Who can call themselves an architect?

1. The title ‘Architect’ is protected by law and any person using this title must have the appropriate qualifications and must register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

2. He/she may also be members of the profession’s institutes, and where this is the case, they carry the professional description, 'Chartered' Architect, and can use the designations:
RIBA – member of the Royal Institute of British Architects,
ARIAS (FRIAS) – associate (or fellow) of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland

If you doubt whether your ‘Architect’ is registered or a member of ARB, RIAS or RIBA, contact the relevant membership department.

3. Anyone using titles such as “Building Consultant”, “Architectural Designer”, “Building Planner” is unlikely to be an qualified architect, and will therefore not have comparable skill or knowledge.

Consumer protection

4. Both the RIBA and the RIAS require high standards of professional conduct and performance from their members, to protect both the public and the status of the profession. All architect and student members are subject to the RIBA/RIAS Code of Professional Conduct and the Standard of Professional Performance, and each year they declare in writing their undertaking to abide by these fundamental principles and standards. Click on link to RIAS or the RIBA to find out more about them.

5. Both the RIBA and the RIAS have a confidential and impartial procedure for dealing with complaints of professional misconduct against members, but please bear in mind that as charities, they have no statutory powers and are unable to award compensation or order members to undertake remedial action or pay damages. They do offer practical assistance, however, through regional conciliation services and in the case of the RIBA, through the Client's Advisory Service.

6. All ARB registered architects accepting commissions must carry professional indemnity insurance.

What can I learn about the ARB and what it does for the consumer

who are the members of ECAN ?

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