- About us
- News and information
- Information for the public
- Information for architects
- Architect's Act 1997
- Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice
- Registration
- Investigating complaints
- Regulating use of the title “architect”
- Professional Conduct Committee decisions
- Company formations
- Search the Register
- Maintaining competence
- Annual retention fee
- PII guidance
- PII frequently asked questions
- Schools of architecture
- News releases
- Read our publications
- Guidance for architects facing bankruptcy or liquidation
- News gallery
- Registration
- Qualifications
- Professional Standards
- Publications
Routes to Registration
1. Introduction
Use of the title Architect in the UK
The title "architect” is regulated in UK law and can only be used in the course of business and practice by those who are registered by the Architects Registration Board.
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) was set up by an Act of Parliament (The Architects Act) in 1997. The Act sets out the responsibilities of the Board in relation to education, registration and regulation. This booklet, deals with matters relating to education and registration. In addition to the specific responsibilities placed upon it by the Architects Act 1997 the Board is also designated by H.M. Government as the Competent Authority in the UK for the implementation and administration of the provisions of the Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC ("the Directive") for Europe. This Directive provides a legal framework for the mutual recognition of architectural qualifications across the European Union to facilitate rights of establishment and freedom to provide service.
Recognition as an architect in the UK requires a long and demanding period of academic study and practical work experience (in all, rarely less than seven years). Successful completion of prescribed study allows individuals to apply for permission to register to use the title "architect". Registration demonstrates that those using the title have achieved certain minimum standards of education and are subject to a code of professional conduct and practice which ensures the title carries with it a continuous assurance of quality for the consumer and safeguards the reputation of architects. As such, for those on the register the title "architect" can be utilised as a valuable marketing tool and as a way of ensuring consumer confidence.
The ARB, in furtherance of its remit to protect consumers, has a mandate under the Architects Act 1997 to prosecute in the criminal courts those who abuse the title "architect" by using it when they are not entitled to do so. The courts can, and do, impose substantial fines and costs on those who break the law.
Print this page