Do I need an architect stamp or a PE stamp?

A building set can combine architecture, structural engineering, MEP engineering, civil work, survey, fire protection, and specialty design. I explain the distinction this way: the title block and seal should make responsibility legible, because an architect's seal does not replace structural calculations and a PE seal does not assume responsibility for architectural design or every sheet.

• Identify the design discipline and deliverable for each sheet
• Assign architecture, structural, MEP, civil, survey, and specialty scope explicitly
• Confirm the professional's authorization and competence for the work
• Coordinate interdependent documents without merging professional responsibility

The architect and engineers coordinate a project, but coordination does not make one professional responsible for another's work. Each responsible professional reviews the information needed for their scope, resolves interfaces, and seals only documents for which they can accept professional responsibility under applicable rules.

• Architecture: building organization, materials, code coordination, and design scope
• Structural PE: load paths, member design, connections, foundations, and structural criteria
• MEP professionals: building systems, equipment, utilities, controls, and related documentation
• Civil or specialty professionals: site, drainage, survey, geotechnical, or other defined work

Seal requirements vary by project type, location, discipline, and authority process. A general comparison cannot decide whether a document must be signed by an architect, PE, both, or another qualified professional. Obtain the current official checklist and then define the responsible scope with the design team.

• Current authority checklist and adopted code basis
• Sheet index showing discipline ownership and signatures
• Written scope, assumptions, exclusions, and coordination responsibilities
• A controlled record of revisions and comments affecting sealed work