Emily Rivers
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) are the body which registers all architects in the UK. They regulate the architectural profession and enforce the Architects Act 1997. It’s illegal for someone to describe themselves as an architect without being ARB-registered. If you’re looking for an architect, you can also check whether they are ARB registered using the public search tool. Read on to find out more about the ARB and the benefits of choosing a registered architect.
What is the ARB?
The Architects Registration Board are a public corporation that regulates architects. They are legally responsible for keeping a register of all qualified architects in the country. The ARB verifies the qualifications of registered architects. They also require that architects have the relevant insurance. In addition, the ARB operates a complaints procedure. This offers members of the public another way to get help if they have issues with an architect they have employed.
It’s illegal for a person to call themselves an architect unless ARB-registered. This means that you can look for ARB-registered architects and be confident that you are choosing a qualified professional architect. The ARB also operate a professional code of conduct for architects. Therefore, if architects do not uphold the values of the profession and abide by this code of conduct they can be fined or, in very serious cases, taken off the register.
What are the benefits of using an ARB-registered architect?
There are a variety of benefits of using an architect who is registered with the ARB. Some of these are:
- Peace of mind. You know an architect registered with the ARB has the right qualifications and training to design the plans you need.
- ARB registered architects must have an appropriate insurance policy to protect themselves and their clients.
- Complaints procedure. The ARB operate their own complaints process. This offers members of the public a way of getting help if there are problems with their architect.
- The ARB has a professional code of conduct which all registered architects must abide by.
- The ARB offer lots of advice for members of the public to help them with the process of getting and working with an architect. For example, this page has advice for the first meeting with your architect.
So now you know the benefits of choosing an ARB registered architect to produce plans and drawings for your residential building project. You can also view the public ARB register of architects here.
