The preparation of architectural or registered interior design work, defined in Sections 481.203(2) and (10), F.S., must occur under the responsible supervising control of an architect licensed or an interior designer registered in this State. Such control ensures that the required professional standard of care is applied, in order to safeguard the public from harm and confirm that the owner’s needs and requirements as well as applicable codes and standards are met.

1. (1) The person responsible for the exercise of responsible supervisory control over architectural or interior design work shall be the person who signs and seals the documents related to the work.

2. (2) The responsible supervising control which is required of architects or registered interior designers prior to signing and sealing architectural or interior design documents, respectively, as that term is used in Sections 481.221(6), and (7), F.S., shall mean:

   1. (a) Direct contact between the architect or registered interior designer and his/her client.

      1. The client shall have direct uninterrupted access to the architect or registered interior designer at all times, during the preparation of all architectural or interior design work. Access shall begin with the start of the work and continue, without interruption until the work is completed or construction of the project is completed.

   2. (b) To avoid ambiguity, the architect or registered interior designer and their client should have a written agreement, describing in detail, the work to be done and all pertinent requirements at a minimum, time for performance and general expectations.

   3. (c) The architect or registered interior designer shall have direct participation in and detailed knowledge of the work, during its progress. Such involvement shall include, but not be limited to:

      1. Direct preparation of research, investigations, designs or documents.

      2. Regular review and examination, with commentary on designs or documents while their preparation is progressing.

      3. Meetings with clients, at times appropriate to the progress of the work, for the review of project goals, requirements and expectations.

      4. Meetings with others, having authority over the work, such as: representatives of agencies having jurisdiction over the project, contractors, manufacturers, consultants.

      5. Review, examination, modification, approval and adoption of work prepared by others to be incorporated in the work.

      6. Review, comment on and revision, as necessary, of the various documents required for execution of the work.

3. (3) An architect or registered interior designer must demonstrate that they are exercising responsible supervisory control over multiple projects through one of the requirements set forth by Sections 481.221(2), (4), and (6), F.S., and these rules.
4. (4) An architect or registered interior designer shall provide responsible supervising control personally or through direct employment of others who may themselves be licensed or who are duly trained and knowledgeable. The architect or registered interior designer shall, in their discretion, determine the appropriate methods and means for exercising responsible supervising control.
5. (5) Indirect employment arrangements, such as independent contractors, may not provide responsible supervising control on behalf of a licensee or registrant, unless there is a specific written agreement governing those services, which details the duties and responsibilities of the architect or registered interior designer and the independent contractor with respect to responsible supervising control, as described in subsection (2) above.
6. (6) When work prepared by an architect falls within the definition of Interior Design in Section 481.203(10), F.S., the procedures of Rule 61G1-23.010, F.A.C., shall be followed.
7. (7) When work that falls within the definition of Interior Design in Section 481.203(10), F.S., and prepared by a registered interior designer is to incorporated in the architect’s work, the procedures of subparagraph 61G1-23.010(2)(c)5., F.A.C., above, shall be followed.
8. (8) Notwithstanding the above provisions, an architect’s or registered interior designer’s duty to exercise responsible supervisory control over his/her work , is undelegable.

Rulemaking Authority 481.203(14), 481.205(4), 481.2055 FS. Law Implemented 481.205(4), 481.221(4), 481.221(5), 481.223, 481.225 FS. History–New 11-21-94, Amended 7-3-03, 9-22-21, 9-28-25.