Professional standards for architects
Contents |
[edit] ARB
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) was established by the Architects Act 1997 to:
- Maintain a register of architects.
- Control use of the title.
- Prescribe qualifications for entry to the register.
- Regulate the profession under a Code of conduct that sets out standards of professional behaviour.
- Ensure codes are not broken through disciplinary procedures
- UPC: Unacceptable Professional Conduct
- SPI: Serious Professional Incompetence
[edit] Legislative background
Architects Act 1997:
- Created the ARB as statutory body.
- Sets out a regulatory framework for profession.
The Professional Qualifications Directive 2005:
- Provides for mutual recognition of qualifications throughout Europe.
- Assists practices setting up abroad.
- Sets standards of protection for service providers.
ARB Architects code: Standards of Conduct and Practice, establishes 12 standards:
- Be honest and act with integrity
- Be competent
- Promote your services honestly and responsibly
- Manage your business competently
- Consider the wider impact of your work
- Carry out your work faithfully and conscientiously
- Be trustworthy and look after your clients’ money properly
- Have appropriate insurance arrangements
- Maintain the reputation of architects
- Deal with disputes or complaints appropriately
- Co-operate with regulatory requirements and investigations
- Have respect for others
[edit] RIBA
The Royal Institute of British Architects champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. It provides the standards, training, support and recognition that assists in meeting these targets.
It publishes a Code of Professional Conduct with 3 basic principles:
- Integrity: act with honesty and integrity at all times
- Competence: act responsibly, competently, conscientiously. Provide knowledge, ability, financial & technical resources appropriate for the work.
- Relationships: respect rights and interests of others.
There are also professional values that support these principles and guidance notes about how the principles can be upheld. Guidance note 6 relates to CPD: The RIBA's interesting and varied CPD programme keeps architects and other construction professionals up-to-date with the right skills and core competencies.
[edit] What is the difference between ARB and RIBA?
Under the Architects Act, the term ‘architect’ is protected – only those on the Register of Architects are permitted to use the title. The statutory body set up by parliament to administer the register is the Architects Registration Board (ARB – formerly ARCUK). As such, the ARB is quite distinct from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which is a voluntary association of architects in the UK and overseas. A significant number of UK registered architects choose not to join the RIBA: according to recent figures, one in five of the registered architects in the UK are not members of the RIBA.
See also: Rules and regulations affecting architects.
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.