The Architects Act 1997 makes it illegal for someone to call themselves an architect that is not registered with the Architect Registration Board (ARB). The Architect Registration Board asks people to let them know anyone who transgresses this law. There are around 30,000 ARB Architects registered. The ARB role is to ensure that only people who meet the standards of education competence and conduct are registered as ARB Architects. The ARB has a dual mandate to protect the consumer and to safeguard the reputation of architects:

  • keep an up to date Register of all architects
  • promote good standards both in the education of architects and in professional practice
  • provide consumers with an accessible service in cases of complaint
  • investigate and prosecute unregistered individuals in business or practice who unlawfully call themselves an architect

In order to become an ARB Architect, architecture students need to have the knowledge, skills and ability to qualify as architects. Typical steps in Becoming an Architect:

  • Gain a degree in architecture. Usually have finished three years’ full-time study, or a longer period of part-time study. Once you have your degree, you will usually do a year’s practical training under the supervision of an architect who is registered in the UK or in Europe. If we ARB don’t recognise your qualification, you can take an examination that ARB set. This will test whether your qualification meets the ARB Architects standards.
  • Gain a diploma or second degree in architecture. Usually have done a further two years’ full-time study after getting your first degree. You will then have to do another year of practical training experience, under the supervision of an architect registered in the UK. If ARB don’t recognise your qualification, you can take an examination that ARB set to see if it meets their standards.
  • Take a professional practice examination, which ARB recognise. You will be tested on the knowledge, understanding and skills you have gained from your practical training experience.

When you have finished all three parts, including your practical training experience, you can then apply to join the UK Register of Architects.

If you are thinking of using an architect, check ARB’s architect list, you can use our find an architect search to find companies registered.