A design professional’s lien is a legal right, or a claim that gives a security interest in property to a person who provides design services related to that property. Eligibility to claim such a lien depends on state law, but architects, engineers, and land surveyors are commonly included. A design professional’s lien is closely related to a mechanic's lien, and in most states the rights and remedies are substantially the same.
Some jurisdictions, such as California and Texas, impose specific requirements or limitations. For example, certain states restrict design professional liens to pre-construction services, even if the professional continued to provide services during construction. A small number of states do not generally permit design professional liens.
[Last reviewed in September of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]