Architects from across the UK are being given the opportunity to shape the future of the profession, as part of a wholesale review that will modernise regulation and improve accessibility and innovation in the sector.
Launching a call for evidence, Housing Minister Christopher Pincher urged those working across the architectural and built environment professions to share their views and contribute towards a better future for the industry.
The call for evidence will run for 12 weeks, focusing specifically on the role of the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and will form the first part of a wider review of architectural regulation, including thematic workshops and interviews with sector representatives.
Initial findings from the review will be provided to the Housing Secretary by Spring 2022, with the outcome expected in the Summer.
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said: “This Government call for evidence is very timely indeed. The climate emergency and building safety crisis continue to prompt and prove the urgent need for regulated architects’ expertise throughout the entire timeline of each project.
“This call provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value architects bring to society and expand upon issues the profession faces, including those that have stemmed from impending changes to legislation, such as ensuring professional competence and brokering MRPQ agreements.
“I urge the entire profession to contribute, and I look forward to reading the final report.”
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said ARB has set an ambitious agenda that will modernise and transform the way we regulate.
“It’s essential that we have a renewed and modern policy framework to match,” he continued. “So this review is helpful and timely.
“As MHCLG’s Call for Evidence notes, the Review follows a recent consultation on changes to the way architects are regulated – with new powers for ARB included in Bills currently progressing through Parliament. This includes new powers in the Building Safety Bill for ARB to monitor the ongoing competence of architects. We’ve started designing that scheme, and we’re also aiming for significant reform in the way architectural education and training are structured, to improve access and make the profession as good as it can be.
“The Government’s review asks important questions about how policy and regulation will best secure ‘a modern, innovative, accessible and diverse profession that delivers better, greener and safer design and construction in the built environment.’ ARB fully supports those aims, and we look forward to playing a full part in shaping and supporting an architectural profession that is fit for the future.”
Housing Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said the architectural sector is one of the best in the world – with first-class educational institutions, world-leading practices, and a healthy export market.
“The review … builds on this outstanding legacy, looking to the future and exploring the changes we need for an innovative, accessible and broad profession that delivers better, greener and safer design and construction,” he added.
This builds on a recent consultation on changes to the way architects are regulated, and work which is currently being conducted by the ARB through their public engagement exercises.
It also follows the launch of the Office for Place, which will draw on Britain’s world-class design expertise to support communities to turn their visions of beautiful design into local standards all new buildings will be required to meet.
The review will complement existing work and will invite responses on wider aspects including:
- How the profession can become more diverse and accessible
- Whether the current regulatory regime is fit for purpose
- The role of the regulation of architects in ensuring a more sustainable built environment
- How the government can promote innovation in the sector
