Regulatory Law
Architects

We handle cases where architects are being investigated by their regulatory body, the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

The Regulatory Process

In the United Kingdom, architects are regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), which is the statutory regulator responsible for maintaining the Register of Architects, setting standards of professional conduct and investigating allegations of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence. The regulatory framework is governed principally by the Architects Act 1997. The ARB’s revised Architects Code of Conduct and Practice came into force on 1 September 2025, establishing six professional standards applicable to registered architects. Where allegations concern events occurring before that date, the conduct will generally be assessed against the Code in force at the time of those events.

Where a complaint is received, the ARB will initially assess whether the matter falls within its jurisdiction and warrants further investigation. If the complaint proceeds, the architect will normally be notified of the allegations and given an opportunity to respond, with further evidence gathered from the complainant and other relevant sources where appropriate.

Following the initial assessment, the matter may be referred to an independent Investigations Panel, normally consisting of three members, including one architect and two lay members. The Panel will consider whether there is a realistic prospect that the Professional Conduct Committee would find the alleged facts proved on the balance of probabilities and, if so, whether those facts would be sufficiently serious to amount to unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence. In reaching its decision, the Panel will take account of the relevant professional standards, case law and public interest considerations. Where necessary, the Panel may obtain additional evidence or expert advice. At the conclusion of its investigation, it may dismiss the complaint, provide advice to the architect concerning their future conduct, or refer the matter to the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) for a formal hearing.

Formal disciplinary hearings are conducted by the Professional Conduct Committee, an independent tribunal established under the Architects Act 1997. The Committee normally consists of three members, comprising an architect, a legally qualified member and a lay member. At the hearing, the architect is entitled to attend, be legally represented, make representations, call witnesses and submit evidence in their defence. The Committee will determine whether the allegations have been proved on the balance of probabilities and whether the architect is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence. The Committee may also consider cases involving criminal convictions that have a material bearing on an architect’s fitness to practise. Not all cases referred to the Committee proceed to a contested hearing. Where appropriate, disciplinary proceedings may be resolved by a consent order, under which the architect agrees to an appropriate sanction, subject to the Committee’s approval.

If the Professional Conduct Committee determines that the allegations are proved, it may impose a reprimand, a financial penalty, suspension from the Register for up to two years, or an erasure order removing the architect from the Register. Financial penalties are limited to £2,500 per established ground, with a maximum of £5,000 potentially available where both unacceptable professional conduct and serious professional incompetence are established. Where an architect fails to pay a financial penalty within the specified period, the Committee may subsequently impose suspension or erasure. The Committee will determine the appropriate sanction having regard to the seriousness of the misconduct, the protection of the public and the maintenance of professional standards.

Erasure prevents the individual from practising under the protected title of architect unless and until their registration is restored. An architect who has been erased cannot apply for restoration until at least two years have elapsed from the date of the erasure order, although the Professional Conduct Committee may specify a longer period where appropriate. Restoration is not automatic and requires an application to the ARB, which must be satisfied that the applicant meets the relevant registration requirements and is fit to return to professional practice. Where an application for restoration is unsuccessful, a further application cannot be made until the prescribed period following the Board’s decision has elapsed.

An architect may appeal against a disciplinary order of the Professional Conduct Committee to the High Court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, or to the Court of Session in Scotland. Under section 22 of the Architects Act 1997, the statutory appeal must be brought within three months of the date on which notice of the disciplinary order was served. The court may make such order as it considers appropriate. The court’s decision on such an appeal is final, and no further statutory appeal is available. Separate appeal arrangements apply to certain decisions concerning registration, which may initially be considered by the ARB’s Appeals Committee.

Internal Disciplinary Proceedings

We also assist and represent architects where they are the subject of internal disciplinary proceedings by their employer.

What To Do If Regulatory Proceedings Are Commenced Against You

Should internal disciplinary proceedings or ARB regulatory proceedings be commenced against you, then please either telephone us on 0333 301 0700, or complete our questionnaire.