Review of architects' regulation: call for evidence

This week the UK Government put out a call for evidence which seeks the views of the built environment on the regulation of architects.

CIAT has been invited by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) to be a key participant in the review. Following a meeting with the MHCLG, CIAT welcomes the opportunity for us, together with the industry, to contribute to the development and modernisation of the architects' profession. However, it is important that all competent professionals qualified within the construction industry who undertake and provide architectural design roles and functions, such as Chartered Architectural Technologists, are considered equitably, objectively, comprehensively and evidentially. It is important to recognise, as we are aware, that architecture, design and architectural services are not the exclusive domain of any single profession or body.

CIAT will be working with its Executive Board, and other stakeholders to formulate a full response to the call for evidence on behalf of those studying and working in Architectural Technology and will be collaborating with fellow bodies to ensure a holistic approach is taken to this matter.

Eddie Weir PCIAT, President, responding to this review, says: "CIAT welcomes initiatives which encourage inclusivity and accessibility, and this Review is timely as it aligns with CIAT's review of its standards, being undertaken to ensure that our professional qualification maintains currency and so that Chartered Architectural Technologists are positioned as lead professionals in industry and at the forefront of very real challenges such as climate change and building safety. As a part of the review of architects' regulation, we look forward to discussions with the Government to ensure all competent professionals are afforded equal status, respect and recognition."

Responding to the survey:
Whilst we encourage you to respond to the survey, we will be issuing some guidance and supporting information to assist you in your response. We will be sending this by email to all members and affiliates in the coming weeks and certainly by 10 September 2021. Please look out for this communication. It will also be added to our website.

You may find that some of the sections within the survey are only aimed at architects, but if you are responding, it is important for you to complete these to the best of your ability.

If you consider the questions within the survey are limited and you wish to respond more comprehensively than the Government's survey allows, you are welcome to send your views to [email protected] and copy it to us at [email protected], which we have set up for this project, so we can receive your opinions to help us formulate CIAT's response on your behalf by 30 September 2021.

Please remember where possible to support your comments with evidence.