ARB secures conviction for misuse of the title “architect”

ARB secures conviction for misuse of the title “architect” (16/06/2006)

On 12 June 2006, Lewes Magistrates found the firm of ARCHfactory guilty of breaching Section 20 of the Architects Act. The firm had used the title “architect” on its website, but there was no registered architect practising at the firm.

Mr S J Block, on behalf of ARCHfactory, attended the hearing and pleaded guilty. Despite the mitigation which was submitted to the Bench, the firm was fined £1,600, and ordered to pay costs of £1,090.13.

Speaking after the hearing, a spokesman for ARB said:

“The title “architect” is protected by law, which means that if a firm uses the title, it must be able to demonstrate that the architectural work is under the control and management of a registered architect. In this case, there was no such registered architect within the firm, and it therefore undermines the integrity of the profession, as well as misleads consumers, when the title is used in an inappropriate context. ARB is pleased to note the gravity with which the Magistrates viewed this breach, which is reflected in the level of fine they imposed.”

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Notes for Editors

ARB is the statutory body established by Parliament under the Architects Act 1997 to regulate the UK architects’ profession in the public interest. The Act requires ARB (inter alia) to:

• Maintain the Register of Architects (Section 3)

• Prescribe qualifications for entry to the Register of Architects (Section 4)

• Deal with competence to practise (Section 9)

• Issue a Code which lays down standards of professional conduct and practice (Section 13)

• Regulate use of the title “architect” and prosecute those who use it unlawfully (Section 20)

ARB has a Board of 15 members, seven of whom are architects elected by the profession. The remaining eight are members of the public appointed by the Privy Council to represent the interests of consumers and users of architectural services.