Architectural Designs

Are draughtspersons in breach of the Architect's Act?

I would like to know if qualified draughtspersons who work privately producing scaled drawings for clients are breaching the Architect's Act. The ARB website indicates that “a person shall not practise or carry on a business under any name, style or title containing the word “architect” unless he is a person registered under this Act.” Draughtspersons produce same kind of drawings as architects but do not use the title...can someone out there explain this to me ..........

Public Comments

1. Drafts persons are not qualified to sign a drawing and therefore are unable to obtain permits for construction
2. I think you'll find that means not just anyone can call themselves an Architect, there was a poll recently to have the title 'Engineer' protected in the same way but it was rejected because too many people use the term nowadays which would make it too difficult to implement. You may be able to find more information at the RIBA website.....