You may file a complaint by downloading the complaint form. Fill out the form, have your signature notarized, and return it to the NMBEA with copies of all documentation that you believe will substantiate your complaint. Keep the originals of these documents, as well as a copy of your complaint form. Make sure your name, address, and daytime telephone number are legible so that you may be contacted you if more information is required. If you telephone the NMBEA, you will be referred to the investigator

Uniform Licensing Act, NMSA 1978 §61-1-7 G (Repl. Pamp. 1996) provides: There shall be no liability on the part of and no action for damages against a person who provides information to a board in good faith and without malice in the reasonable belief that such information is accurate. A licensee who directly or through an agent intimidates, threatens, injures or takes any adverse action against a person for providing information to a board shall be subject to disciplinary action.

The NMBEA will review your complaint to determine if the allegations, if proven to be correct, would be violations of the Architectural Act. Most often, a letter is sent to the architect requesting an explanation of his or her side of the situation. The complaint will be investigated as needed and the findings of the investigation will be reviewed by the Enforcement Subcommittee. The committee will present its recommendations to the board for a final decision. The NMBEA gives priority to complaints involving a person's life, health, safety, or welfare.

Under the Architectural Act, all complaints under investigation are confidential. Both the complainant and the architect will be notified in writing of a final decision by the NMBEA.

The NMBEA has the power, duty, and authority to investigate alleged violations of the provisions of the Architectural Act and Board Rules and Regulations including complaints about practice, representation, and the offering of architectural services by a persons not registered with the NMBEA as architects.

The NMBEA is given specific authority to receive and investigate complaints against its registrants and to discipline violators accordingly. Do not hesitate to call or write the NMBEA about any questions or concerns you may have. The NMBEA takes action against architects or applicants for:

• fraud or deceit in obtaining a registration;


• gross negligence, incompetency or misconduct in the practice of architecture;


• stamping any plans, plats or reports in violation of the Architectural Act;


• practicing architecture without a valid and current registration


• representation as an architect without a valid and current registration;


• dishonorable or unprofessional conduct as defined by regulation of the board; misconduct;


• conviction of a felony.

Disciplinary actions may include: refusal to issue, suspension or revocation of a certificate of registration and/or referral to local district attorneys for criminal prosecution.