CIAT outlines position as RIBA calls for a competence-led approach to architects’ regulation

[edit] RIBA calls for a competence-led approach to architects’ regulation

RIBA is calling for a new regulatory approach to the built environment that focuses on public protection through reserved activities delivered by competent professionals.

Under the current regulatory system for UK architects, only the title ‘architect’ is legally restricted, with no oversight of the competence of those who undertake architectural services or activities. This means anyone can perform the work of an architect, as long as they do not call themselves one. This does nothing to ensure quality or safety and places an unnecessary financial burden on the profession with little demonstrable public benefit.

[edit] What the RIBA is recommending?

There should be defined activities reserved to suitably competent professionals in relation to full planning applications, building control applications and final compliance certificates

This would bring us into alignment with the position in most developed economies. While recognising that this may not cover all controlled building work in its entirety, it should cover all significant building work where multiple consultants and contractors are appointed.

[edit] Repeal, Reserve and Regulate

To achieve this new framework, it suggests:

• Repeal: Removal of the Architects Act 1997: The Architects Act is the current legislation that regulates the use of the title 'architect' in the UK. Regulating title alone offers no oversight over the competence of those who undertake architectural services or activities, therefore, we recommend repealing the act.
• Reserve: Replacing the Architects Act with new legislation that sets out reserved activities: A new piece of legislation for the built environment could be modelled on the Legal Services Act, which restricts certain legal activities to various groupings of qualified professionals. Our proposed legislation would set out exactly which suitably competent professionals were able to undertake the reserved activities, set out above.
• Regulate: Oversight of the competence requirements of construction industry professional charter bodies should be by a Built Environment Council. The government should create a Built Environment Council that oversees the construction industry professional charter bodies whose members are the suitably competent professionals. These professionals would then undertake reserved activities set out in the new legislation.

This model would set out a clear statutory framework and would clearly define reserved activities helping deliver public protection. It would also provide a high level of accountability and assurance for protecting safety if applied to all significant building work.

This article appears on the RIBA news site as "Changes to architects’ regulation" dated 17 December, 2025, for further information about the proposals, see our professional feature written by our Practice team.

[edit] Response from CIAT

Following the announcement by RIBA President Chris Williamson regarding his decision not to renew his ARB registration in 2026, CIAT has set out its position on the wider implications for regulation in the built environment. The current President of CIAT Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS said following the announcement:

"Last Friday, along with other CIAT members and affiliates, and colleagues across the built environment sector, I read RIBA President Chris Williamson’s announcement that he will not be renewing his ARB registration in 2026 (and as such, will no longer be able to use the title of “architect”). This is part of a wider effort by RIBA to secure significant regulatory reforms in the UK, including “introducing new legislation defining reserved activities”.

"In view of the significance of this move, I felt I ought to write to you to outline CIAT’s position on these issues."

"The longstanding view of CIAT is that the status quo, in which the title of “architect” is protected in legislation, creates a needlessly complex regulatory landscape for professionals, clients and procurement professionals alike, and gives some professionals an unfair competitive advantage over others, without significantly enhancing safety or quality in the practice of building design. The Institute has consistently advocated for both procurement and legislation to focus on the functional requirements of projects, rather than on particular professional titles, in order to enable innovation. For this reason, CIAT would not oppose efforts to review the Architects Act (1997)."

"As detailed in CIAT’s June 2025 position paper, Safety, innovation and diversity in building design, CIAT would be open to reform which focuses on competence to deliver specific safety critical functions. However, it is crucial that any such reform does not repeat established mistakes or further entrench inequities. Regulation must also be proportionate to risks and consistent in its approach to individuals and professional organisations."

"Therefore, if reform is deemed to be essential, an updated regulatory model must:

• Be co-designed by professional bodies, ensuring that all voices are heard and reflected.
• Focus regulation on safety critical functions – such as those assigned to the Principal Designer (Building Regulations) – rather than arbitrary professional titles.
• Require ongoing demonstration of competence to undertake those functions.
• Align regulatory requirements to approved standards (e.g., for the PD BR role, PAS 8671).
• Ensure that every competent professional has the opportunity to demonstrate their competence, regardless of specific professional titles.
• Maintain the independence of Professional Institutes in protecting and enhancing professional standards, with external oversight of regulated functions only.
• Be realistically implementable across the built environment sector."

"It is not yet clear exactly what model of regulation RIBA supports in lieu of the current arrangements, and CIAT is aware that various models have been put forward by other bodies in recent months. CIAT is therefore committed to working with our partners across industry, including through the Construction Industry Council, to ensure that any regulatory reform genuinely enhances safety and quality in building design, while enabling our sector to grow and thrive."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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