Ryan Wenham of Larsen Architecture has welcomed news that the Architects Registration Board is in talks with government about regulating the function of architectural work, calling the move long overdue and critical for the future of the profession.
Wenham stated: “This is something the industry has needed for a long time, and I hope it is carried through and properly actioned. The real significance here is the shift away from simply protecting a title and towards protecting the function of architectural work. Architecture involves specialist activities that require competence, accountability and professional standards, not just a label.”
Wenham, who recently supported RIBA President Chris Williamson’s refusal to renew his ARB registration, added that clearer regulation could help address persistent issues around fees, quality and fairness within the industry.
“For too long, the profession has been caught in a race to the bottom, with fees driven down and quality compromised as clients are encouraged to focus on the cheapest option rather than competence. When people without the same training or qualifications can undercut architects, it devalues both the work and the outcomes. Protecting function would help ensure that specialist work is carried out by trained and properly insured professionals, making it easier to charge appropriate fees for quality work.”
He also highlighted the importance of this change for graduates and early career architects, stating, “When work is properly valued, practices become more sustainable and that creates more opportunities. That means more projects, more roles and more training positions for graduates coming through. It shifts the conversation from how cheap can this be done to who is competent to do this properly, which is exactly where architecture needs to be.”
Wenham concluded: “Good design has been treated as a luxury for too long, when in reality it affects safety, well-being and long-term value. Protecting the function of architectural work would raise standards across the UK and help move the profession forward.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Danielle Windecker-Hilton
Sycamore Communications
danielle@sycamorecommunications.co.uk
07704.763.269
Wenham, who recently supported RIBA President Chris Williamson’s refusal to renew his ARB registration, added that clearer regulation could help address persistent issues around fees, quality and fairness within the industry.
“For too long, the profession has been caught in a race to the bottom, with fees driven down and quality compromised as clients are encouraged to focus on the cheapest option rather than competence. When people without the same training or qualifications can undercut architects, it devalues both the work and the outcomes. Protecting function would help ensure that specialist work is carried out by trained and properly insured professionals, making it easier to charge appropriate fees for quality work.”
He also highlighted the importance of this change for graduates and early career architects, stating, “When work is properly valued, practices become more sustainable and that creates more opportunities. That means more projects, more roles and more training positions for graduates coming through. It shifts the conversation from how cheap can this be done to who is competent to do this properly, which is exactly where architecture needs to be.”
Wenham concluded: “Good design has been treated as a luxury for too long, when in reality it affects safety, well-being and long-term value. Protecting the function of architectural work would raise standards across the UK and help move the profession forward.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Danielle Windecker-Hilton
Sycamore Communications
danielle@sycamorecommunications.co.uk
07704.763.269