‘Protection of title’ vs ‘protection of function’… or neither
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This discussion is free, but please register via Eventbrite.
This is an open discussion on whether architects should regulate not only their title, but also their function… Or neither.
The debate will examine the merits of protection of function, but also the dangers of over-regulation
The title of ‘architect’ is legally reserved for qualified professionals only, but should we also regulate what they do? After all, it’s one thing to call yourself an architect, but if anyone can do the work of an architect, what’s the point?
This debate has raged for around 130 years, but it seems to be coming to a head. The RIBA proposes protecting what it calls ‘defined activities’, while the ARB is leading a working group to ‘identify profession- and/or function-based regulatory intervention options (to find) what, if anything, needs to change in the way the people carrying out those activities are regulated?’ Eleanor Jolliffe, architect and BD columnist says, ‘the process of designing, commissioning and constructing buildings (should) only be carried out by regulated professionals’. But the argument isn’t all one way. Architect Hana Loftus, co-founder of HAT Projects notes that simply being an architect ‘does not make someone a good architect’.
It’s easy to see why architects want to ring-fence work in a difficult economic climate, but is it fair to suggest that only architects are gifted to carry out certain functions? Shouldn’t architects thrive on their own merits, not regulate out the competition? If doctors and solicitors are regulated, shouldn’t architects be, too? Or is this protectionism by another name?
This debate will examine the positive reasons for the protection of function, but also the defensiveness of the argument. It’ll explore the restrictions on who might carry out design, planning and technical roles, as well as the broader implications for competition, public interest, academic excellence, skills-training, competence and professional integrity.
SPEAKERS:
Eleanor Jolliffe architect, columnist, and Rome scholar; author, Architect: The evolving story of a profession
Phil Coffey architect, photographer and founding director, Coffey Architects
Karl Wallasch chartered engineer, past-president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers UK Chapter (2018-24)
William Matthews founder, William Matthews Associates, award-winning architecture practice with studios in London and Paris.
