Architecture Company

Architecture companies (sociétés d'architecture) are businesses registered with the trade and companies register (RCS) and enrolled with the Order of Architects (Ordre des architectes). This dual registration allows them to legally practice the profession of architect in France as a corporate entity.

Only companies with this registration may use the title of architecture company. The activity is carried out in compliance with the Architects' Code of Ethics, and any statutory modifications must be communicated to the regional council of the Order of Architects.

Requirements

  • Founders: The company must be established by an architect enrolled with the Order of Architects in France or a natural person established in an EU/EEA Member State legally practicing the profession of architect.
  • Share capital: More than half of the share capital and voting rights must be held by architects or architecture companies. Non-architect legal entities may not hold more than 25% of capital (49% for SEL companies).
  • Management: The chairman, the managing director, at least half of the managing directors and managers, and the majority of board members must be architects.
  • Professional insurance: Professional insurance must be taken out and submitted annually to the Order of Architects.

Registration Procedure

  • Competent authority: The regional council of the Order of Architects where the company will be established.
  • Required documents: Signed copy of articles of association, individual registration certificate of partner architects, individual application from each partner architect, payment of registration fee.
  • Submission: The application is submitted or sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt to the headquarters of the regional council of the Order of Architects.
  • Response time: Silence for two months constitutes a rejection decision. The registration or refusal decision is reasoned and notified immediately.
  • Appeal: In case of refusal, appeal possible to the Minister of Culture within two months, then contentious appeal to the Administrative Court of Paris.

Possible Legal Forms

  • SARL/EURL d'architecture: Limited liability company for architecture or single-member limited liability company for architecture.
  • SAS/SASU d'architecture: Simplified joint-stock company for architecture or single-member simplified joint-stock company for architecture.
  • SA d'architecture: Public limited company for architecture.
  • SEL d'architecture: Liberal practice company (SELARL, SELAFA, SELAS).
  • SCP d'architecture: Professional civil company for architecture.
  • SCOP d'architecture: Worker cooperative in the form of a SARL with variable capital.
  • SPFPL d'architecture: Financial holding company for liberal professions - architects.