About Architects registration board
The Architects Registration Board: Regulating the Architects’ Profession in the UK
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is a regulatory body established by Parliament in 1997 to oversee and regulate the architects’ profession in the United Kingdom. The ARB’s primary role is to ensure that architects meet certain standards of education, training, and professional conduct before they are allowed to practice their profession.
The ARB operates under the Architects Act 1997, which sets out its powers and responsibilities. The Act requires all individuals who wish to use the title “architect” or carry out architectural work in the UK to be registered with the ARB. This means that anyone who wants to practice as an architect must first meet certain criteria set by the ARB.
One of these criteria is education. To become an architect, one must complete a recognized degree program in architecture or a related field. The degree program must be accredited by either the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or another recognized body approved by the ARB.
After completing their education, aspiring architects must then complete a period of practical training known as “practical experience”. This involves working under supervision for at least two years with an architect who is already registered with the ARB.
Once they have completed their practical experience, aspiring architects can then apply for registration with the ARB. To do so, they must demonstrate that they have met all of its requirements for education and practical experience.
In addition to regulating entry into the profession, one of ARB’s key roles is also ensuring that registered architects maintain high standards of professional conduct throughout their careers. This includes setting standards for ethical behavior and investigating complaints against registered architects when necessary.
The importance of regulation cannot be overstated when it comes to professions like architecture where public safety can be at risk if practitioners are not properly trained or held accountable for their actions. By regulating entry into this profession and maintaining high standards throughout, the ARB helps to ensure that the public can have confidence in the architects they hire.
The ARB also plays an important role in promoting architecture as a profession and encouraging diversity within it. It works closely with other organizations such as RIBA and the Architects’ Journal to promote good practice and provide support for architects throughout their careers.
In addition, the ARB is responsible for maintaining a public register of all registered architects in the UK. This register is available online and allows members of the public to check whether an individual is registered with the ARB before hiring them.
Overall, the Architects Registration Board plays a vital role in regulating and promoting architecture as a profession in the UK. Its work ensures that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice as architects, that high standards of professional conduct are maintained, and that members of the public can have confidence in those they hire.