Do I need to use a complaint form if I want to file a complaint?

For general information about complaints and TBAE’s jurisdiction please see the complaints main page.

You can download and print a complaint form which contains all of the information needed by TBAE in order to process a complaint including your original signature. Providing your written testimony with a complaint form ensures that that you formally certify and attest to your statements. In some cases, the Board may initiate an investigation without a formal complaint if there is sufficient evidentiary information provided to establish probable cause that a violation of the law has occurred.

What documents must I submit when I file a complaint?

It is very important that originals or legible copies of all relevant documents be submitted when you file a complaint. If there is insufficient information to support the allegations, the processing of the case file may be delayed or the matter may be dismissed without further action.

If I file a complaint, will my name be disclosed to the person I am complaining about?

Complaints filed with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners are subject to the Texas Public Information Act. In most cases, the Board must disclose the information you provide on the complaint form to any person who requests it, including the person against whom you are filing this complaint. A copy of the complaint could be provided to the individual(s) involved in your complaint. Also, you could be called to testify as part of a formal or informal proceeding, such as a hearing or a deposition. If you have any concerns about the disclosure of your personal information (name, address, etc.), please contact the Board before you file the complaint form and we can discuss it with you.

Are anonymous complaints considered?

Yes. When submitting an anonymous complaint it is just as important to use the complaint form, to be as detailed as possible, and to attach supporting documentation to ensure that TBAE is able to determine the nature of the complaint, the date of the violation, and to locate the individual you are complaining about.

What if I am not sure that I want to file a complaint, but I want to discuss the issue with TBAE?

TBAE welcomes dialogue on topics that are of concern to the public or registrants. To talk to someone in the Investigations division, call (512) 305-8530 and ask to speak to an investigator.

How long does it take for a complaint to be completely resolved?

Upon receipt of a complaint, the Board will conduct a preliminary evaluation of the matter within thirty (30) days to determine whether allegations described in your complaint are within the Board’s jurisdiction.   It can be difficult to estimate when a case will be completely resolved due to the complexities involved in each particular case and because due process allows each party certain participation throughout the lifecycle of the complaint.

If I file a complaint, how will I know what happens when the case is closed?

The Board will send a letter to the complainant and the respondent as to the final disposition of the case. If there has been formal disciplinary action taken, the complainant will be able to obtain a copy of the document by writing to the Board pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.

Does TBAE hold public hearings on complaints?

The process for resolving complaints through hearings is set forth in Subchapter I of the Rules as follows:  architects | landscape architects | registered interior designers.