In this country not everyone can call themselves an 'Architect'.  The name 'Architect' is the copyright of Architects Registration Board' and those who are members of this instituation can use the name.

It takes at least 7 years of studying and training to become a member.

A lot of architects are also members of Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).  Members of this institution are Chartered Architects.

The whole emphasis is to ensure clients get the best proffessional service.

Recently, we've taken over a number of projects, where people claiming to be architects have mislead people and wasted their money on abortive planning applications.  It can be very frustration for client, particularly since some have built these and have enforcement action against them.

Would you use doctor who is not qualified and member of General Medical Council? or a accountant is not a member ACA or ACCA or SIMA?  I woudn't!

People who call themselves, designers, architectural designers, architectural consultants, architectural technicians are NOT ARCHITECTS.  To check an architect is a Architect go to www.arb.org.uk

There are a number of reasons why you should use a architect

• Architects are trained to take your brief and can see the big picture.
• Architects look beyond your immediate requirements to design flexible buildings that will adapt with the changing needs of your business.  
• Architects solve problems creatively
• When they are involved at the earliest planning stage, they gain more opportunities to understand your business, develop creative solutions, and propose ways to reduce costs.  
• Architects can save you money by maximising your investment.
• A well-designed building can reduce your bills now and increase its long-term value.  
• Architects can manage your project from site selection to completion.
• In many building projects the role of the architect includes co-ordinating a team of specialist consultants such as landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders and subcontractors. 
• By managing and co-ordinating key project elements they allow you to focus on your organisation’s activities.  
• They create total environments, interior and exterior, which are pleasing and functional for the people who work and do business within them.

Kishor Vekaria ARB RIBA APM studio V architects