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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.

















