(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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §1.210 adopted to be effective March 29, 2007, 32 TexReg 1742; amended to be effective September 25, 2012, 37 TexReg 7480