Virginia has regulated the practice of architecture, professional engineering and land surveying for more than forty years but the statutes do not define the professions which they regulate. A bill was introduced in the 1960 Session of the General Assembly to define these professions but failed of passage. However, the General Assembly adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 6 directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study and report upon the advisability of defining these professions.

Pursuant to this resolution the Council requested E. E. Willey, member of the State Senate, to serve as chairman of a committee of the Council to make the initial study and report upon this subject. The Council selected the following to serve with Senator Willey upon this committee: Lloyd C. Bird, member of the Senate, Chesterfield; A. O. Budina, Architect, Richmond; Dewey G. Croy, Building Inspector, Fairfax; Lt. Col. Sam W. Dobyns, of V. M. I., Lexington; Walther B. Fidler, member, House of Delegates, Sharps; James F. Hope; Suffolk; Thomas J. McDonald, Professional Engineer, Norfolk; W. E. Vellines, Jr., Chief Engineer C. & P. Telephone Co., Richmond; Elbert H. Waldron, Roanoke; W. C. Whitehead, Norfolk; and Turner N. Burton, Director, Department of Professional and Occupational Registration, member, ex officio; John R. Boatwright, Jr., and F. W. Harkrader, Jr., served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the committee.

Turner N. Burton served with the committee, representing the Department of Professional and Occupational Registration. His Department and the State Board for the Examination and Certification of Architects, Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, are in charge of the administration of those provisions of law which regulate the practice of architecture, professional engineering and land surveying.