Which professional do I need?
Five people you may come across on a house project, what each one does, and how to check that someone is what they say they are. Each answer comes from the regulator or professional body for that job.
| Who | What is protected | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | The title "architect", by law1 | The Architects Register2 |
| Architectural technologist | "Chartered Architectural Technologist", awarded only by CIAT4 | CIAT's member check5 |
| Planning consultant | RTPI chartered membership6 | Phone the RTPI membership team6 |
| Structural engineer | Engineering Council titles such as Chartered Engineer (CEng)10 | IStructE member search9, Engineering Council RegCheck11 |
| Party wall surveyor | The Act says who can't act: a party to the matter13 | Ask what they are qualified in, and check with that body |
Architect
The title is protected by law
Under section 20 of the Architects Act 1997, nobody may practise or carry on business under a name, style or title containing the word "architect" unless they are registered1. Naval, landscape and golf-course architects are excepted1. A business can use the word only if a registered person controls and manages its architectural work2.
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) says only "architect" is protected in this way. Someone calling themselves an "architectural consultant" or "architectural assistant" is not covered by ARB's regulation2. A person convicted of misusing the title can be fined up to £2,500 for each offence2.
How to check
Every architect has an ARB registration number they can give you. Search the Architects Register by that number, their name or their registered business address3. ARB says that if you can't find them on the register using the details they gave you, they are not an architect3.
Architectural technologist
What they do
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) describes architectural technology as a design discipline combining technical and aesthetic expertise, focused on the form, function and performance of a building4. It says chartered technologists lead projects large and small and can run their own practices4.
What is protected
CIAT says "Chartered Architectural Technologist" is a protected descriptor, and only CIAT can award it and the letters MCIAT and FCIAT4. CIAT says architectural technologists may qualify as chartered after gaining a significant level of knowledge, experience and competence4, so ask which one someone is.
How to check
Use CIAT's check a member search5.
Planning consultant
What to look for
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) keeps a Directory of Planning Consultants. It lists only chartered members or legal associates of the RTPI who have chosen to list themselves on a commercial basis6. So a consultant missing from that directory may still be a member.
How to check
The RTPI says to verify a member, call its membership team on 0370 774 94946.
Free advice
Planning Aid England, part of the RTPI, offers planning advice and support to individuals and communities7. Start from its Planning Aid England page8.
Structural engineer
Where to find one
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) runs a search for structural engineering firms, which it says can help with home improvement projects and has advice on loft conversions and extensions9. It also lets you search its individual members9.
What is protected
The Engineering Council holds the national register of professionally registered engineers and technicians. People on it hold legally protected titles such as Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech)10.
How to check
RegCheck shows whether someone's Engineering Council registration is active now11. Details must match the register exactly, so no result doesn't always mean someone isn't registered; the Engineering Council asks you to email registration@engc.org.uk if in doubt11.
We don't list structural engineers yet.
Party wall surveyor
When the party wall rules apply
In England and Wales you must tell your neighbour if you plan to build on or at the boundary, work on an existing party wall or party structure, or dig below and near the foundations of their property12. Notice goes between 2 months and a year before work starts12. This is separate from planning permission and building regulations12.
When you need a surveyor
If you and your neighbour can't agree, you must appoint a surveyor, either one together or one each. The surveyors agree a "party wall award" setting out the work, how it's done and who pays12. You can't act as your own surveyor12. The Act defines a surveyor as any person who is not a party to the matter13.
How to check
The Act doesn't name a professional body, so ask what the surveyor is qualified in and check with that body. You can appeal against an award at a county court within 14 days of receiving it12.
Next
- What planning costs, and how long your council takes
- A planning notice has arrived: a neighbour's guide
- Practices we've checked so far in Wiltshire and Somerset
This page explains titles and registers. It is not a recommendation of any person or practice.
Sources
- Architects Act 1997, section 20 legislation.gov.uk (legislation.gov.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- What ARB do to regulate use of the title 'architect' Architects Registration Board (arb.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Checklist: before hiring an architect Architects Registration Board (arb.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- What is Architectural Technology? Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (architecturaltechnology.com). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Check a member or an affiliate Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (architecturaltechnology.com). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Directory of Planning Consultants Royal Town Planning Institute (rtpi.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Need planning advice? Royal Town Planning Institute (rtpi.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Planning Aid England Royal Town Planning Institute (rtpi.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Find a structural engineer The Institution of Structural Engineers (istructe.org). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Holding and growing the UK Register of engineers and technicians Engineering Council (engc.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Check a registration: RegCheck Engineering Council (engc.org.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.
- Party walls and building work GOV.UK (gov.uk). Page updated 17/10/2024. Checked 14/10/2026.
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 20 legislation.gov.uk (legislation.gov.uk). Checked 14/10/2026.