ARB, RIAS, RIBA and Professional Indemnity Insurance
Make sure you consult with a professional at the outset of your project. Architects go through extensive training and have to gain years of experience in the design and construction of buildings. You should not take the view you are going to an Architect merely for a set of drawings. Architects can help you identify your aspirations and needs.
Architects can provide value for money, but it is their professional attention to detail which will achieve value through the most efficient use of space, and careful selection of materials and finishes. Environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, low running and maintenance costs can bring extra benefits to your project and long-term savings!
‘Designers’ will offer to alter your building. It takes an architect to maximise its potential and to do it with flair, imagination and style.
When you use a chartered architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of professional training, the longest in the building industry. Anyone styling themselves ‘building consultant’, ‘architectural designer’, ‘plan drawer’ and so on is unlikely to be an architect, and does not have comparable skills or knowledge.
Furthermore, deciding to go with an architect you should look to find out what memberships and insurance they have. If an individual or practice is without credentials then they may be operating unregulated.
Houlet Studio spends over £1850 per year on professional memberships and indemnity insurance. Here is a brief description of what we pay for:
Architects Registration Board (ARB) :
“The ARB website describes themselves as the following:
ARB was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architects’ profession in the UK. We are an independent, public interest body and our work in regulating architects ensures that good standards within the profession are consistently maintained for the benefit of the public and architects alike.
We maintain the Architects Register, the official list of the UK’s 42,000+ architects. If someone is not on the Register, they are not an architect – it’s as simple as that. You can be confident architects are highly qualified, hold appropriate insurance and adhere to the professional standards we set out in our Architects Code.”
Royal Incorporation of Architect in Scotland (RIAS) Membership and Practice Services Membership:
The RIAS website describes membership as the following…
“Our members receive a wide variety of different services and support from the Incorporation. The demands of architectural practise are increasingly complex and our advisory, legal, technical, continuing professional development and other specialist services are designed to ensure our members are well-equipped to deliver an excellent service to the public.
Chartered architects are the lifeblood of the RIAS. The RIAS exists to act in the interest of our chartered members and through its Council and committees provides many forums for discussion, debate, participation and involvement.
The RIAS offers a wide range of benefits, services and products for architects, students of architecture, construction industry professionals, architectural clients and all those with an interest in the built environment and the design process.”
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Membership:
The RIBA website describes membership as the following…
“As a Member, the RIBA will support you and your work with networking opportunities and everyday practical tools and resources. RIBA sets the standard for educational and professional excellence globally and we have Members all over the world. We shine a light on your work, represent your views and focus on the issues that matter most to you. We campaign hard to protect you and your profession. By joining us, you can help us do more. As a Member you will have access to a wide range of valuable benefits.”
RIAS Small Practice Scheme Professional Indemnity Insurance
You can find out more about RIAS Small Practice Scheme Professional Indemnity Insurance by visiting the relevant section on their website
“Standard 8 of the Architects Code: Standards of Code and Practice requires that:
Architects should not undertake professional work without adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover.”
We understand there is often a desire to get the job done quickly and at as low a cost as possible but please take the above into consideration when making your decision on who you get to help with your project.