The use of the title Architect is protected by law under the Architects Act 1997. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has the responsibility for setting the requirements for prescription (recognition) of Architecture qualifications in the UK. There are different ways to join the register, though typically an Architect will have undertaken Part 1 (BA or equivalent), a Part 2 (MArch or equivalent) and a Part 3 (Professional Examinations) and undergone two years of Practical Training in the industry.
There is a general presumption that an Architectural education focuses on Design and it is certainly true that the Part 1 develops design skills through a series of increasingly complex design projects that seek to develop both design skills and knowledge in fields such as Architectural History, Fine Art, the relationships between People and Buildings and Buildings and the Environment, Planning and Construction.
There is a perception that an Architect, adds value to a construction project in terms of their highly skilled approach to design and Architects generally market themselves on this basis, however they possess often overlooked additional skill that have great value in construction related matters.
An Architect will have Legal knowledge regarding Civil Liabilities and the Laws of Tort and Contract, Land Law and Property Law along with expertise in Construction Contracts and Building Procurement including Tendering and Contract Administration skills such as site processes, quality monitoring, progress recording, payment and completion.
In most instances a construction project, whether it be a private house extension or larger commercial development will represent one of the largest capital outlays a client has made, yet many clients underestimate the complexity of the process required to deliver a building project and negotiating the risks and challenges they will encounter.
An Architect is bound under a Professional Code of Conduct to act impartially, with integrity, professionalism and discipline and these attributes along with the skill and knowledge they possess within the field of construction bring considerable worth in their own rights to any building project.
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