We want all property owners in the UK to make informed choices about who they hire. We want them to know they can check the Architects Register to confirm they are using a genuine architect, and understand what engaging the only statutorily regulated profession in the built environment can mean for them.
Our role is not to promote the profession; however, we are here to help maintain trust in it. We appreciate the effort it takes to earn the right to use the title and we understand how important protecting the reputation and high standards associated with the profession is to many of you.
As well as proactively and reactively investigating instances of misuse of title, we raise awareness of title’s protected status and how clients can be reassured by regulation. We also engage with the media to help educate the public and safeguard architects’ professional status by ensuring the title is referenced accurately. We want to expand our activities and have put measures in place to increase proactive action in this area.
There are ways you can help reinforce these messages to clients. Through your interactions with property owners you are ideally placed to inform them about the Register and your registered status. You are a collective voice of over 42,000 who can speak directly to those who most need to know the Register is there for them and the benefits of regulation.
Raising awareness of your registered status is of course also good for business. It tells customers and potential customers that you are a fully qualified and trained expert, provides reassurance that you are properly insured and makes clear the conduct and standards people can expect when working with you.
We want to support you in promoting your registered status and are currently developing ideas that will help make it quick and easy for you to do. We would greatly value your input on what you think would be useful to you in raising awareness of the Register and your registered status.
This could include:
- A Guide – on the best ways to promote your registered status online
- ARB logo window sticker – to quickly identify you as registered
- Customizable digital leaflet – featuring your own logo alongside information on the benefits of registration for clients
- Infographics – for your use on social media platforms
- Misuse of title case study – for clients
- Summary of the protection your regulator provides – for clients
If you have any comments on the above or have other suggestions, please email info@arb.org.uk or call Rosie Bower, Public Awareness Lead, on 020 7580 5861.
