Any decision to build a new structure or to develop an existing one will be significant and will require a great deal of investment, both in terms of finance and of time. Where negligence occurs on the part of an architect, surveyor or builder, the inconvenience, stress and financial consequences can be considerable and may necessitate the services of a professional negligence solicitor .
Architectural negligence
An architectural firm sells services to clients on the basis that it has specialist skills and knowledge that will benefit the client and help fulfil its needs.
Because an architect's services have a direct bearing on public safety, all architects have specialist training and internships, and are required to meet safety requirements.
Where an architect has been negligent in fulfilling the client's needs, been misleading or made misrepresentations in selling its services, caused financial loss or endangered health and services, an official complaint can be made about the architect.
Complaints to the ARB or RIBA
There are two bodies in the UK which deal with complaints about incompetent and inadequate architects. These are the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Once the ARB receives details of a complaint it will pass it on to its Investigations Committee, which will then dismiss the complaint, deliver a written warning or refer it to the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) for a full hearing. The PCC then has the power to deliver fines, suspensions and bans.
Complaints to RIBA are referred to its Professional Conduct Office, which can deregister members – however the RIBA complaints procedure is not considered to carry the same weight as that of the ARB.
Although these two complaints processes can be useful in achieving professional reprimand, neither will achieve compensation or damages for architectural professional negligence.
Advice from Healys professional negligence solicitors
If you have experienced architectural negligence, the professional negligence solicitors at Healys LLP can assist you in securing a just outcome for any inconvenience, injury and financial losses you have endured.
Our partners have the expertise and professional confidence that comes with success and deliver clients quick, clear and comprehensive advice.
In addition, we provide transparency on costs and flexibility with funding arrangements.
We have offices in London and Brighton but can lend our expertise to clients right across the UK.
Get in touch with our partners by using our call-back form, email partner Robert Johnson or call him directly on 020 7822 4106.
