California architects who practice architecture are permitted to form professional corporations here in California. The statutory authority is set forth in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (the “Moscone-Knox Act”). See Cal. Corp. Code, §13400 et seq. Like all types of corporate entities, an Architecture Corporation is formed by filing articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State.

It is often better to form an Architecture Corporation than to operate a practice as a sole proprietorship. The corporate form protects personal assets from being seized by business creditors and creating a California Professional Architecture Corporation greatly facilitates adding licensed partners to a practice. The corporate form shields each of the partners from liability that may be alleged against the other(s). If you have questions about the requirements of forming a Professional Architecture Corporation, or whether an Architecture Corporation is the best entity type for your situation, reach out to the trusted corporate attorneys experienced in working with architects.

Pursuant to California law, a Professional Architecture Corporation has certain naming requirements that must be met when the corporation is formed. These name options include:

Architecture: 5610.3. “The name of a professional architectural corporation and any name or names under which it may be rendering professional services shall contain and be restricted to the name or the last name of one or more of the present, prospective, or former shareholders, or of persons who were associated with a predecessor person, partnership, or other organization and whose name or names appeared in the name of the predecessor organization, and shall include either (1) the words “architectural corporation” or (2) the word “architect” or “architects” and wording or abbreviations denoting corporate existence.”

Consult with the experienced San Diego corporate attorneys to ensure that the name you want for your Professional Architecture Corporation is compliant.

When forming a Professional Architecture Corporation, retain an experienced San Diego corporate attorney to provide advice and assistance. There are special rules under the Moscone-Knox Act with respect to who may be shareholders — owners — in a Professional Architecture Corporation. Likewise, there are limitations on who may be on the board of directors and who may serve as senior management. A Professional Architecture Corporation is unique in this way.

The corporation may have employees — such as a receptionist or a book-keeper — who are not licensed as long as those employees are not providing any sort of professional architectural services.

Contact San Diego Corporate Law Today

For more information, contact attorney Michael J. Leonard, Esq., or Christina Gandy-Delgadillo, Esq., of San Diego Corporate Law. Michael and Christina can be reached at (858) 483-9200 or via email. These experienced corporate attorneys can ensure your Professional Architecture Corporation is set up correctly and can assist with the annual maintenance of your California Professional Architecture Corporation. San Diego Corporate Law provides a host of legal services for businesses including formation of other types of corporate entities.