California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Which of the following structures does NOT require an architectural license?

1. Multi-story commercial buildings

2. A single-family detached dwelling

3. Skyscrapers

4. Bridges

The correct answer is: A single-family detached dwelling

The reason a single-family detached dwelling is the correct answer is that, in California, the design of such structures does not generally mandate an architectural license. Typically, this type of building is often considered to fall under the category of minor residential projects which may not require the oversight of a licensed architect, particularly when single-family homes are concerned. Many jurisdictions allow unlicensed designers or even homeowners to design their own single-family residences, particularly if the plans comply with local building codes and regulations. In contrast, multi-story commercial buildings, skyscrapers, and bridges involve complex designs and often require adherence to stringent safety and engineering standards. These structures typically necessitate the involvement of licensed architects due to the scale, safety implications, and the professional expertise required to navigate building regulations and ensure the integrity of the structure. Hence, the requirement for an architectural license becomes much more critical for those projects compared to designing a single-family detached dwelling.