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About the RIAI
The RIAI is the Regulatory and support body for Architects in Ireland. Support services are also provided for architectural Technicians.
Although the RIAI carries out a statutory function as the Registration Body and Competent Authority for Architects in Ireland this is carried out on an entirely self-funding basis. The RIAI does not receive any Government Funding or State Aid for this Statutory Function
Since 1839 the RIAI has been committed to upholding the highest standards in architecture and providing impartial and authorative advice and information in issues affecting architects, the built environment and society.
Our main roles are:
- Promoting architecture
- Supporting architects and architectural technicians
- Regulating architects
- Protecting the consumer
Governance
RIAI activities are co-ordinated by a 24 Member Council, the Institutes governing body, elected by the Membership.
The Director, the RIAI’s chief Executive Officer, has a permanent staff which services the Institute's Council and Committees and also administers the requirement of the sections of the Building Control Act dealing with the registration of architects.
PROMOTING ARCHITECTURE
RIAI works to maintain and develop an environment in which good architecture and a quality built environment can be delivered by architects to the social, cultural, economic and environmental benefit of Ireland. Specific programmes and initiatives include:
Awards
RIAI Gold and Silver Medals
The RIAI Gold Medal, the premier award for architecture in Ireland, is awarded for a building completed within a defined three year period, some years after completion so that the building can be evaluated in a mature state.
Other RIAI Medal awards include the Silver Medal of Housing and Silver Medals for Conservation and Restoration.
The Irish Architecture Awards website has full details on all past medal winning projects.
Irish Architecture Awards
These annual awards are intended to recognize and celebrate achievement in architecture each year. An exhibition of the awards travels around Ireland.
The Irish Architecture Awards website has full details on all past award winning projects.
Tidy Towns Award
The Tidy Towns Architectural Award is a special competition sponsored by The RIAI to recognise the vital role modern architecture can play in maintaining and enhancing the fabric of Irish towns, villages and urban areas.
Publications
Architecture Ireland
Architecture Ireland the leading architectural magazine for Irish Architecture and is the Official Journal of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Architecture Ireland's main objective is to give the widest possible coverage to both Irish architecture and to Irish architects.
Architecture Ireland provides the architectural profession with up-to-date information on the activities of the Institute and architecture - both in Ireland and elsewhere. Technical articles and features keep the architect informed on current trends and developments in the built environment.
House
House architecture | design | garden | advice gives practical advice to current and intending homeowners on "working with an architect" when considering renovations, extensions or new build.
Available from all good newsagents and the RIAI bookshop House architecture proves invaluable in promoting quality in Architecture.
The New Housing 2
The New Housing 2 Building Better Communities, published in 2009, focused on achieving sustainable communities in small towns and villages, in urban infill and town and city edge communities.
Simon | Open Door
The RIAI & the Simon Communities of Ireland joined forces to create the annual fundraising initiative "Simon Open Door" - whereby participating RIAI Architects around Ireland open their offices on to give members of the public an hour's consultation with an architect in return for a donation to Simon of €75.
Over the last 5 years, we have raised nearly €200,000 for Simon and provided over 2000 consultations to the public. Next year the aim is to raise €50,000 to bring the combined total to €250,000.
Visit the Simon | Open Door website
Architectural Competitions
Architectural Competitions have an important role in advancing quality in architecture. The RIAI provides a full range of services to help clients who wish to commission an architectural competition.
Events
RIAI and RIAI Regional Groups run a wide range of events including lectures aimed at promoting architecture.
Go to the current events listing
REPRESENTING
RIAI represents the views of architects and architectural technicians on architectural and built environment issues to the media, through liaison with Government, Government Departments, Local Authorities, State Agencies and other architectural/urban bodies, and EU and International organisations.
RIAI is represented on a wide range of industry bodies including:
- Liaison Committee of the Building Industry
- Local Government Management Services Board
- Irish Agrément Board
- Construction Industry Council
- Construction Industry Standards Committee
- Joint DEHLG Sustainable Communities Committee
- Construction Safety Partnership
- Construction Safety Advisory Committee
- National Construction and Demolition Waste Council
- City and County Architects
EU Organisations
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Architects Council of Europe
- ACE Urban Issues
- ACE SHW
- ACE Professional Profile
- ACE Qualifications Directive
- ENACA – European Network of Architects’ Competent Authorities
International Organisations
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UIA International Union of Architects
- UIA – Access Work Group
- UIA – Children and Architecture
- Architecture Sans Frontiers
Architectural and Urban Organisations
REGULATING
Standards for Architects
RIAI Education Policy LINK (AMcN)is informed by EU and International Standards , the RIAI Matrix of Knowledge, Skills and Competences, and the standards prescribed by the Building Control Act 2007, to ensure that the built environment is designed and directed by properly trained architects
Go to the Register of Architects
Standards for Architectural Technicians
Architectural Technicians play an important role in supporting the complementing the work of architects and architecture practices. RIAI Standards of Knowledge, Skills and Competences for Architecture Technicians (TBA) are used to ensure appropriate standards.
Go to the Register of Architects
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND SERVICES
The RIAI through a range of services and the provisions in the Building Control Act 2007 works to ensure consumer protection.
In order to fulfil this objective the RIAI:
- Acts as the Registration Body for Architects in Ireland
- Uses RIAI education policy and the RIAI Matrix of Knowledge, Skills and Competence when accrediting schools of architecture, for prescription by the Minister for the Environment.
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Uses RIAI education policy and the Professional Practice Matrix of Knowledge, Skills and Competence in Professional Practice Examination to ensure candidates:
- Fully understand the nature of Professional Architecture Practice
- Have sufficient knowledge of Irish Law and Contract Procedures, and
- Have enough practical experience of all the stages of a building project
- Have experience and knowledge of the procedures and judgement required to run an architectural practice and provide a full range of architectural services.
- Provides an independent Statutory CONSUMER/REGISTRATION Complaints Procedure with a majority of non-architects on the Professional Conduct Committee
- Requires a stated level of Continuing Professional Development
- Provides detailed information on the design and construction process for small and large scale projects.
- Publishes a range of standard documentation providing a framework for construction.
- Publishes a range of standard agreements for use between the Client and the Architect. LINK to Bookshop
- Provides advice and information on RIAI Standard Client/Architect Agreements
- Publishes consumer guides including “Working With Your Architect”
- Provides a nomination service to assist in the selection of REGISTERED architects and to help clients select architects in practices appropriate for their projects
- Provides information on registered architects and practices accredited in conservation work
- Provides information on architects accredited as Project Supervisors for the Design Process