Why your Architect must be Registered

The Building Control Act 2007

The title 'Architect' is protected by Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007 (the Act). This means that only Registered Architects can use the title 'Architect'. Businesses can use the word 'Architect' in their business name so long as the business is under the control and management of a Registered Architect.

The purpose of this provision of the Act is to protect the public from dishonest individuals who deliberately mislead people by implying that they are something which they are not.

A Registered Architect has demonstrated through their education, training, and experience that they have the level of skill, knowledge, and competence required to practice as an Architect in Ireland.

Where a person who is not registered uses the title 'Architect' to imply registration or carries on business under a name, style, or title that contains the word 'Architect', they are committing an offence under the Act.

Business and company name registration

Since 1 December 2015, any person or business applying to the Registrar of Companies to register a company name or business name containing the term 'Architect', or any grammatical form thereof, is required to obtain a certificate known as a Notice of Determination from the RIAI stating that the proposed business or company name complies with the requirements of the Act. The Act requires that the business must be under the control and management of a Registered Architect and that in all premises where its business relating to architecture is carried on it is by or under the supervision of a Registered Architect. The Notice of Determination process is carried out in accordance with the RIAI Rules for Practice Titles.