified to engage in the <span class=\"dictionary\">practice of landscape architecture<\/span> and whose competence has been attested by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> through licensure as a <span class=\"dictionary\">landscape architect<\/span>.\n\t\tThe &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">practice of landscape architecture<\/span>&#8221; by a licensed <span class=\"dictionary\">landscape architect<\/span> means any service wherein the principles and methodology of landscape architecture are applied in consultation, evaluation, planning (including the preparation and filing of sketches, drawings, plans and specifications) and responsible supervision or administration of <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span> relative to projects principally directed at the functional and aesthetic use of land.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Professional engineer<\/span>&#8221; means a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose competence has been attested by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> through licensure as a <span class=\"dictionary\">professional engineer<\/span>.\n\t\tThe &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">practice of engineering<\/span>&#8221; means any service wherein the principles and methods of engineering are applied to, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas: consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines, equipment, processes, transportation systems and work systems, including responsible administration of construction <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span>. The term &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">practice of engineering<\/span>&#8221; shall not include the service or maintenance of existing electrical or mechanical systems.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Residential wastewater<\/span>&#8221; means sewage (i) generated by residential or <span class=\"dictionary\">accessory<\/span> uses, not containing storm water or industrial influent, and having no other toxic, or hazardous constituents not routinely found in <span class=\"dictionary\">residential wastewater<\/span> flows, or (ii) as certified by a <span class=\"dictionary\">professional engineer<\/span>.\n\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Responsible charge<\/span>&#8221; means the direct control and supervision of the <span class=\"dictionary\">practice of architecture<\/span>, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or land surveying.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 54.1-400)\n\nAs used in this chapter unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t&#8220;Architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of the\nmathematical and physical sciences, and the principles of architecture and\narchitectural design, acquired by professional education, practical experience,\nor both, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture and whose\ncompetence has been attested by the Board through licensure as an architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of architecture&#8221; means any service wherein the\nprinciples and methods of architecture are applied, such as consultation,\ninvestigation, evaluation, planning and design, and includes the responsible\nadministration of construction contracts, in connection with any private or\npublic buildings, structures or projects, or the related equipment or\naccessories.\n\t\t&#8220;Board&#8221; means the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers,\nLand Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects.\n\t\t&#8220;Certified interior designer&#8221; means a design professional who\nmeets the criteria of education, experience, and testing in the rendering of\ninterior design services established by the Board through certification as an\ninterior designer.\n\t\t&#8220;Improvements to real property&#8221; means any valuable addition or\namelioration made to land and generally whatever is erected on or affixed to\nland which is intended to enhance its value, beauty or utility, or adapt it to\nnew or further purposes. Examples of improvements to real property include, but\nare not limited to, structures, buildings, machinery, equipment, electrical\nsystems, mechanical systems, roads, and water and wastewater treatment and\ndistribution systems.\n\t\t&#8220;Interior design&#8221; by a certified interior designer means any\nservice rendered wherein the principles and methodology of interior design are\napplied in connection with the identification, research, and creative solution\nof problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment.\nSuch services relative to interior spaces shall include the preparation of\ndocuments for nonload-bearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures, and\nequipment in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the\npublic.\n\t\t&#8220;Land surveyor&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his knowledge of\nthe several sciences and of the principles of land surveying, and of the\nplanning and design of land developments acquired by practical experience and\nformal education, is qualified to engage in the practice of land surveying, and\nwhose competence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a land\nsurveyor.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of land surveying&#8221; includes surveying of areas for a\ndetermination or correction, a description, the establishment or reestablishment\nof internal and external land boundaries, or the determination of topography,\ncontours or location of physical improvements, and also includes the planning of\nland and subdivisions thereof. The term &#8220;planning of land and subdivisions\nthereof&#8221; shall include, but not be limited to, the preparation of\nincidental plans and profiles for roads, streets and sidewalks, grading,\ndrainage on the surface, culverts and erosion control measures, with reference\nto existing state or local standards.\n\t\t&#8220;Landscape architect&#8221; means a person who, by reason of his special\nknowledge of natural, physical and mathematical sciences, and the principles and\nmethodology of landscape architecture and landscape architectural design\nacquired by professional education, practical experience, or both, is qualified\nto engage in the practice of landscape architecture and whose competence has\nbeen attested by the Board through licensure as a landscape architect.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of landscape architecture&#8221; by a licensed landscape\narchitect means any service wherein the principles and methodology of landscape\narchitecture are applied in consultation, evaluation, planning (including the\npreparation and filing of sketches, drawings, plans and specifications) and\nresponsible supervision or administration of contracts relative to projects\nprincipally directed at the functional and aesthetic use of land.\n\t\t&#8220;Professional engineer&#8221; means a person who is qualified to\npractice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical,\nphysical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering\nanalysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose\ncompetence has been attested by the Board through licensure as a professional\nengineer.\n\t\tThe &#8220;practice of engineering&#8221; means any service wherein the\nprinciples and methods of engineering are applied to, but are not necessarily\nlimited to, the following areas: consultation, investigation, evaluation,\nplanning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines,\nequipment, processes, transportation systems and work systems, including\nresponsible administration of construction contracts. The term &#8220;practice\nof engineering&#8221; shall not include the service or maintenance of existing\nelectrical or mechanical systems.\n\t\t&#8220;Residential wastewater&#8221; means sewage (i) generated by residential\nor accessory uses, not containing storm water or industrial influent, and having\nno other toxic, or hazardous constituents not routinely found in residential\nwastewater flows, or (ii) as certified by a professional engineer.\n\t\t&#8220;Responsible charge&#8221; means the direct control and supervision of\nthe practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture,\nor land surveying.\n\nHISTORY: 1970, c. 671, \u00a7 54-17.1; 1974, c. 534; 1980, c. 757; 1982, c. 590;\n1984, c. 437; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 512; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 1998, c. 27; 2008,\nc. 68; 2009, c. 309.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}