RIAI Welcomes Judgment to Protect Title of ‘Architect’

01 July 2021: The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has welcomed the District Court judgment made on 01 July 2021 in the case of the RIAI v William Doran*. The case, taken by the RIAI, involved the unlawful use by William ‘Bill’ Doran of the title ‘Architect’. Mr Doran pleaded guilty to two separate charges and received fines totaling €6,000.

Under section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007, it is illegal for anyone to describe himself or herself as an architect, or to practice or carry on business under a name containing the word ‘architect’, when not registered with the RIAI as an Architect.

The RIAI Registrar of Architects, Mr Frank Turvey said: “The RIAI welcomes the decision of the Court in this case, in particular its comments concerning the seriousness and gravity of the offence and the adverse consequences the misuse of the title Architect can have on members of the public. We hope this decision is a deterrent to others who use the title or word ‘architect’ in relation to their business to deliberately mislead members of the public as to their training and professional credentials. The RIAI gives every opportunity for those who are found to be misusing the title to comply with the legislation. Prosecution is used as a last resort against those who persist in misusing the title ‘Architect’ despite fair warning, as was the case in this instance.”

Mr. Turvey added: “The title ‘Architect’ has been protected in legislation since 2008; it is illegal to use the title unless you are admitted to the Register for Architects. This is to protect the public from 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. Before engaging an architect, consumers should always check that the person is registered with the RIAI. Otherwise, they risk hiring an individual who does not have the required expertise to complete or certify the project and is not governed by the RIAI code of conduct.”

Editor’s Note:
*The defendant in the case was William ‘Bill’ Doran, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Mr. Doran was previously found guilty of misuse of the title architect in 2015 having described himself as an Architect in a formal submission to Dublin City Council. He was fined €1,500 on that occasion and ordered to pay €1,500 costs.  

Further information on the use of the title of architect and details of previous prosecutions can be found here.

For media queries, please contact:
Fiona O’Connor, Drury, 087 694 9601 / fiona.oconnor@drury.ie
Grace Cooney, Drury, 086 153 6886/ grace.cooney@drury.ie