How to start a landscape architecture business in Montana

Requirements for Montana Landscape Architect License

What are the requirements to become an landscape architect in Montana?

The Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects (MBALA) requires that applicants meet the education and experience requirements or hold a complete CLARB record.

• Applicants with an accredited landscape architect degree must have at least two years of practical experience in landscape architecture to obtain their license.
• Applicants with a non-accredited landscape architect degree must complete three years of practical experience.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must have four years experience.
• Applicants with an associate’s degree must have six years experience.
• Applicants with no post-secondary education must have eight years of experience.

All applicants must also pass the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.

How do you get a Montana landscape architect License?

Submit the Application for Landscape Architect License to the MBALA. There are two options for proving your education and experience.  The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) maintains a career management tool called a CLARB record.  The CLARB verifies and permanently records your education, experience, references, etc. 
If you do not have a CLARB record you must prove your education and experience.  This means you should have your transcripts and verification of licensure sent to the MBALA.  Include supervisor verified experience detail sheets and verification of exam passage with your application.

Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects
301 South Park, 4th Floor
PO Box 200513
Helena, Montana 59620-0513
Phone: (406) 814-2017
Fax: (406) 841-2309

How much will it cost to get a Montana landscape architect license?

Exam application fee: $50.00
Original license application fee: $325.00

Make checks or money orders payable to the Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects.

Are there any continuing education requirements for landscape architects?

There are no continuing education requirements for Montana landscape architects.

Should I form my own landscape architecture business in Montana?

In addition to becoming a Montana licensed landscape architect, you may want to start your own landscape architecture firm.  Registering your Montana business entity with the Secretary of State offers many benefits and protections for landscape architects. Montana does not require any particular type of entity for landscape architects, but allows people to choose the entity that best suits their needs.  Landscape architects may form standard partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, etc. Architects may also create professional corporations (PC) and professional limited liability companies (PLLC). These professional entities allow licensed individuals to form a corporation or LLC for the purpose of practicing their profession.  Shareholders must also be licensed to render the service as must half of the officers and directors. Montana does not require entities to include a description of the service (such as the words “landscape architect”) in the business name.  If you choose to form a PC in Montana, you are required to file the articles of incorporation with the licensing authority, in this case, the Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects.

Once you have chosen the type of entity you want to form, we can file the appropriate documents with the Montana Secretary of State for you or provide all the information you need to do it yourself.  We provide business formation services and ongoing business compliance services by acting as your registered agent for just $100.00.  You get your Montana Landscape Architecture License and we will properly form your Montana business.  And for just $49 per year, we will provide ongoing business compliance services by acting as your Montana Registered Agent.

MBALA forms:

Montana SOS forms: