Architectural Services
Competent Authority
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is the Competent Authority for Architects.
To use the title architect in Ireland you must be included on the statutory Register for Architects. Admission to the register requires compliance with the provisions of the Building Control Act 2007, which transposes the Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC). The register is published on the RIAI's website at Register of Architects.
Application Process
The application process differs depending on your qualification.
Please see the relevant application package for details, but an example of documents you may be required to submit include the following:
1. Completed Application Form
2. Copy of Passport/National ID
3. Copy of Degree/Diploma or equivalent Qualification in Architecture
4. Verification of Qualification in Architecture Form (sent directly from educational institution to RIAI)
5. Statement from the Competent Authority in the State in which the qualification was gained confirming that the qualification satisfies the requirements of Directive 2005/36/EC and is listed in the relevant Annex of the Directive
6. Accompanying Certificate (if applicable) as required under Directive 2005/36/EC
7. Curriculum Vitae
8. Evidence of Language proficiency (if applicable)
9. Assessment Fee
Irish Qualifications
If you have completed a prescribed qualification in architecture from an Irish university and have passed the Irish Professional Practice Exam you are eligible for registration through Route A1.
If you have completed a prescribed qualification in architecture from an Irish university and have acquired seven or more years’ post-graduate practical experience you may apply for an exemption from the Professional Practice Exam through Route C.
EU/EEA Qualifications
If you are an EU/EEA national and have been awarded a qualification in architecture in an EU Member State/EEA State and that qualification is listed in Annex V or VI of the Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EU) or in Annex VII of the EEA Agreement, and you provide the RIAI with the appropriate certificate accompanying the evidence of that qualification as required by the Directive or the EEA Agreement, you may apply for Automatic Recognition under Route D1.
If you have a combination of EU/EEA qualifications and are recognised or registered in one of the awarding EU Member State/EEA States;
OR
If you have an EU/EEA qualification that does not appear in the Directive or the EEA Agreement but the EU Member State/EEA State in which it was awarded considers that it qualifies you to practise the profession in that State;
OR
If you qualified outside the EU/EEA but are recognised in a EU Member State/EEA State for more than three years;
You may apply for registration through what is known as the General System under Route D2.
If you completed your qualifications across two or more EU Member States/EEA States and are not recognised or registered in those States you may apply for registration through Route B.
Other Routes
Registration as an Architect is open to you if you can demonstrate that you meet all the requirements outlined by the RIAI. You can find the route to registration below that best fits your circumstances.
Temporary and Occasional Cross Border Services
If you are an EU/EEA national and you are legally established as an Architect in another EU/EEA Member State and wish to provide architectural services on a temporary and occasional basis in Ireland, you may apply for Temporary and Occasional Registration under Route D3. Applications under route D3 are free.
Fees
Admission and Examination Fees are once-off administration fees, payable on application that covers the cost of processing and evaluating the submission. These vary depending on the route of registration taken. A full list of fees can be found here.
Once you have been found eligible by the Board/s you will be notified and may activate your Registration/ Membership by paying the annual charge.
Annual Charge for Registration as an Architect/RIAI Architect Membership Charges
|
Register and RIAI Architect Member/ Fellow |
€540.00 |
|
Overseas Rate: Member/Fellow/Architect on the Register |
€270.00 |
Processing Times
Applications will be acknowledged, and any missing document listed within one month of receipt by the RIAI. While a period of a maximum of three months from receipt of the complete application is allowed for a decision, completed applications will normally be decided upon in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Means of Redress
An Applicant who wishes to appeal a decision of the Admissions Board must do so within 3 months of the date of the decision.
You may appeal to the Appeals Board in writing within three months of the date of the decision. Any appeal you make should set out the decision to which your appeal relates and the grounds of your appeal. You are entitled to base an appeal on procedural and/or substantive grounds. Information on making an appeal is available on the admission section of the RIAI website.
Further Information:
Architecture Firms
The Building Control Act 2007
The title 'Architect' is protected by Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007 (the Act). This means that only Registered Architects can use the title 'Architect'. Businesses can use the word 'Architect' in their business name so long as the business is under the control and management of a Registered Architect.
The purpose of this provision of the Act is to protect the public from dishonest individuals who deliberately mislead people by implying that they are something which they are not.
A Registered Architect has demonstrated through their education, training, and experience that they have the level of skill, knowledge, and competence required to practice as an Architect in Ireland.
Where a person who is not registered uses the title 'Architect' to imply registration or carries on business under a name, style, or title that contains the word 'Architect', they are committing an offence under the Act.
Business and company name registration
Since 1 December 2015, any person or business applying to the Registrar of Companies to register a company name or business name containing the term 'Architect', or any grammatical form thereof, is required to obtain a certificate known as a Notice of Determination from the RIAI stating that the proposed business or company name complies with the requirements of the Act. The Act requires that the business must be under the control and management of a Registered Architect and that in all premises where its business relating to architecture is carried on it is by or under the supervision of a Registered Architect. The Notice of Determination process is carried out in accordance with the RIAI Rules for Practice Titles.
The below links will direct to the appropriate pages on the RIAI website:
Requirement for registering with the Companies Registration Office
Application Form for an RIAI Notice of Determination
RIAI Rules for Practice Titles
Contact details
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, D02YE68
Email: admissions@riai.ie
Tel: +353 1 676 1703.
The above is for general information purposes only. All queries regarding this information should be directed to the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).