Landmark UK-USA agreement to open up the architects’ profession

A new UK-US mutual recognition agreement (MRA) is being signed on Thursday 16 February, between the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the US’s National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Both the UK and US are leaders in global architecture and this agreement is the first of its kind that ARB has signed, meaning that eligible architects can more easily register to work in each country.

In both the United Kingdom and the United States of America, anyone practicing as an architect must join the relevant Register to use the legally protected title. Registration exists to ensure anyone calling themselves an architect has the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours.

The new agreement will open up professional registration by streamlining registration processes and reducing costs and examinations, whilst upholding and maintaining the high standards and safety that help to protect the public in both nations.

Hugh Simpson, Chief Executive and Registrar, Architects Registration Board, said: “Signing this MRA – creating a reciprocal arrangement whereby UK architects can register and practice in participating jurisdictions within the United States – is an exciting moment for the sector. The agreement helps to open up opportunities for cooperation between individuals and firms in the UK and United States in a way which upholds standards.”

Michael Armstrong, CEO, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, said: “Through this agreement, NCARB celebrates a new relationship with the United Kingdom as it continues to enhance the value of the NCARB Certificate as a facilitator of domestic and international mobility for many U.S. licensed practitioners. We are pleased to sign this Mutual Recognition Agreement emphasizing a shared approach of appropriate rigor in guiding the licensure of architects, thus furthering our mutual desire to enhance the global health, safety and welfare of the public.”

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch said: “This landmark agreement will pave the way for our world-class architects to export their expertise across the Atlantic.

“Removing market access barriers is one of my top priorities, and this latest win will further strengthen our trading ties with the US, building on recent success getting British beef and lamb on American supermarket shelves for the first time in decades, and gaining tariff-free access for UK steel and aluminium.”

The agreement has been signed as part of ARB’s new approach to registering international architects, made possible by new legislation that has followed the UK’s exit from the EU.

ARB and NCARB are finalising the procedures for architects to register in either country, and will open for applications on 25 April 2023. To support this agreement, ARB has created the UK Adaptation Assessment to review applicants’ understanding of the UK-specific context of practising architecture, ensuring that anyone who joins the Register meets the standard required to practise safely and effectively in the UK.

In response to the announcement, RIBA President Simon Allford said: “We’re delighted that this agreement has been signed.

“British architecture is a global success story, and, post-Brexit, the UK has an opportunity to open up new export markets for UK architects.

“RIBA has been a vocal supporter of new MRAs, and this agreement between the UK and the US brings fresh benefits to architects who want to work internationally. It also makes it easier for talented US architects to work in the UK.

“Architecture practices in both countries have much to gain – by sharing knowledge, skills and expertise, both the UK and US can prosper.

“We hope that our members, and those from across the Atlantic seize this opportunity.”

UK architects who would like to join a US Register can learn more about the procedure as soon as applications open on 25 April on ARB’s website at arb.org.uk/international-routes/.