(a) Architectural education, training and experience
as described in §1.21 and §1.191 of this title (relating
to Registration by Examination and Description of Experience Required
for Registration by Examination) are necessary prerequisites for the
design of the architectural elements as specified in subsection (b)
of this section and the preparation of those architectural plans and
specifications for the construction, enlargement, or alteration of
a building intended for human use and occupancy. Generally, architectural
plans and specifications document the design of architectural elements
of buildings and also serve as instructions that integrate and coordinate
the design of all building systems and related site components necessary
for constructing a building and its environs intended for human use
and occupancy. Architectural plans and specifications detail the design
of architectural elements of a building, including the form, function,
construction, habitability, and appearance of the building and the
manner in which humans enter, exit, circulate, and use the interior
space of the building and its external environs. An Architect shall
coordinate with consultants in the design of a building intended for
human use and occupancy in order to integrate all components and systems
of the building and its environs.
(b) In accordance with §1051.0016 of the Texas
Occupations Code, for purposes of Chapter 1051, Texas Occupations
Code, the term "architectural plans or specifications" means a Construction
Document that depicts in detail the design of the spatial relationships
and the quality of materials and systems required for the construction
of a building and its environs. The term includes:
(1) Floor plans and details:
(A) depicting the design of:
(i) internal and external walls and simple foundations;
(ii) the design of the internal spaces of the building;
and
(iii) vertical circulation systems including accessibility
ramps, stair systems, elevators and escalators; and
(B) implementing programming, regulatory, and accessibility
requirements for a building.
(2) General cross sections and detailed wall sections
depicting building components from a hypothetical cut line through
a building to include the building's mechanical, electrical, plumbing
or structural systems;
(3) Reflected ceiling plans and details depicting:
(A) the design of the location, materials, and connections
of the ceiling to the structure; and
(B) the integration of the ceiling with electrical,
mechanical, lighting, sprinkler and other building systems.
(4) Finish plans or schedules depicting surface materials
on the interior and exterior of the building;
(5) Interior and exterior elevations depicting the
design of materials, locations and relationships of components and
surfaces;
(6) Partition, door, window, lighting, hardware and
fixture schedules;
(7) Manufacturer or fabricator drawings that are integrated
into and become part of the Construction Documents; and
(8) Specifications describing the nature, quality,
and execution of materials for construction of the elements of the
building design depicted in the Construction Documents prepared by
the Architect.
(c) Notwithstanding the thresholds within Chapters
1001 and 1051, Texas Occupations Code, the following architectural
plans and specifications may be prepared by a person who is registered
as an Architect or licensed as a professional engineer in the State
of Texas:
(1) Site plans depicting the location and orientation
of the building on the site based upon:
(A) a determination of the relationship of the intended
use with the environment, topography, vegetation, climate, geographic
aspects; and
(B) the legal aspects of site development, including
setback requirements, zoning and other legal restrictions; and
(2) The depiction of the building systems, including
structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, in:
(A) plan views;
(B) cross sections depicting building components from
a hypothetical cut line through a building; and
(C) the design of details of components and assemblies,
including any part of a building exposed to water infiltration or
fire-spread considerations;
(3) Life safety plans and sheets, including accessibility
ramps and related code analyses; and
(4) Roof plans and details depicting the design of
roof system materials, components, drainage, slopes, and direction
and location of roof accessories and equipment not involving structural
engineering calculations.
(d) This section does not address the services or work
that may otherwise be offered or rendered by Registered Interior Designers
or Landscape Architects.
(e) Licensed professional engineers who are listed
as permitted to engage in the practice of architecture pursuant to §1051.607,
Texas Occupations Code, are not restricted from preparing any architectural
plans and specifications described in this subchapter.
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