Registration – The Facts

We have put together some facts about registration and the responsibility it brings.

Change of address

• Every architect is responsible for informing ARB promptly of any changes to their registered business address to avoid important correspondence going astray
• In extreme circumstances, the Act states that the Registrar may remove an architect's name from the Register if they fail to respond to specific written requests to report a change of address
• The Architects Act 1997 states that: "The Register shall show the regular business address of each registered person."  This is the address at which they can be reached during normal business hours and is the only address we may communicate with.  This will normally be a company address, but in certain circumstances (retirement, unemployment, undertaking temporary work, based permanently from home), a residential address may be used
• Architects are registered as individuals, and therefore any information regarding amendments to their registration details must come from them alone
• We cannot accept such notification from third parties, eg. family members, colleagues and/or professional bodies
• Architects can report changes to us by post, fax, email or through the ARB website, but not by telephone.  You can update your details online via MyARB.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Standard 8 of the Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice states that architects should not undertake professional work without adequate and appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) cover.
• This PII may be their own or their employer's cover, or a combination of both, depending on their professional circumstances
• Architects should arrange their own PII cover or ensure that their employer has PII in place
• The minimum level of indemnity cover expected by the Board is £250,000
• ARB does not recommend insurance providers, although a list of those who are active in the market appears on our website
• Anyone who is seeking registration, readmission or reinstatement must complete the PII statement of compliance which is included in the application form
• Details of the actual PII cover, eg. the policy itself, are not usually required

About ARB

• ARB is a statutory regulator set up by an Act of Parliament in 1997 to maintain a public Register of architects, to issue a code of conduct and practice for architects, and to prescribe qualifications for entry on to the Register
• ARB is not a membership body like the RIBA or the RIAS
• ARCUK ceased to exist when the ARB came into being
• The title "architect" is protected by law - appropriately qualified individuals who wish to use the title in business or practice must be registered with ARB
• ARB registration allows architects to use ARB’s logo on their business stationery and website. Further information can be found at 'Using the ARB logo'.
• All architects are bound by the regulations laid down in the Architects Act 1997 and the Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice.  Copies are available on request.
• Anyone who attempts to pass themselves off as an architect without being registered commits a criminal offence.  We can prosecute these people in the courts.
• The above applies mainly to unscrupulous individuals who deliberately set out to deceive the public, although those who continue to practise, having knowingly or unknowingly been removed from the Register for whatever reason, commit the same offence.

Leaving the Register

• Architects may, at any time, request that their name be removed from the Register if they are not using the title in business or practice, or do not intend to do so on a short-term, long-term or permanent basis. These requests must be made in writing, by email, or online.
• Architects who fail to pay their annual retention fee by the due date without an explanation will be removed from the Register.

Retention fee

• Every architect is responsible for ensuring that their annual retention fee is paid in good time.
• Architects whose fees remain unpaid after 31 December will be automatically removed from the Register.
• Invoices will normally be sent out to all architects at least 60 days before the fee becomes due.
• The retention fee must be paid by 31 December for the following year.  The fee covers ARB registration for one year;  it is not a membership fee or a subscription.  Further information can be found on the fees page.
• Annual registration expires on 31 December, not on the date individuals were first registered.
• Direct Debit payments are collected during December.
• There is no reduced retention fee for retired architects, architects currently not working, students or architects working abroad. If they have ceased to practise, they have the option of resigning from the Register. In such cases, they can still call themselves "architect" socially. More information can be found on the Resigning from the Register information page.
• Reminders are sent out via post and email (if you have given us your email address).  If you have not already done so, you can update your details via MyARB or email us at info@arb.org.uk.