What´s the Point?

Architect´s - aren´t they just an unnecessary additional cost? What is the point of an architect?

In many countries the function of an architect is legally protected. For example in Spain you must have the signature of an architect to build practically anything down to a garden wall. In the UK this is not the case. Anybody can design and have built anything they like without needing to use an architect.

So if you or Joe Bloggs from down the road can do the design work and don´t have to use an architect, why would you bother? Well here are 5 compelling reasons why you should:

1. To call yourself an architect in the UK you must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). If you are not registered it is illegal to call yourself an architect. To become registered you must pass all 3 RIBA exam stages and have your application to the board accepted. To achieve registration demonstrates a standard of competence and design skill which all architects must display. To add to this the UK standard is considered so good internationally that many architects across the world apply to have their qualifications recognised as equivalent.

2. It takes on average 9 years to complete all 3 RIBA exam stages to become an architect, which displays a level of determination and passion which you can expect your architect to put to good use in achieving your project.

3. The ARB was set up to protect clients from malpractice. To do this there is a code of conduct with which all architects must comply or face expulsion. These 12 standards each represent further good reasons for using an architect. Anyone who is not registered does not have to comply with these and probably won´t.

4. CABE, set up by the government to improve the quality of design in the UK, have carried out many investigations into the value of good design. Research published by PlacesMatter! goes further and demonstrates that good design has economic value with the potential to add up to 20% in rental and capital value and to speed up lettings and sales rates.

5. Finally for architects with over 9 years immersed in the study and application of design how is it possible that Joe Bloggs could do it better? After all would you go to your local pub landlord instead of your dentist, or your ski instructor instead of your doctor? So why would you go to Joe Bloggs instead of an architect?

(Please note that the Joe Bloggs mentioned in this article is a fictional character and any similarity to any real person is purely coincidental)