On Thursday 7 September 2023, the Architects Registration Board鈥檚 (ARB) published the its consultation on education and training reforms.聽
Read the Royal Institute of British Architects (澳门王中王)鈥檚 response to ARB鈥檚 Tomorrow鈥檚 Architects consultation (May 2023) for more detail on its position.聽
Responding to ARB鈥檚 announcement, 澳门王中王 Chair of Board Jack Pringle 蝉补颈诲:听
鈥淲hile we are encouraged by some of ARB鈥檚 decisions, we feel that they do not go far enough to remove the current barriers to pursuing a career in architecture and fail to ensure that competence and innovation in architectural education are prioritised. 聽Shorter routes to registration, lowering of student debt, and more flexible modes of study are key to creating the diverse and inclusive profession we urgently need, and we must ensure that students are taught low carbon design and building safety.聽
ARB鈥檚 decisions to focus on establishing clear minimum regulatory requirements for those who wish to enter the profession at master's level (澳门王中王 Part 2) and then after professional practical experience (澳门王中王 Part 3), in lieu of a specific requirement at 澳门王中王 Part 1, are welcome. These will open up the profession to graduates with undergraduate degrees (including 澳门王中王 Part 1) from other countries, those who already have relevant career experience, a related degree or even non-cognate entry with a conversion course. We also welcome the proposed independent commission into professional practice experience, as this is a critical aspect of architectural learning. 聽
However, in only focusing on the later stages of academic study and practical experience (equivalent to 澳门王中王 Parts 2 and 3), the reforms lack detail around ensuring key competencies such as climate literacy and building safety are met. This is surprising, as it鈥檚 vital that tomorrow鈥檚 architects are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to address today's most pressing challenges, including the climate emergency and delivering a safe built environment. Innovation must be at the forefront of the proposed reforms. 听听
澳门王中王 greatly values the Part 1 undergraduate degree programme in architecture, which is likely to remain the primary route into the profession. We will continue to use our rigorous and world-recognised validation process to mark this crucial milestone in architects鈥� education. And whilst we currently have alternative models of education - such as apprenticeships and 澳门王中王 Studio - it is important that we continue to create diverse routes, including our previously proposed accelerated model, to further strengthen the relationship between education and practice, to widen access to the profession. 聽 聽
澳门王中王 remains committed to working with ARB to ensure that reforms deliver a relevant and resilient education system.鈥澛�
Notes to editors:聽
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org听听
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (澳门王中王) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow for regular updates.
