RIBA Chartered Practice
The professional designation ‘Chartered Practice’ is legally protected by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This means that only architectural practices that are accredited by the RIBA can use the label ‘RIBA Chartered Practice’, use the logo, and include or display the certificate in proposals, bids or offices.
To qualify as a Chartered Practice, a practice must provide evidence of its compliance with the following criteria:
- At least one of the full-time principals (Director or Partner) must be an RIBA chartered member.
- A chartered architect (i.e. on the ARB register) must supervise all architectural work.
- At least 1 in 10 staff must be an RIBA chartered member.
- At least 1 in 8 staff must be on the ARB register, an RIBA associate member, or a CIAT member.
- The practice must have an appropriate professional indemnity insurance policy.
- The practice must have an appropriate quality management system and health and safety policy.
- The practice must have a written employment policy and an appropriate CPD framework in place.
- The practice must have an annual external audit with a ‘renewal’ audit every three years.
All Chartered Practices have to apply each year to maintain that status, and will not be eligible if they no longer meet the above criteria, or if they make a false/incorrect statement on the application form.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architect's Registration Board.
- Chartered builders and chartered construction managers receive official recognition in Northern Ireland public procurement.
- Chartered institute.
- Chartered surveyor.
- Construction professional.
- How to become an architect.
- Institute.
- Practice.
- Practice management.
- Professional.
- Professional body.
- Professional conduct.
- Professional practice.
- RIBA.
- RIBA professional conduct guidance.
- The architectural profession.
- Types of practice.
Featured articles and news
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.