CHECKING AN ARCHITECT’S CREDENTIALS
OPINDER LIDDAR
This fantastic ICF home was designed by Van Ellen & Sheryn Architects (www. vanellensheryn. com). It has been shortlisted in the 2020 Build It Awards and was a resounding success, thanks to the designer’s understanding of modern methods of construction. See if they won in the book bundled with this issue
The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and ARB (Architects Registration Board) both adopt their own code of conduct. These set the minimum expectations for architects who are registered with them. This includes matters such as ensuring they carry sufficient professional indemnity insurance, have a form of appointment clearly documented in writing and use procedures to follow up on complaints. Anyone calling themselves an architect must be registered with the ARB. If your designer claims to be one, you’ll be able to verify this using the register-checking facility on the ARB website (www.arb.org.uk). Both bodies also produce user friendly advice on how to work with your architect. If your designer is not an architect, then I suggest you find out if they are part of an accredited body and check what protection they may be able to offer you.
Opinder Liddar is a Build It Award-winning designer and a director at Lapd Architects. He specialises in self build homes and renovation projects, and is a regular expert at Build It Live. For more information about Lapd Architects call 01865 407722 or visit www.lapdarchitects.co.uk