Can the form be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, signer attribution, and retention requirements are met.

Does the architect need to stamp and sign?

Most jurisdictions require a licensed design professional's stamp and signature on plans and related certifications; confirm state licensing board rules before submission.

When is notarization required?

Notarization or witness requirements depend on the document type and state; some jurisdictions require notarized acknowledgements for certain certifications or legal attestations.

What authentication is acceptable for e-signatures?

Acceptable methods range from email links to multi-factor or ID verification depending on authority expectations; stronger authentication may be required for notarized or controlled submissions.

How should I store signed forms?

Retain signed originals and digital copies according to project retention policy and legal requirements, typically the project term plus several years, and ensure integrity with encrypted storage.

Who to contact if a form is rejected?

Contact the issuing authority or plan reviewer for precise correction instructions; track reviewer comments, update the form, and resubmit with dated revision notes.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Architectural Design Form

Architectural Design Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FORM

Parties and Project Identification

Client Name: Architect Name / Firm: Client Address: Project Address:

Effective Date: . Project Number / Reference:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client Name: desires professional architectural services for the Project described above; and

WHEREAS, Architect Name / Firm: is duly qualified and agrees to provide such services under the terms set forth in this Architectural Design Form; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that these terms constitute the entire understanding governing the provision of architectural design services for the Project.

Scope of Work

The Architect shall provide professional services as described below, including the preparation of drawings, specifications and other deliverables required for design, permitting and construction as specified by the parties.

Detailed Scope of Work:

Standard Deliverables (select applicable):

Schematic Design

Design Development

Construction Documents

Construction Administration (limited)

Payment Terms

Client agrees to pay Architect for services rendered in accordance with the following fee structure and schedule.

Total Agreement Fee (all phases): Deposit / Initial Payment: Payment Schedule / Milestones:

Late Payment: Unpaid amounts shall accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum lawful rate. Client shall also be responsible for reasonable collection costs, including attorney fees.

Late Fee Rate (monthly): Payment Grace Period (days):

Term and Termination

This agreement commences on Start Date: and shall continue until Completion Date: unless earlier terminated in accordance with this section.

Notice Period for Termination (days): Termination for Cause / For Convenience:

Confidentiality

Each party shall treat all non-public information disclosed by the other party in connection with the Project as confidential and shall not disclose such information to third parties except to the extent required for performance, required by law, or with the disclosing party's prior written consent. Confidential materials shall include drawings, specifications, pricing and proprietary technical information. This obligation shall survive termination of this agreement for a period of five (5) years.

Exceptions to Confidentiality (if any):

Intellectual Property and Use of Documents

Architect retains copyright in all drawings, specifications and other documents prepared by Architect, whether or not the Project is built. Upon full payment of all amounts due under this agreement, Architect grants Client a non-exclusive license to use the documents for the purpose of constructing and using the Project at the Project Address, provided Client complies with the payment and usage terms herein. Modification of documents by others shall relieve Architect from liability for such modifications.

Indemnification and Liability

Each party shall indemnify the other for claims arising from that party's negligent acts or willful misconduct. Architect's liability under this agreement shall be limited to direct damages and, in no event, shall include consequential, incidental, or punitive damages. The foregoing limitations allocate risks between the parties and are reflected in the agreed compensation.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to its choice of law principles.

Entire Agreement

This document, together with any attachments and approved change orders, constitutes the entire agreement between Client and Architect with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, proposals and understandings, whether written or oral. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Representations and Certifications

Each party represents that it has the authority to enter into this agreement and that the individual signing on its behalf is duly authorized. All invoices shall be rendered in the currency specified by Architect and payment shall be made in lawful funds.

Client Name (Print):

By:

Date:

Architect Name (Print):

By:

Date:

What the Architectural Design Form Is and When It Applies

An Architectural Design Form captures the technical, legal, and administrative details for a proposed building or alteration project, including project scope, drawings or references to plans, responsible parties, site address, applicable codes, and signature blocks for architects and owners. It is used to document design intent for permit review, professional approvals, contract attachments, or internal records. For many jurisdictions the form must be accompanied by stamped plans or supporting reports; accuracy supports permitting, procurement, and downstream construction coordination.

Why a Standardized Architectural Design Form Matters

A clear, complete Architectural Design Form reduces review cycles, clarifies responsibilities, and creates an auditable record for permits and construction contracts. Consistent forms streamline coordination between architects, permitting authorities, contractors, and owners while preserving evidence of approvals and signatory intent under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA.

Typical users and signers of the Architectural Design Form

Key participants complete or review the form at different project stages.

Architects and licensed design professionals responsible for drawings and seals during permit submission.
Project owners or owners’ representatives who approve design scope, budgets, and accept responsibilities.
General contractors or construction managers who confirm feasibility, schedule, and coordination requirements.

Roles vary by project scale; smaller projects may combine responsibilities while commercial work usually separates duties.

Core sections every professional Architectural Design Form should include

A professional form groups information so reviewers can locate items quickly and verify completeness for permitting and contract use.

Project Identification

Project name, street address, parcel or lot number, and brief project description to tie the form to plans and permit files.

Design Scope

Summary of proposed work, square footage, occupancy change, and relevant code or standard references that govern design requirements.

Responsible Parties

Names, firm details, license numbers, and contact information for architect, engineer, owner, and primary contractor.

Reference Documents

List of drawings, specifications, calculations, geotechnical reports, and any attached exhibits with version/date to avoid ambiguity.

Approvals and Certifications

Fields for architect’s stamp/seal, owner acceptance, energy/structural compliance notes, and municipal sign-off items where applicable.

Signatures and Dates

Signature blocks for all required signers, dates, and any witness or notary fields the jurisdiction requires for legal effect.

Step-by-step: filling out an Architectural Design Form

Follow this sequence to assemble a complete submission that supports permitting and contract use.

01

Gather documents: Collect drawings, specifications, reports, and permit checklist before you begin.
02

Complete identification: Fill site address and project name to tie attachments to the form.
03

Confirm professional data: Enter license numbers and firm details exactly as issued by the state board.
04

Sign and date: All required parties sign, date, and add witness or notary information, if required.

Configuring an online workflow for the form

Map the electronic workflow before sending to ensure all signers receive fields in the correct order.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequential or parallel signing, set based on approvals needed.
Authentication	Email link by default; use SMS or knowledge-based checks for higher assurance.
Conditional Fields	Show fields only when specific options are selected to reduce signer confusion.
Final Delivery	Set recipients for completed PDF and retention location.

Where the completed form should go and who reviews it

Routing depends on the project type; typical destinations include municipal permit files, owner records, and contractor procurement folders.

Municipal Permit Office: Upload with plans for review and stamp.
Owner Records: Maintain a signed copy in project files.
Contract Documents: Attach to construction contract as an exhibit if contracting on the design basis.
Consultants: Share with engineers or specialists for coordination.

Technical options for digital completion and signing

Choose a platform that supports PDF and DOCX uploads, conditional fields, and a clear audit trail for signatures.

File Formats: PDF | DOCX | XLSX
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced checks
Integrations: Connect to cloud storage or PM systems

Ensure the selected provider allows appropriate signer authentication, audit logging, and storage controls to meet municipal and contract recordkeeping expectations.

Typical timelines and permit-related deadlines to track

Deadlines vary by jurisdiction; track submission dates, review windows, and permit expirations to avoid work delays.

Permit Submission:

Submit with complete plans to start municipal review; incomplete filings delay review.

Review Window:

Many authorities issue comments within 10–30 business days for standard projects.

Response Deadlines:

Respond to plan reviewer comments according to the jurisdiction's specified timeframe.

Permit Expiration:

Permits commonly expire if work has not started within 6–12 months.

Record Updates:

Update design records when change orders or revisions occur during construction.

Key milestones from design to permit to construction

Track these sequential milestones to coordinate approvals and contractor mobilization efficiently.

01

Design Completion

Architect finalizes drawings and specifications before stamping and signature.

02

Submission

Submit plans and the Architectural Design Form to the authority having jurisdiction.

03

Review and Comments

Authority provides corrections or approvals; address comments promptly.

04

Permit Issuance

Receive permit and proceed to contractor procurement and site mobilization.

Common mistakes that cause delays or rejections

Missing license numbers or expired professional credentials that require re-submission and can delay review.
Inconsistent project identifiers between the form and plan set leading to administrative rejection or lost files.
Incomplete attachments such as missing structural calculations, energy compliance forms, or required geotechnical reports.
Incorrect signer authority where the person signing lacks the power to bind the owner or firm, causing legal challenges.

Consequences of incomplete or incorrect Architectural Design Forms

Permit Rejection: Missing or incorrect information can cause application denial.

Work Stop Orders: Proceeding without approved permits risks enforcement actions.

Financial Delay: Contractor mobilization and project cashflow are affected.

Legal Exposure: Unauthorized signings can void approvals or contracts.

Professional Liability: Architects risk claims if seals or certifications are misapplied.

Recordkeeping Gaps: Inadequate retention complicates dispute resolution and audits.

Representative eSignature vendor comparison for completing and signing the form

Compare basic pricing and capability characteristics relevant to form completion and legally admissible signing; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison guidance.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Vendor-specific	Vendor-specific	Vendor-specific

Frequently asked questions about completing and signing the Architectural Design Form

Answers to common questions about validity, notarization, electronic signing, and filing help avoid processing delays and legal uncertainty.

Need help? Contact support

Can the form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, signer attribution, and retention requirements are met.
Does the architect need to stamp and sign?
Most jurisdictions require a licensed design professional's stamp and signature on plans and related certifications; confirm state licensing board rules before submission.
When is notarization required?
Notarization or witness requirements depend on the document type and state; some jurisdictions require notarized acknowledgements for certain certifications or legal attestations.
What authentication is acceptable for e-signatures?
Acceptable methods range from email links to multi-factor or ID verification depending on authority expectations; stronger authentication may be required for notarized or controlled submissions.
How should I store signed forms?
Retain signed originals and digital copies according to project retention policy and legal requirements, typically the project term plus several years, and ensure integrity with encrypted storage.
Who to contact if a form is rejected?
Contact the issuing authority or plan reviewer for precise correction instructions; track reviewer comments, update the form, and resubmit with dated revision notes.

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