ARB successfully prosecutes for misuse of the title “architect”

ARB successfully prosecutes for misuse of the title “architect” (27/03/2007)

On 20 March 2007, Staines Magistrates found Mushtaq Deshmukh of 14 Guildford Street, Staines, Middlesex, guilty on two counts of misusing the title “architect”.

The case had been referred to ARB by a member of the public. Mr Deshmukh had been trading under the title “The Architects Co.” despite not having been registered with the Board since 1997. Section 20 of the Architects Act prohibits unregistered individuals from using the title “architect”.

Mr Deshmukh pleaded guilty to the charges, and the Magistrates imposed a fine of £500 on each of the two counts. He was also ordered to pay £3,074.55 in costs.

Commenting on the outcome, ARB’s Regulation Department said:

“The result in this case is an accurate reflection both of the seriousness of the offence and the harm that improper use of the title causes to the public and the profession. It sends a strong message to those who unlawfully use the title “architect” that they run the risk of finding themselves in a similar position to Mr Deshmukh.”

----Ends-----

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 (among other things) 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.