Promoting your services

What the Code says about advertising

Advertising and the promotion of services is covered by Standard 3 of The Architects Code, which expects architects to promote their services in a truthful and responsible manner and for the business style of a practice to not be misleading.

The Code reminds architects of the need to comply with advertising law and guidelines, stating that, ‘In advertising and promoting your professional services you should comply with the codes and principles applying to advertising generally. These include those of the Advertising Standards Authority or any other body having oversight of advertising standards in various media.’

As an architect what can I do?

To find out more about the UK Advertising Codes, written by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and administered by the Advertising Standards Authority, via their website here.

You can stand out from the crowd by referring to your registered status, setting yourself apart from unregulated providers. You can use the ARB logo and refer to your registered status in your marketing materials as well as link to your unique entry on the online Register.

Members of the public can choose who they engage to undertake work on their homes. Feedback from consumers tells us that they are reassured by the knowledge that an individual is regulated and that they value the protection this provides. Your regulated status is valued by consumers and you are entitled to refer to it in your marketing materials.

How we raise awareness

ARB aims to raise awareness with consumers that there is a UK Register of Architects which they can use to check they are dealing with a qualified professional who is guided by a professional code of conduct.  Some of the ways in which we do this are:

• Attending consumer shows to meet people who are considering renovation and homebuilding projects
• Providing materials via our website including an online video explaining our role as well as a tool to guide consumers through what questions to ask at an initial meeting with an architect
• Project work such as recent initiative with UK councils to include a link to the Register from their relevant website content leading to over 100 links now in place
• Collaborative working with organisations who have substantial consumer reach, such as Which? and Houzz, who we encourage to share information about ARB and the Register with their audiences.

For more information about using the logo you can visit our dedicated webpage.  Alternatively you can contact us about this or any other matter by email at info@arb.org.uk or by phone on +44 20 7580 5861.