The Architectural Examining Board was created in 1927 and the Code was amended to provide a practice Act in 1961. The practice of architecture affects the public health, safety and welfare and is subject to regulation and control in the public interest. Both the board and licensed architects strive at all times to protect the public interest by promoting the highest standards of architecture.
2023 Renewal Information
Navigate to https://iowaplb.force.com/IPLB_login or click on the "Login to my Iowa PLB" box above to begin the renewal application.
Renewals begin May 1, 2023 and end on June 30, 2023. There is no grace period. If you do not renew your license by June 30th including payment of all fees, your license will lapse and you will need to reinstate (with additional continuing education required).
Cost:
- Active: $200
- Inactive: $100
- Retired: No fee
Continuing Education Requirements
Active Status:
- Licensed for less than 12 months (August 1, 2022 or after): No continuing education required
- Licensed for 12 months or more but less than 24 months (August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021): At least 12 hours of public protection (HSW) hours
- Licensed for 24 months or more (on or prior to July 31, 2021): At least 24 public protection (HSW) hours
All classes must be completed between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023 (or the date of renewal, whichever is sooner.). However, if you were licensed after July 1, 2021, classes must be completed between the issue date of your license and June 30, 2023 (or the date of renewal, whichever is sooner).
Inactive and Retired: No CE required
Click here for more information.
View the Disciplinary Index
Disciplinary action against non-licensees and discipline against licensees can be found in our online index. Search the index to locate information about a specific action.
Browse the Architecture Disciplinary Index
Upcoming Meetings
July 20, 2023 at the Board office or via Zoom
September 20, 2023 at the Board office or via Zoom
November 16, 2023 at the Board office or via Zoom
Contact the Board via e-mail or call (515) 725-9022 #3.
License Status | Associated Costs |
---|---|
Reciprocal Application & License | $200 (not prorated) |
Exam Application & License | $50 plus $5/month until renewal |
Active Renewal | $200 on or before May 31; $225 June 1 - 30 |
Inactive Renewal | $100 on or before May 31; $125 June 1 - 30 |
Retired | No fee |
Reinstatement of Lapsed License | $300 + (depending on circumstances) |
Change of Status from Inactive to Active | $100 |
License Predetermination Fee | $25 |
Formal Wall Certificate | $50 |
All fees are nonrefundable.
The Architectural Examining Board was created in 1927 and the Code was amended to provide a practice Act in 1961. The Board consists of seven members; two of whom shall be public members and five members who possess an architectural license and who have been in active practice for not less than five years.
Interested in applying to become a part of the board? Submit an application here.
Architects

Jeffrey Anderzhon
Clive
Appointed May 1, 2023
Current Term Expires April 30, 2026

Bobbi Jo Duneman
Dubuque
Appointed May 1, 2021
Current Term Expires April 30, 2024

Bethany Jordan
Marion
Appointed February 28, 2023
Current Term Expires April 30, 2025

Scott Hatfield
West Des Moines
Appointed May 1, 2017
Current Term Expires April 30, 2024

Thomas Wertzberger
Marshalltown
Appointed May 1, 2023
Current Term Expires April 30, 2026
Public Members

Dan Dutcher
Waukee
Appointed February 27, 2020
Current Term Expires April 30, 2025

Paloma Chapman
Urbandale
Appointed May 1, 2023
Current Term Expires April 30, 2026
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
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Board Staff
Lori SchraderBachar, Board Executive— lori.schraderbachar@iowa.gov or 515.725.9030
Kristen Conway, Licensing Specialist - kristen.conway@iowa.gov or 515.725.9027
Ashley Thompson, PLB Investigator— ashley.thompson@iowa.gov or 515.725.9035
Lindsey Browning, Assistant Attorney General
General contact information: ArchitectureBoard@iowa.gov, 515.725.9022 #3
- Iowa Code: 544A - Architectural Examining Board
- Iowa Administrative Rules: 193B - Architectural Examining Board
- Iowa Administrative Rules: 193 - Professional Licensing Bureau
- Iowa Code Chapter 17A - Iowa Administrative Procedure Act
- Iowa Code Chapter 272C - Continuing Education and Regulation - Professional and Occupational
- Seal and Certificate of Responsibility Information - Please note that as of July 1, 2017, architects are “licensed” and no longer “registered.”
- List of Criminal Offences Directly Relating to the Profession of Architecture
- NCARB Rules of Conduct (2018)
- 2019 Iowa Building Code Official’s Handbook
- International Building Code (2015) - A copy of the 2015 International Building Code ® is also available in the State Library of Iowa and the Board office.
- 2021 Iowa Architectural Examining Board Rule Changes
Pursuant to Executive Order 10, the Iowa Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau will be reviewing its existing Administrative Rules in accordance with the schedule. More information about Executive Order 10 is available on the Department of Management’s website.
Agency Rules Administrator
The Agency Rules Administrator is the official responsible for the administration of the agency rulemaking process. If you have any questions about current or pending agency rules for the Board, contact the Agency Rules Administrator:
Agency Rules Administrator
Interior Design Examining Board
200 E Grand Ave, Ste. 350
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 725-9022
Fax: (515) 725-9033
Email: ArchitectureBoard@iowa.gov
The Iowa Legislature has tools available in order to keep up-to-date with the rulemaking process.
- Administrative Rules Agency Changes Subscription: To subscribe to receive a notice of any rule changes from an agency, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/subscribe/agencyChanges and select the agency (or agencies) from which you want to get notices.
- Rules Tracker: To track the progress of each rule-making document, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/tracker.
- To learn more about the rule-making process, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/howDoRulesWork.
Paper applications are no longer accepted. To submit an online application, new and returning users should log into My Iowa PLB.
Individual Licenses
- Architectural License Examination
- Architectural License Reciprocity
- Reinstatement of Iowa architecture license
Firm/Business Entity Licenses
Iowa no longer registers firms; it only registers individual architects. Any architectural work done in Iowa must be completed by or under the responsible charge of an Iowa–registered architect.
The Board does not have any limits on the type or ownership of the company. Contact Iowa Economic Development and the Iowa Secretary of State for general business regulations.
Other Applications
The following applications are also available online. Log into your account to complete the application checklist and submit for review:
- Architect Change of Status
- Architect Retired Status
- Notice of Intent to Offer Architectural Services Prior to Licensure in Iowa
- General Forms (Change of Contact Information, Mailing List Request, Waiver Request, Complaint Form, and Military Service Application)