RIBA Continues Calls for Radical Overhaul of Architects Profession

RIBA is calling for a radical overhaul of the how the architects’ profession is regulated and how building regulatory processes operate.

Under the current system, only the title ‘architect’ is legally restricted, with no control over the competence of those who undertake architectural services or activities.

RIBA points out that this means anyone can perform the work of an architect, as long as they do not call themselves one.

Competency not Registration

RIBA is proposing that there should be certain defined activities only suitably competent professionals can perform; these are: full planning applications, building control applications and final compliance certificates.

In a campaign headed ‘Repeal, Reserve, Regulate’ the organisation wants the Architects Act 1997 to be repealed.

In its place, new law would set out reserved activities, restricting them to certain competent professionals.

RIBA says “It would also provide a high level of accountability and assurance for protecting safety if applied to all significant building work.”

Competence requirements of construction industry professional charter bodies would be overseen by a Built Environment Council.

Architects Registration Board

As RIBA acknowledges, repealing the Architects Act would mean the profession was no longer regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

Last year, RIBA criticised ARB for restricting entry to an architects career unfairly disadvantaging marginalised groups and privileging wealthy individuals who could afford to fund the long process of gaining sufficient experience to become qualified, often in low- or un-paid jobs.

In June, 2025 RIBA Chair of Board of Trustees, Jack Pringle said: “For some time now, we have been advising ARB that the seven-year standard architectural course to RIBA qualification and ARB registration, comprising a minimum of five years academic, and two years practice, is hopelessly outdated. We would urgently like to see five-year vocational courses to RIBA qualification and ARB registration. We believe this could reduce student debt, and enhance young architects’ position in the workplace.”

He added, “We are committed to opening up routes into the profession, continuing to press ARB to follow through as quickly as possible on its long overdue and unnecessarily protracted education reform process, and making it a better workplace for all.”

Chris Williamson, RIBA President

In December, the President of RIBA, Chris Williamson, announced he was refusing to renew his registration as an architect with the ARB.

RIBA is calling for a Built Environment Council to assess the competence of individuals who would then be included as chartered members, with the ability to undertake the reserved activities they identify.

Chris Williamson said, “For too long, our regulatory framework has been obsessed with protecting a title rather than ensuring the quality of the work performed. In a post-Grenfell world, that is not good enough.

“RIBA is championing a fundamental shift on professional regulation through our  ‘Repeal, reserve, regulate’ campaign.”

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