Thanks to House Bill 114 (HB 114), which takes effect today, Utah’s design and construction professionals will benefit from a significant update to the state’s Architects Licensing Act.
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As a residential designer, I invite you to join me in celebrating this legislative milestone. It promises to clarify and expand the language professionals can use to describe their work while still protecting the integrity of the architecture profession.
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This landmark legislation amends the Utah Architects Licensing Act to allow professionals in the design and construction industries to use derivations of the word "architecture"-such as "architectural drafting" or "architectural millwork"-when describing their work, without violating state law.
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Previously, the term "architecture" and its derivatives were restricted to licensed architects, limiting the ability of building designers and related professionals to accurately describe their services.
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"I don't believe that one business or entity should have a monopoly on that word." Representative Trevor Lee, the bill's sponsor, testified to the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee in January.

I want to thank Representative Lee and the Utah Legislature for supporting this update.
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I also extend my gratitude to the many design professionals who, when asked, showcased our industry's unity and dedication by participating in an email campaign and reaching out to Utah lawmakers. Their efforts in urging the support of HB 144 highlight the collective passion and commitment we share for advancing and protecting our field.
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​What’s next?​
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Representative Lee has reached out to AIBD, offering his support in introducing similar legislation in other states. The AIBD Board of Directors is eager to seize this opportunity and expand our advocacy for policies like this on a national scale.
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​But we need help.​
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In that January committee meeting, representatives from Habitations Design Group testified that the licensing board had investigated and fined them for describing their work as architecture, causing them to review years of social media and remove various hashtags.
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If anything like that has happened to you recently, the AIBD would like to know.
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In addition, if you’re connected to your state’s home builders association, we’d greatly appreciate an introduction to their executive officer or government liaison.
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Even better, if you have a personal connection with one of your state lawmakers, please forward this email to them along with a brief note requesting an opportunity to discuss bringing this initiative to your state.
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This change supports the professional growth of building designers, drafters, and construction specialists.
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If it's a good idea in one state, it should be in all states. Let's make a greater impact.
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Have a great rest of your week,
Steve Mickley, Executive Director
Email: steve.mickley@AIBD.org​
Schedule a Meeting: AIBD.org/meetsteve​

P.S. - I've provided the links below to listen to the testimony, for and against, in both the House and Senate.

• ​House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee - January 28, 2025​
• ​Senate Business and Labor Committee - February 19, 2025​
• ​House Floor, Day 17 (6/2/2025)​
• ​Senate Floor, Day 36 (26/2/2025)​
• ​Senate Floor, Day 37 (27/2/2025) ​