ARB approves new competencies and regulatory framework

ARB’s architecture education reforms took a step closer to implementation today, following the publication of a consultation report and the announcement of a new Commission to consider the requirements for practical experience as part of the education process

In February 2023, following over two years of research and development, ARB consulted on proposals for a new regulatory approach to how architects are trained and educated.

The Board’s proposals aimed to modernise the competencies required of architects to face emerging and future challenges, including the climate emergency, and improve the flexibility and innovation for universities and other types of learning providers.

ARB also wanted the reforms to remove regulatory barriers, making its approach to quality assurance more proportionate and creating the flexibility for new routes to registration as an architect in the UK.

The consultation, which closed in May, received 672 responses from a wide range of organisations and individuals in education and in practice. ARB paid close attention to the range and detail of the feedback received. The consultation report details the key themes raised, and the Board’s decisions as a result, which are summarised below. A full report on the results is available on ARB’s website: https://arb.org.uk/consultations/results/education-consultation-results.

Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said: “Today we take an important and positive step forward in modernising the way architects are trained and educated. We’re grateful to everyone who responded to our consultation: their views and expertise have helped to inform some significant modifications to our regulatory framework, which can only strengthen its implementation. It’s important now that the Board builds on the compelling feedback to further improve the proposals, which is why we’re establishing an independent Commission to review ARB’s practical professional experience requirements and develop new recommendations. The year-long Commission is a response to, and acknowledgement of, the key challenges of professional practice experience as identified through the consultation.”

Hugh Simpson, Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “The most important thing we’ve learned through this consultation is that our new competencies are a fitting update to the old criteria. The competencies received the highest level of support from respondents, so ARB can be confident that we’ve accurately described the role of the architect of the future, equipping future architects with the skills and knowledge they need to design safe buildings and environments and help to tackle the climate emergency.”