The Architects Act 1997 regulates the use of architect as a
professional title, making it an offence to operate as and use the
title of an architect unless registered with the Architects
Registration Board (ARB). It also issues a code of conduct and
deals with any complaints relating to an architect's
professional competence.
On 31 March 2017 the Department for Communities and Local
Government announced that it intended to carry out a two stage
review to (a) evaluate the continuing need for the regulation of
architects and (b) evaluate the nature of this regulation.
The review found the current arrangement of the Board was out of
line with other regulators, such as the General Medical Council,
who all operate with appointed Boards and reported improved
functionality as a result. It found that the current arrangements,
whereby the Board is comprised of 7 elected architect members and 8
appointed lay members, hinder Board cohesiveness as the elected
members have two
