Review of regulation of architects: call for evidence

On 16 August 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) opened a call for evidence to review the current form of regulation for architects and the architectural sector in the UK. The call to evidence closed on November 2021.

As the first part of a wider review of architectural regulation, the call for evidence invites architects and others working within the built environment to provide input on a range of topics that are intended to shape the future of the profession.

The review will complement existing work and will invite responses on wider aspects including:

• How the profession can become more diverse and accessible.
• Whether the current regulatory regime is fit for purpose.
• The role of the regulation of architects in ensuring a more sustainable built environment.
• How the Government can promote innovation in the sector.

Additional activities will include thematic workshops and interviews with sector representatives. It builds on a consultation on changes to the way architects are regulated and follows on the creation of Office for Place. It also adds to work that is being conducted by the ARB through its public engagement exercises.

Initial findings from the review are expected in spring 2022; the outcome is expected to be published in summer 2022.

Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/architects-invited-to-shape-future-of-profession

[edit] Responses

Eddie Weir PCIAT, President, responding to this review, says: "CIAT welcomes initiatives which encourage inclusivity and accessibility, and this Review is timely as it aligns with CIAT's review of its standards, being undertaken to ensure that our professional qualification maintains currency and so that Chartered Architectural Technologists are positioned as lead professionals in industry and at the forefront of very real challenges such as climate change and building safety. As a part of the review of architects' regulation, we look forward to discussions with the Government to ensure all competent professionals are afforded equal status, respect and recognition."

IHBC Chair David McDonald said, "the IHBC is absolutely clear that conservation must be formally embedded as a genuine core competence within the profession – not the nod, top-up, or afterthought that it can be today. And we will push this key message to the consultation across all our platforms and networks."

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• ARB code of conduct.
• Architect.
• Architects Registration Board ARB.
• CIAT articles.
• CIAT responds to the architects' regulation review.
• Diversity, equality and opportunities in the construction industry.
• Diversity in the built environment sector.
• IHBC articles.
• The history of the architectural profession.
• What are regulations?