Top 10 Best Architects in Marin County, California (Updated 2026)

Who licenses architects in California

The California Architects Board (CAB) licenses architects and enforces the Architects Practice Act. In its Consumer's Guide to Hiring an Architect, CAB says any person who uses the title of architect, or advertises to provide architectural services in California, must be licensed by CAB. The same guide says a license takes at least eight years of education, experience or both, plus a national examination and a California supplemental examination.

Under Business and Professions Code section 5536, it is a misdemeanor for an unlicensed person to practice architecture, to use any term confusingly similar to the word architect, or to advertise as an architect or an architectural designer.

Landscape architects hold a different license. The Landscape Architects Technical Committee, which sits under CAB, sets the standards for that license. The directory lists landscapers in Marin County on their own page.

How to check an architect's license

CAB licenses individual architects, not firms or corporations. Its license search page links to the Department of Consumer Affairs search tool, where you can search by name, city, county or license number. Each record shows whether the license is current or expired and whether it has been subject to disciplinary action.

Licensed architects stamp their plans. State law requires the stamp to show the architect's name and license number, along with the words "licensed architect" and "State of California." CAB's main number is (916) 574-7220.

When a project requires an architect or engineer

CAB's consumer guide says not every building project requires an architect, and it sets out who may design what.

The exemptions come from Business and Professions Code section 5537. It lets any person prepare plans, drawings or specifications for:

1. Single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height.
2. Multiple dwellings of no more than four units, of the same construction and height. Clusters that add up to more than four units on one lot are not covered.
3. Garages or other structures appurtenant to the buildings above, of the same construction and height.
4. Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood frame construction, unless the building official finds an undue risk to public health, safety or welfare.

The exemption has a limit. If any part of an exempt structure departs from the conventional wood framing requirements in the building code, the building official must require plans for that part from a licensed architect or registered engineer. CAB's guide adds that unlicensed persons may design nonstructural or nonseismic storefronts, interior alterations, fixtures, cabinetwork and furniture, but no component that changes or affects the safety of a building.

CAB suggests asking your local building department before you hire an unlicensed designer. In Marin, building permits come from the city or town where the property is, or from the County of Marin for unincorporated areas. Those offices are listed on the Marin County government page.

Housing age in Marin County

Nearly four in ten housing units in Marin County were built before 1960. The figure comes from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, table B25034, which counts housing units by year built.

What an architect's written contract must include

An architect must use a written contract, signed by the architect and the client before work begins. Business and Professions Code section 5536.22 says the contract must include at least these items:

1. A description of the project.
2. A description of the services the architect will provide.
3. A description of any basis of compensation and the method of payment agreed by both parties.
4. The name, address and license number of the architect, the name and address of the client, and the project address.
5. The procedure for additional services and contract changes.
6. The procedure either party will use to terminate the contract.
7. A statement identifying the ownership and use of the instruments of service the architect prepares.
8. A statement in at least 12-point type that architects are licensed and regulated by CAB, with its address.

The statute has exceptions. Work may start before signing if the client knowingly says so in writing, and no written contract is needed when the architect is not being paid.

How to file a complaint against an architect

CAB says anyone may file a complaint, including a consumer, a licensee or a building official. The examples it gives include lack of a written contract, breach of contract, negligence, fraud and conflict of interest.

1. Complete all sections of the Consumer Complaint Form on CAB's complaint page.
2. Include detailed information and all documentary evidence. You do not need to cite the law.
3. CAB formally notifies you that it received the complaint, then investigates.

The same form is used to report unlicensed practice. CAB cannot represent you in court or collect money on your behalf. You can still file a civil action at the same time. The enforcement line is (916) 619-3373.

The home services section of the directory also lists general contractors and interior designers in Marin County.

Who licenses architects in Marin County?

The California Architects Board licenses every architect in the state, including those in Marin County. The Board licenses individual architects, not firms or corporations. Landscape architects are licensed separately through the Landscape Architects Technical Committee, which sits under the Board.

Do I need an architect to design a house in California?

Not always. Business and Professions Code section 5537 lets a person without an architect license prepare plans for single-family dwellings of wood frame construction that are not more than two stories and basement in height. A building official must still require an architect or engineer for any portion that departs from conventional wood framing rules.

How do I check a California architect's license?

Use the license search linked from the California Architects Board website. It runs on the Department of Consumer Affairs license search and lets you search by name, city, county or license number. The Board licenses individuals, so search for the person, not the firm. The Board's main phone number is (916) 574-7220.

Does an architect have to give me a written contract?

Yes. Business and Professions Code section 5536.22 requires an architect to use a written contract, signed by the architect and the client before work starts. It must cover the project, the services, compensation and payment, names and addresses, the license number, how changes and termination are handled, and who owns the architect's documents.

How do I file a complaint against an architect in California?

Complete the Consumer Complaint Form on the California Architects Board website and attach your documents. Anyone may file, and the same form is used to report unlicensed activity. The Board investigates violations of the Architects Practice Act. It cannot represent you in court or collect money on your behalf.

Can someone call themselves an architectural designer without a license?

No. Under Business and Professions Code section 5536, it is a misdemeanor for a person without an architect license to use a term confusingly similar to the word architect, or to advertise in a way that might indicate the person is an architect or an architectural designer.