Successful prosecution for ARB

Successful prosecution for ARB (11/09/2006)

On Wednesday 6 September 2006, David Grant of Inspire Designs in Romford Road, Forest Gate, London, was found guilty of breaching Section 20 of the Architects Act, and fined £200 by Stratford Magistrates.

Mr Grant did not attend the Hearing, or submit any mitigation in his defence. In addition to the fine, the Magistrates ordered Mr Grant to pay costs of £1,300. He was given 14 days in which to pay.

Speaking after the Hearing, ARB’s Regulation Department said:

“Mr Grant had falsely advertised his firm under an “Architects” listing in the Estates Gazette. This was a blatant attempt to mislead members of the public into believing that his firm was a reputable firm of architects. Not only does this mislead consumers, it also undermines the profession’s integrity in the eyes of the public.

The Board remains committed to prosecuting individuals who act in such a manner.”

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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.