Email from Benedetto Tiseo in Opposition to HB 4913 and HB 4914

Summary

An email sent October 28, 2025 by Benedetto Tiseo, president of Tiseo Architects, Inc., stating opposition to Michigan bills HB 4913 and HB 4914. The email argues that the bills would allow non-licensed professionals to make health, safety and welfare decisions about the design of structures. It includes AIA Michigan positions opposing HB 4913, stating that its emphasis on degree requirements risks prioritizing accessibility over professional rigor, that its apprenticeship model lacks sufficient detail, and that NCARB licensing models should be considered as alternatives. It also opposes House Bill 4914 for removing the requirement that at least two-thirds of a firm's principals be licensed in architecture, engineering or land surveying, and relays AIA Michigan's request to engage with legislators, LARA and the Board of Architects.

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Full text

Dakota Soda

From: Benedetto Tiseo <ben@tiseo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 10:29 AM
To: Dakota Soda

Subject: FW: HB 4913 & HB 4914

This email is in opposition to HB 4913 & HB 4914 because if these bills pass they would reduce the protection
of the public’s Health, Safety and Welfare because it would allow non licensed professionals to make Health,
Safety and Welfare decisions about the design of structures. The reason the licensing laws for Architects and
Engineers are as they are is to insure that only Licensed Design Professionals are making Health, Safety and
Welfare decisions as their main priority. This is for the same reason only Accountants can own an Accounting
firm, or only a Doctor can own a Medical Practice and an Attorney can own a Law practice. Those decisions
can and should only be made as it relates to the public’s Health, Safety and Welfare and not financial as non-
licensed people would be allowed to make.

Opposition to HB 4913

e The concern of AIA Michigan is that this bill does not align with the original intent of
simplifying the licensure process without compromising the integrity of the profession.

e Reducing the red tape in licensure was not meant to lower the standards or requirements
in a manner that could diminish the value of the architecture profession.

e By emphasizing degree requirements without providing clarity or maintaining a balance
with practical experience, the bill risks prioritizing accessibility over professional rigor.

e AIA Michigan opposes the measure because it focuses on making licensure easier,
rather than less administratively burdensome.

e The profession of architecture is charged with protecting the public’s health, safety, and
welfare. Lowering requirements, without ensuring that competency and quality are
maintained, could jeopardize this responsibility.

e The bill’s approach to reducing barriers—by emphasizing a vague equivalency of a
professional degree—fails to address the real obstacles, such as administrative
inefficiencies or inconsistencies in licensure processes.

e The red tape report emphasized the need for collaboration with LARA, NCARB, and
other stakeholders to explore solutions that streamline processes without sacrificing the
education, experience, and examination requirements necessary to uphold the
profession’s standards.

e Existing frameworks, such as NCARB's licensing models, balance education, experience,
and competency assessments and should be considered as alternatives to the changes
proposed in HB 4913.

e The bottom line is that the task assigned to LARA was cutting the red tape in licensure
processes. They should focus on reducing administrative hurdles, making licensure less
arduous, but not necessarily easier in a way that sacrifices the value of the profession.

1
Opposition to Michigan House Bill 4914

e Removing the requirement for at least two-thirds of a firm's principals to be licensed
professionals in architecture, engineering, or land surveying could undermine the integrity and
quality of these professions.

e Licensing ensures that leadership possesses the expertise, experience, and ethical
standards essential for public safety, infrastructure reliability, and environmental
sustainability.

e This amendment could allow unqualified individuals to influence critical projects, potentially
resulting in substandard work or safety risks.

e Reducing the threshold for licensed professionals may dilute accountability and weaken
public trust in these professions.

e The reform appears to prioritize business interests over public welfare, risking long-term
consequences for infrastructure and professional standards.

e The bill’s expedited implementation timeline provides insufficient time to address potential
unforeseen consequences or adequately prepare stakeholders for such a significant change.

e Reducing the education requirement undermines the public interest.

e Architects are tasked with ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and
lowering licensure standards is counterproductive.

¢ Bill 4913 replaces education with an apprenticeship model but fails to provide sufficient
detail, which is unsatisfactory.

e AIA Michigan opposes this bill and emphasizes the importance of maintaining robust licensure
requirements.

e The organization has been collaborating with NCARB on alternate paths to licensure
and is willing to support further research and discussions.

e AIA Michigan requests an opportunity to engage with legislators, LARA, and the Board
of Architects to explore more comprehensive and effective models for architectural
licensure.

Existing models from NCARB, NAAB, and several states could serve as better alternatives to the
proposed changes

Thanks, Ciao

2IDA Past National President 2023-2025
Benedetto Tiseo, FAIA, NCARB
President

Tiseo Architects, Inc.
19815 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48152

Phone: 248.888.1300

ben@tiseo.com
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Veteran Owned Small Business
2ID Korea - 6/37 Arty 1966-1967

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