Laneway Wall garden House - Donaghy + Dimond Architect, Winner Best Extension , Irish Architecture Awards 2011
In Ireland, the title ‘architect’ is registered and a person cannot practice as an architect unless he or she holds the relevant qualifications. The RIAI is the regulatory and support body for architects in Ireland. The online Register, which went live in November 2009, lists over 2700 architects.
Search the Register to see if your architect is registered. If the person who is providing your architecture services is not on the Register, you should ask about relevant qualifications. The RIAI can also provide advice.
There are many reasons to using a RIAI-registered architect:
- Prior to becoming an RIAI-registered architect, they will have trained professionally for seven years, in approved universities and institutes. Architecture is one of the longest training among the professions in Ireland and reflects society’s concern that building – an important investment on behalf of a client – should be directed by a properly trained individual.
- RIAI-registered architects are obliged under their Professional Code of Conduct to carry out work on behalf of the client honourably, independently and competently.
- The RIAI’s Professional Code of Conduct also includes requirements for the maintenance of professional skills. RIAI-registered architects have to ensure that they continually maintain and develop their professional knowledge and skill in all areas relevant to their practice in the State to the standards established by the Registration Body.
- RIAI Architects are required to continually seek to raise their standards of excellence in all relevant areas including architectural education, research, training, design, technology, construction methods and practice.
