The Architects Act
The Architects Act 1997 is an Act of Parliament that consolidates the originating and amending Acts relating to the registration of architects.
Although buildings in the UK are commonly designed by people who are not architects, the term ‘architect’ itself is protected by the act. Section 20 of the Architects Act states that 'A person shall not practise or carry on business under any name style or title containing the word ‘architect’ unless he is a person registered under this Act'.
It is a criminal offence for anyone to offer services as an architect if they are not on the register of the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
The act, which came into force in July 1997, consolidated the Architects (Registration) Act 1931 (which had required the Register of Architects to be established), and the changes enacted in Part III of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
It also provided that:
- An office of Registrar should maintain the register and carry out the instructions of ARB.
- The ARB would be made up of 8 government-appointed lay members and 7 architects elected by registered architects.
- The Board of Architectural Education would be abolished.
The act was amended in 2011 to recognise European qualifications, enabling migrants from the European Economic Area or Switzerland to register as architects in the UK.
On 7 January 2019, a revised version of the Architects Act 1997 came into force reflecting the possibility of the UK leaving the EU.
In November 2020, the Government announced a consultation changes to the Act to make competence assessment compulsory. For more information see: Architects' building safety competence consultation.
In June 2021, the government confirmed plans to allow architects with certain international qualifications to join their UK Register. In addition, it confirmed that wider proposals to drive up professional competence in the sector will be implemented via the Building Safety Bill, with the ARB given new powers to monitor the way architects manage their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-responds-to-consultation-on-amendments-to-the-architects-act
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- ARB code of conduct.
- Architect.
- Architects Registration Board.
- Architects' building safety competence consultation.
- CIAT responds to the architects' regulation review.
- Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act HGRA
- How to become an architect.
- Professional Qualifications Bill.
- RIBA.
- The architectural profession.
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.