It’s now easier than ever to check whether someone is a genuine architect and make an informed choice about who to hire, with the launch of the new-look Architects Register today by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
The Architects Register is the official list of the UK’s 43,000+ architects, which the public can search quickly and easily online to find an architect and check their registration. If someone is not on the Register, they’re not an architect – it’s as simple as that.
A host of improvements have been introduced to make the Register more user-friendly. The Register can now be checked easily from a mobile phone or tablet as well as a PC or laptop, and it’s fully accessible to everyone, in line with the latest web accessibility guidelines.
The Register search functions have also been improved, the design has been updated and ARB’s information for the public has been enhanced.
ARB’s Acting Chief Executive Marc Stoner said:
“Part of ARB’s role is to protect the users and potential users of architects’ services, and the updates we’ve made to the Register help to do exactly that. Thanks to these developments, it’s easier and more convenient for the public to make an informed choice about who to hire for their architectural project.”
Simon Howard, ARB’s Director of Regulation, said:
“We’re really pleased to have made these significant improvements to the Architects Register, which will ensure it meets the expectations of consumers to access accurate information, quickly. It’s now even easier to check that an architect is genuine in just a few clicks.”
The online Register first launched in 2011 and now receives around 2 million visits per year from the public, professionals and employers. ARB maintains the Register and ensures only those with the appropriate qualifications and experience, and who conduct themselves in line with the Architects Code, are able to practise as an architect in the UK.
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Notes for Editors
o The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the statutory body established by Parliament under the Architects Act 1997 to regulate the UK architects’ profession in the public interest.
o Among other duties, the Act requires ARB to:
– Maintain the Architects Register
– Prescribe the qualifications needed to become an architect in the UK
– Issue a code laying down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of architects
– Investigate allegations of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence
– Investigate and where appropriate prosecute unregistered individuals who unlawfully call themselves an architect
– Act as the UK’s Competent Authority for architects
o ARB has a Board of 11 members all appointed by the Privy Council. This includes one independent, non-executive Chair and ten non-executive Board members made up of five members of the public and five architects.
o As of 19 November 2020 there were 43,059 architects on the Register.
o In 2019 there were 2,368 new admissions to the Register.
o Women currently make up 29% of the Register. Of architects under 30 years old, 50% are female.
o ARB has an Information Pack detailing its key messaging intended for use by the press and other stakeholders.
For further information please contact media@arb.or.uk or 020 7580 5861.
