The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) have both welcomed a District Court judgment in a case taken against a man for unlawfully using the titles ‘architect’ and ‘building surveyor’.

William ‘Bill’ Doran, of St Mary’s Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, was convicted of two separate charges related to the ‘architect’ title, and one for representing himself as a building surveyor. He received fines totalling €7,500.

Under section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007, it is illegal for anyone to describe himself or herself as an architect, or to practise or carry on business under a name containing the word ‘architect’, when not registered with the RIAI. A similar provision applies for building and quantity surveyors, who must be registered with the SCSI.

Prosecution 'last resort'

The institute’s Registrar of Architects Frank Turvey said he hoped the decision would be a deterrent to others who used the title to mislead members of the public about their training and professional credentials.

“The RIAI gives every opportunity for those who are found to be misusing the title to comply with the legislation,” he said, adding that prosecution was used as a last resort.

The prosecution and conviction was the SCSI's first as the registration body for building surveyors and quantity surveyors under the 2007 act.

Both bodies have advised consumers to always check, before engaging an architect or building surveyor, that the person is registered with the RIAI or SCSI respectively.