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Routes to Registration
Registration of the title Architect
1 May 2008 sees the start of Registration of the title Architect in Ireland with the commencement of the Building Control Act 2007.
This is a positive move for architecture, architects and for the public, bringing certainty as to the qualifications and training of the architects, establishing an agreed internationally recognised professional standard against which all person calling themselves architects will have been measured. The importance of architecture and architects in Irish life has been recognised in this significant legislation.
The main purpose of any registration system is to improve the quality of service to the consumer, by ensuring that those registered are assessed against a defined level of qualifications and competence, and to provide the consumer with means of dispute resolution in the case of problems of poor service etc.
Routes to Registration - RIAI Members (MRIAI and FRIAI)
All RIAI Members will be registered when the Admissions Board is fully operational which may take some months. No action is required by RIAI Members as RIAI Members and Fellows are eligible for Registration. Members/Fellows whose subscriptions are paid will be registered without additional costs in 2008.
What about persons not having formal qualifications?
The Technical Assessment Pilot Scheme has now been completed and is being evaluated and any necessary changes are being considered. Costs are also being evaluated so charges for the statutory scheme can be agreed with the Minister. Assuming agreement, application forms will be available on this website in July.
Some in this category are concerned that they will be prosecuted by the RIAI for using the title after 1 May 2008, and in such cases a letter or email should be sent for the attention of the Director confirming that the person wishes to apply for Technical Assessment. These applicants will be informed when the application forms will be available on the RIAI website.
What standards apply for qualified architects?
For information on application standards at present for RIAI membership for Irish nationals with Irish qualifications, EEA and Swiss nationals with qualifications from EU States other that Ireland, and architects with qualifications from non–EU States see www.riai.ie/index.html?id=6900 The same standards will apply for RIAI Membership and Registration.
Can I register now?
Yes. Information is available in the admissions section.
When can I apply for Registration?
Assuming the nominations for the non-architect members of the Admissions Board are received in early May, and assuming agreement with Minister Gormley on charges, it is likely that all the various routes to registration will be open for applications from June 2008. Application forms B and C, subject to the above assumptions will be on the RIAI website from 6 May 2008.
Will I be prosecuted if I use the title “Architect” after 1 May 2008?
Taking proceedings for misuse of title is a matter for the registration body, the RIAI, as provided for in the Building Control Act 2007. Before any prosecutions can even be considered the system needs to be fully operational, information needs to be in the public realm and all the various entry mechanisms need to be fully operational. In any event prosecution cannot, for obvious reasons, be initiated against a person who has applied for admission while such an application is being considered.
Will I be prosecuted if I use the title “Architect” after 1 May 2008?
Taking proceedings for misuse of title is a matter for the registration body, the RIAI, as provided for in the Building Control Act 2007. Before any prosecutions can even be considered the system needs to be fully operational, information needs to be in the public realm and all the various entry mechanisms need to be fully operational. In any event prosecution cannot, for obvious reasons, be initiated against a person who has applied for admission while such an application is being considered.