An architect/urban designer who had worked with me many years ago sent me an urgent message with a screenshot of the popular online publication where one of the more recent projects I had been involved with had been published. It was a message to alert me that there was no mention of the architect or the lead architect’s name. Instead the client was listed as the lead architect and a firm with the client’s initials as the architectural agency.
The publication is a well known platform for architects and professionals in the fraternity. It is informative and a good resource for both professionals as well as students in the architectural profession. Even lay people who seek to learn more about projects implemented across the globe use it as a resource. Many projects from Goa already find mention in the online publication.
Another client for whom I am currently designing a mud house showed me a recent print publication or magazine that had the same project published mentioning again that the client/owner was the architect of the house. Again this proved to be a misuse of the title by the client.
Why is this happening? Why are the educated and knowledgeable doing this? Is it wrong to use these titles? Is it a violation of any laws?
Why are such individuals with an intent to promote themselves and their businesses seem to be misusing such forums by touting themselves as architects and or lead architects? And also promoting a self appointed company as the architectural agency?
Coincidently, this has been the topic of discussion on many professional forums where many quacks draftspersons, engineers, designers, even lay persons have been misusing the title of architect with the intent to gain clients or further business in their respective offices.
At this point it becomes very critical and pertinent to create awareness on the use of the title architect or for that matter any title in business or in publications.
There is an artist in each of us, it is often said. I too believe that each person must have the basic skills of a master builder, architect, engineer, doctor, lawyer, carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc. I also support a number of my students and the children I often engage with to train them in certain skills so that they can be empowered to take up jobs or even become entrepreneurs to support themselves and their families.
Today when any person approaches an architect to design their house, each brings along a sketch, idea, detailed layouts, reference images and even models to illustrate their aspirations for their dream home project. And many call themselves designers of their own homes. There is nothing wrong with that. And like in the past, all members of the team collaboratively work on the project-architect, owner, engineer, mason, helper, gardener, electrician, plumber, tile fitter, painter, carpenter, etc, to bring the dream home to its fruition.
Today most clients and lay people are well read and have access to loads of information. It has become so easy to put together all the information available online be it pictures, doodles, etc, to share with an architect to convey and for better understanding what the proposed house should be like. These are great tools for lay persons but as the well known Indian Architect Charles Correa often cautioned young architects saying, “As professionals you have the skill and expertise, you are trained too as an Architect, so don’t fall into the trap and become palette architects who pick up images from the Internet and put together a design!” Like a box without a soul!
The use of the title ‘architect’ is governed by law in most countries as is done with many other professions. What does this mean? This means that one can use the title of architect only if you are a trained architect or registered with the council or registering body of your country. In fact recently the Council of Architecture in India has advised the public that only a person registered as an Architect with the Council can call himself/herself as an Architect.
The Architects Act, 1972 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to prohibit unqualified persons from calling themselves as Architects and the misrepresentation/ misuse of title and style is a publishable offence with fine and imprisonment in terms of provisions of Section 36 and 37 of the Act.
The Architects registered with the Council are qualified and trained to provide professional architectural services including designing, planning, supervision of construction, ensuring compliance with building-byelaws in construction of buildings, issuance of completion certificate etc.
Architects are also accountable for their professional conduct and ethics under the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989 framed by the Council.
As reported recently, the Supreme Court of India has observed that Section 37 prohibits unregistered individuals from designating themselves or referring to themselves as architects. The consequence of this regulatory regime is that when an individual is called an Architect an ordinary person would assume that they are a registered architect under the Architects Act and as a consequence possess the requisite educational qualifications and specialised knowledge associated with architects.
In case one comes across any quack/un-registered person personating, posing, misrepresenting or misusing the title and style of Architect, they may file a complaint against such person(s) along with relevant supporting documents online or as per the complaint form available on the Council’s website.
Stay alert. Let’s encourage accountability.
(Tallulah D’Silva is an architect and features in the Top 20 Golden Door Awards 2020 shortlist)
