The RIBA was founded in 1834 for ‘…the general advancement of Civil Architecture, and for promoting and facilitating the acquirement of the knowledge of the various arts and sciences connected therewith…’

They do not receive any government funding but rely on their 40,000 members, sponsors and charitable trading operations to make their work possible. The Royal Institute of British Architects champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. They provide the standards, training, support and recognition that put our members – in the UK and overseas – at the peak of their profession.

With government, they work to improve the design quality of public buildings, new homes and new communities. 

ARB was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architects’ profession in the UK.  They are an independent, public interest body and our work in regulating architects ensures that good standards within the profession are consistently maintained for the benefit of the public and architects alike..

Their duties are contained in the 1997 Architects Act, and cover six main areas:

• Prescribing – or ‘recognising’ - the qualifications needed to become an architect

• Keeping the UK Register of Architects

• Ensuring that architects meet our standards for conduct and practice

• Investigating complaints about an architect’s conduct or competence

• Making sure that only people on our Register offer their services as an architect.

• Act as the UK’s Competent Authority for architects

Established in 1978, the Urban Design Group (UDG) is a membership charity open to all who care about the quality of life in our cities, towns and villages and believe that raising standards of urban design is central to its improvement. The UDG believes that good urban design depends upon successful collaboration between all those who shape the built environment, whatever their professional or personal background.

The Group is established for the public benefit for the following purposes:

• To promote high standards of performance and inter-professional co-operation in planning, urban design and architecture, landscape design and all other aspects of the built environment.

• To educate the relevant professions and the public in matters relating to urban design.

CQMS Limited is a Registered Member of the Safety Schemes in Procurement Forum (SSIP) and is dedicated to promoting higher health and safety standards within industry.  Membership to their Safety-Scheme ensures companies are assessed in accordance with the SSIP Core Criteria, meaning you are always up to date with the lastest health and safety obligations.