Architectural practice
In the built environment, the term 'professional practice' refers to the conduct and work of someone from a particular profession. Architectural practice therefore is that area of activity that sees professional architects engaged in the design and construction of buildings, selling their services to clients while complying with the requirements of their professional body.
An architectural practice may involve a large office with hundreds of architects and other associated professions, such as structural engineers and services engineers, surveyors, marketing/PR and administrative back-up, or it may involve smaller offices with just a handful of people. The smallest architectural practice is the sole practitioner working from a home office.
[edit] Professional bodies
Architects must be professionally qualified – in other words they have sat and passed relevant examinations, successfully worked for the prescribed periods in industry (a term sometimes used for professional practice) and satisfied the requirements of their profession’s governing body. In the UK, this may be the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), although the statutory requirement is to be registered with the Architects Regitration Board (ARB). In the US it is the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
These institutions have their respective codes of pracitce and standards that their members must follow under particular circumstances. Certain standards may also be expected by law or by contractual obligations and can include duty of care, duty to warn, and reasonable skill and care.
The term ‘chartered practice’ is legally protected and designated by professional institutions such as the (RIBA). This means that only architectural practices that are accredited by the RIBA can use the label ‘RIBA Chartered Practice’, use the RIBA logo, and include or display certification in proposals, bids or offices.
Practice or practise?
It is worth noting the difference between ‘practice’ and ‘practise’: in UK English, the former is a noun (as in architectural practice) while the latter is a verb (practise playing guitar, etc). A useful mnemonic is that practice contains ‘ice’ which is a noun. So, practise is the verb. However, in American English, 'practice' is both noun and verb.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.