Protection of Function for architects.

[tony1851]

Some members may have read that the Architects Registration Board has been tasked by the government to draw up ideas for legislation requiring that in future only chartered architects will be allowed to draw building plans and submit them to Building Control and Planning.
The ARB states that the 'complex' job of designing and submitting plans to Building Control and Planning should only be undertaken by registered architects.
This will make the process a closed shop, which will immediately increase costs for householders who wish to extend. The ARB has been reportedly "rubbing its hands" at the prospect, one commenter saying "we can charge more!".
From my own experience over many years of looking over architects plans, I would say that many were completely clueless on Building Regulations and construction generally, as well as many being unaware of local planning policy guidelines.
I've seen many plans by technicians vastly superior to some turned out by supposedly 'highly-trained, highly-qualified and competent' architects.
Be interested to learn what others think about this which, if brought into law, will be the biggest change since the name 'Architect' became protected in 1938.

 

[^woody^]

One-man-bands aside, typically Architects in a practice are clueless about technical design and sub that out to others who know what they are doing. Further, they get lower paid technicians to do the donkey work from their arty-farty conceptual sketches without a scooby doo how it all goes together technically and practically.

No concept of affordability or cost control, no care about practicalities - of building or living with, but this aloof notion of "space, relationships, texture and harmony". Limited actual planning and building regulation knowledge, and you get some mealy-mouthed, not committal legalise like you get from solicitors.

You'll get a facsimile of that ding-bat McLoud, spouting complete twwatish nonsense, designing you a "refuge of interpretive fired-clay solace", when all you wanted was a kitchen, utility and dining room extension. And you'll have to remortgage for the privilege.

The Government has fuccked up building control and the construction process generally, so why not go all the way and do the same right from the start of the process?

I can't see it working for only ARB registered people to do plan drawings, as there are many other professions who draw and design and wont qualify for ARB. But maybe an overseeing ARB member would need to act as Principal Designer to "certify" designs - like the Principal Designer under CDM and [bizarrely] another Principal Designer under building regulations too. You can never have too many Principal Designers involved.
Another layer of cost and bureaucracy, but of no value.

I've mentioned it before about the Government's retrofit debacle. I'm convinced they are just involved in a big job creation process for construction ... Retrofit Assessor, Retrofit Coordinator, Retrofit Designer, Retrofit Advisor, Post-Retrofit Inspector, Retrofit Evaluator. Just to insulate your house walls and roof. Six jobs, six lots of wages ...... six lots of tax returns. Zero added value.

 

[jj4091]

No concept of affordability or cost control, no care about practicalities - of building or living with, but this aloof notion of "space, relationships, texture and harmony"

Anyone who watches Grand Designs will have been thinking that for years even if they are not in the building trade.

 

[tony1851]

Anyone who watches Grand Designs will have been thinking that for years even if they are not in the building trade.

Yes, the programme typically finishes with Poppy saying "like, we went sixty thousand over budget? but we are, like, soooo pleased Tarquin advised us to have the Släg wall units in the Chill Room? They waark really really well for us?"

 

[Mottie]

Yes, the programme typically finishes with Poppy saying "like, we went sixty thousand over budget? but we are, like, soooo pleased Tarquin advised us to have the Släg wall units in the Chill Room? They waark really really well for us?"

Whenever I make a f up at home, DIY or decorating wise, I turn to Mrs Mottie and say "It really, really waarks"! She won’t have it though….

 

[noseall]

Yes, the programme typically finishes with Poppy saying "like, we went sixty thousand over budget

In fairness, unrealistic budgeting regards these DIY shows, tends to lie with the DIYers.

 

[stevie888]

Some members may have read that the Architects Registration Board has been tasked by the government to draw up ideas for legislation requiring that in future only chartered architects will be allowed to draw building plans and submit them to Building Control and Planning.
The ARB states that the 'complex' job of designing and submitting plans to Building Control and Planning should only be undertaken by registered architects.
This will make the process a closed shop, which will immediately increase costs for householders who wish to extend. The ARB has been reportedly "rubbing its hands" at the prospect, one commenter saying "we can charge more!".
From my own experience over many years of looking over architects plans, I would say that many were completely clueless on Building Regulations and construction generally, as well as many being unaware of local planning policy guidelines.
I've seen many plans by technicians vastly superior to some turned out by supposedly 'highly-trained, highly-qualified and competent' architects.
Be interested to learn what others think about this which, if brought into law, will be the biggest change since the name 'Architect' became protected in 1938.

Agree 100% Tony.

I'm glad I'm just about retired but a simple example of how common sense seems to be totally absent. My swanson has been a large rear extension on our "downsize" new place. (>6 months to finalise design with SWMBO!!) Gorundworker round yesterday to look at site and raised eyebrows when I said I wanted a catchpit upstream of the soakaway. Seems most designers don't do something as simple as this!