On 2 November 2015, Mr Liam Ward of Ward Design, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland was ordered to pay a total of £2,500 in fines and costs after he was convicted for misusing the title ‘architect’ in breach of the Architects Act 1997.

A District Judge of the Magherafelt Courthouse heard that Mr Ward had used the title on social media and online directories despite there being no registered architect at the practice at that time. Mr Ward had failed to amend the offences even though he had received warnings from the ARB. The District Judge decided to fine Mr Ward £1,000, and ordered him to pay a further £1,500 to ARB in costs.

If you are interested to read more about ARB’s misuse of title prosecutions please click here.