Chris Williamson. Image courtesy RIBA.
RIBA President Chris Williamson has written to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to confirm that he will not renew his registration, meaning he will not appear on the UK Register of Architects from 2026. The decision is intended to highlight concerns about the current regulatory framework for architects in the UK, which protects the legally restricted title “architect” but does not regulate the competence of those providing architectural services.
Under the existing system, individuals may carry out architectural work provided they do not use the protected title. Similar circumstances exist in the United States, as we explored through our Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series.
Related on Archinect: ‘Architect’ is a Protected Title. What About ‘Architectural?’
Williamson’s move supports a campaign calling for a new regulatory model based on reserved activities, including proposals to repeal the Architects Act, introduce legislation defining regulated activities, and establish a Built Environment Council to oversee professional competence. Last year, Archinect interviewed a representative of ARB on broader licensure reforms currently being enacted in the UK.
Related on Archinect: Architect: Whose Title Is It Anyway?
“Today I have written to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to tell them I will not be renewing my registration,” Williamson said in a statement. “Regulating the title ‘architect’ alone offers no oversight over the competence of those who undertake architectural services or activities. The current regulatory system means that anyone can perform the work of an architect, as long as they do not use the title. This does nothing to ensure quality or safety in our built environment, while also placing an unnecessary financial burden on the profession with little demonstrable public benefit,” Williamson added. “This is not a decision I have taken lightly. However, I wanted to highlight the absurdity of the current regulation and advocate for a new system — one which focuses on competence.”
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