Landscape Architect FAQs for Consumers How do I “find or verify” a “Landscape Architect Individual Registration” or an “Landscape Architect Certificate of Authorization (“COA”) for the firm? To verify an “Landscape Architect individual registration” or an “Landscape Architect Certificate of Authorization (“COA”) for the firm,” please use this tool on the Board’s website: elicensing. How do I file a complaint? To access the “Complaint Form” and instructions, please click to follow the link. A “Complaint Form” and “any and all supporting documentation” must be submitted to the Board via email, dawne.broadfield@dbr.ri.gov. What happens once I file a complaint? The Board reviews complaints at regularly scheduled Board meetings. Board staff typically send the complaint to the Respondent for a response. The Board may dismiss the complaint if it does not find probable cause, or if the dispute or relief requested is outside the Board’s jurisdiction. The Board may investigate the matter, including, as deemed appropriate, with the assignment of one (1) or more Board members to conduct further investigation. The Board may interview the complainant, the person against whom the complaint has been lodged (referred to as the “respondent”), and/or any other witnesses. If the Board determines that disciplinary action is appropriate, it will make a recommendation to the Department to proceed with an enforcement action. The Department will assign the case to a Department attorney. The complaint maybe be resolved by consent agreement or proceed to an administrative hearing in accordance with the Department’s Rules of Procedure for Administrative Hearings, 230-RICR-00-00-2, and the Administrative Procedures Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35. If I file a complaint with the Board, what can the Board do for me? In a contested case, the Board only has the jurisdiction to discipline the person against whom the complaint is made. The Board cannot order anyone to pay restitution or give other specific relief to the complainant. Neither can the Board give a complainant legal advice. A complainant may wish to contact a private attorney to evaluate any civil remedies which may be available. Will I be asked to appear before the Board regarding my complaint? The Board reviews complaints on a case-by-case basis. There is a possibility that the Board may request you as the Complainant to appear before the Board to gather more information. Can I file a complaint anonymously? No. What should I do if I need legal advice about a complaint filed against a Landscape Architect or help defending myself against a complaint filed with the Board? Legal Counsel for the Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects cannot represent you or provide you with legal advice. You may find it helpful to review the website for the Rhode Island Bar Association website to learn about finding an attorney. What should I do if I need help forming my Landscape Architect business or addressing other business structure questions? You may find it helpful to review these websites of the Rhode Island Secretary of State and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. Additionally, attorneys and Landscape Architects specializing in business formation and consulting would be able to help you. RI Department of State - Business Services RI Commerce - Start My Business How can I sign up for automatic alerts regarding regulatory changes that I am interested in? Please visit Open Meeting - Subscribe for this information. Enter your email address, Select the Agency or Board you wish to receive notifications for, Select your frequency, and Click subscribe. You will then receive an email with a link requesting that you confirm the subscription. The link expires after forty-eight (48) hours. You can also edit your subscription at any time by clicking the “Manage Subscription” button How do I obtain a list of Board members? The Board is comprised of qualified individuals appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board on a voluntary basis. To view information about board member appointments, please click here. How often and when does the Board meet? The Board is a public body that generally meets every other month beginning in February. While administrative staff may be able to answer certain routine questions between meetings, matters that require Board action are required to be noticed on the Board’s meeting agenda per the Open Meetings Act, Annual Meeting Notice. Who can attend Board meetings? Open Session Meetings are open to the public. Executive Session Meetings are closed to the public. How can I find out when the next Board meeting is? All meetings are listed on the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office (“SOS”). Please visit Open Meetings for this information. Enter “Landscape Architect” in the “Keywords” box Click the “Search” radio button Scroll down, and you will see the information for the “Landscape Architects, Board of Examiners of.” Can I be added to a list for meeting notifications? All meetings are listed on the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office (“SOS”). Please visit Open Meetings for this information. Enter “Landscape Architects” in the “Keywords” box Click the “Search” radio button Scroll down to “Upcoming Meetings for Keyword Search” On the left, click the orange “email” button, enter “email address,” click the “verify email button” – on the right, click the down arrow to choose how often you would like to receive the notifications. I am interested in becoming a member of the Board. Who should I contact for more information? Please submit your “Letter of Interest” and “Resume” to Donna.Costantino@dbr.ri.gov