ARB successfully prosecutes for misuse of title

ARB successfully prosecutes for misuse of title (02/02/2004)

On 27 January 2004 at Bath Magistrates’ Court, Mr Richard Fisher of The Room Outdoor Company, Estcourt Road, Darrington, West Yorkshire, was found guilty of breaching Section 20 of the 1997 Architects Act. Mr Fisher, who is not registered with ARB, was unlawfully describing himself as a “Leisure Architect”. The case was brought to ARB’s attention by an architect in Devon, after he had received a mailshot from The Room Outdoor Company.

The magistrate, having found the case against Mr Fisher to be proven, levied a fine of £1000, to be paid within 28 days. Mr Fisher was ordered to pay ARB’s costs of £844.53 within the same time scale. Mr Fisher was not present at the Hearing.

Commenting on the outcome, ARB’s Head of Regulation, Richard Coleman said:

“The Board has made a commitment to the profession to pursue unregistered persons who misuse title in connection with the built environment. Mr Fisher was acting unlawfully, and in the interests of the public and the profession, ARB has a clear duty to ensure that the integrity of the title “architect” is maintained.”

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Notes for Editors

1. Moneys which accrue from such fines are paid direct to HM Treasury. There are no financial benefits for ARB.

2. For further details on ARB’s prosecution policy, please visit our website, www.arb.org.uk, or contact Richard Coleman at richardc@arb.org.uk