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] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Architect's Registration Board.
• Chartered surveyor.
• How to become an architect.
• Practice management.
• Professional conduct.
• Professional practice.
• RIBA.
• RIBA professional conduct guidance.
• The architectural profession.
• Types of practice.