Professional principal designer generally include architects, interior designers and building surveyors. Each is capable of fulfilling the function of a building designer, but their training means they may provide different emphases in the approach to the problems associated with the production of a building.
Architects principal designer design and prepare the production information for most building projects, and on small general purpose buildings their expertise permits them to be the sole designer. They will also inspect the construction work on site and may function as project coordinator. The title ‘architect’ is protected under the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB), and only persons appropriately qualified and registered can use it.
Most architects are also members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and are governed by its mission and vision statements, bylaws, regulations and code of professional conduct under, and in addition to, the general law. The purpose of the RIBA as described in its mission statement is ‘to advance architecture by demonstrating benefit to society and promoting excellence in the profession’, through its vision to ‘champion for architecture and for a better environment’. The object of the code is to promote the standards of professional conduct in the interest of the public and consists of three principles:
- Integrity
Members shall act with honesty and integrity at all times. - Competence
In the performance of their work Members shall act competently, conscientiously and responsibly. Members must be able to provide the knowledge, the ability and the financial and technical resources appropriate for their work. - Relationships
Members shall respect the relevant rights and interests of others.