Before hiring an architect

Yes. There is no restriction on who can perform architectural services in the UK, but only those on the Register may use the title ‘architect’ in business or practice. Only professionals registered with ARB can use the title ‘architect’, because they have the qualifications to demonstrate that they are suitably competent to practise as architects. You can learn more in our Title Protection Policy here.

There are many benefits to working with an architect for your project. These include:

Competence: Only those who are suitably competent are allowed to practise as architects. We do this by approving the architecture qualifications required to join the Register of architects.

Standards: As the regulator, we publish a Code of Conduct and Practice that sets the standards that all architects are expected to meet. You can view the Code here.

Insurance: Registered architects are expected to be adequately insured. Someone who is not registered may not have appropriate insurance coverage, leaving you exposed to greater risk if any problems arise during your project.

Someone to turn to if things go wrong: By working with an architect, you have an independent regulator to turn to if any problems arise that you are unable to resolve and need to escalate to a third party.

No. In the UK, only individuals who are registered with ARB can legally use the title ‘architect’. However, some architects also choose to join professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) or the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) and become ‘chartered’. Membership of organisations such as these is voluntary and is not a legal requirement to practise as an architect.

No architect can guarantee planning permission, which is granted at the discretion of the planning authority. When making a planning application an architect should be able to help you to consider statutory provisions and local authority guidelines, which may be negotiable. 

No. While pre-prepared contracts are convenient and comprehensive, they may not be appropriate for all appointments. Bespoke Terms of Engagement may well be suitable.

Check our checklist – before hiring an architect  page to see what you should cover when discussing the contract and terms of engagement.

You should make sure that you fully understand the contract, particularly what work the architect is going to undertake and the fees. This early understanding is key to a good working relationship between the architect and client. Any changes to the scope of work or fee arrangements should be confirmed in writing.

There is no tariff for architects’ fees as costs will vary from project to project. However, the level of fees must be agreed in writing in advance for any work is undertaken. Fee disputes are costly for both parties and ensuring that the fee or method of calculating it is set out in writing at the outset is not only something which the architect is expected to do, but will also help avoid problems later.