News
Irish Architects’ Registration
17 November 2009
A new online Register of Architects was launched by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland on Monday, 16 November 2009.
The Register has been set up pursuant to the Building Control Act 2007 which provided for the first time for compulsory registration of architects in Ireland. Criteria for eligibility for registration are set out in the Act and include those who hold a degree of Bachelor of Architecture from a recognised educational body.
Exceptions to the compulsory registration requirements include those practising under the style of:
- landscape architect;
- naval architect;
- architectural technician;
- architectural technologist;
- interior design architect; etc.
Those who provide architectural services should be aware that it is a criminal offence to practise or carry on business under the description "Architect" without being registered under the Act. Penalties for breach are:
- a fine not exceeding €5,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of 12 months;
- if after conviction a person continues to contravene the Act they shall be liable to a maximum fine of €500 for each day of the breach.
Provisions in the Act for the compulsory registration of Quantity Surveyors and Building Surveyors have not yet been brought into force.