ARB successfully prosecutes for misuse of the title “architect”

ARB successfully prosecutes for misuse of the title “architect” (07/07/2008)

On 4 July 2008, Integrated Designs (Midlands) Ltd of 38 Old Walsall Road, Great Barr, Birmingham were found guilty of breaching Section 20 of the Architects Act. The firm pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined a total of £800. The Magistrates further ordered Integrated Designs to pay costs of £1, 262.13.

Mr Sedheva, who appeared on behalf of the practice, had been warned of the restictions surrounding the use of the title “architect” and had previously agreed with the Board that he would remove any advertising that included the term. Subsequent to signing this agreement, the practice was found to be displaying the title on its signage above the shop.

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

“The individual had previously been warned that the term “architect” is protected by law, and that he had no right to use it. The Board will continue to use the courts to prevent such repeated misuse of the title where it is in the public interest to do so.”

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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 (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.