In order to safeguard the life, health, property and public welfare of the people of this state and to protect the people against the unauthorized, unqualified and improper practice of architecture, the West Virginia board of architects, heretofore created, shall continue in existence and shall consist of seven members, five of whom shall be architects, appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and two of whom shall be lay members, not of the same political party affiliation, appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member who is an architect shall have been engaged in the active practice of his profession in the State of West Virginia for not fewer than ten years previous to his appointment. The members of the board in office on the date this article takes effect, in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety, shall, unless sooner removed, continue to serve until their respective terms expire and until their successors have been appointed and have qualified. Each member shall be appointed for a term of five years.

The board shall pay each member the same compensation and expense reimbursement as is paid to members of the Legislature for their interim duties as recommended by the citizens legislative compensation commission and authorized by law for each day or portion thereof engaged in the discharge of official duties.

Pursuant to the provisions of chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, the board, in addition to the authority, powers and duties granted to it by this article, has the authority to promulgate rules relating to the regulation of the practice of architecture and may include rules pertaining to the registration of architects. Any disciplinary proceedings held by the board shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the administrative procedures act for contested cases pursuant to the provisions of article five of said chapter.