The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the UK have signed a memorandum of understanding which will facilitate the ongoing mutual recognition of architecture qualifications once the UK/EU Implementation Period ceases at the end of 2020.

The agreement between the two bodies came into effect on 1 January 2021 and will ensure that architects trained in either Ireland and the UK can continue to register in the other jurisdiction, without the need to undertake any additional measures. This will mean that, regardless of the official trade agreement between the UK and the EU, Irish and UK architects can continue to work much in the same manner as currently. Without such an agreement in place, architects who had trained in Ireland or the UK would have been subject to additional requirements in order to be admitted to the RIAI or ARB register.

The RIAI and ARB have been working together for some time to ensure that recognition procedures between the UK and Ireland have the minimum effect on registered architects after the transition period ends.

Ciaran O’Connor, President of the RIAI said: “This agreement is an important step forward in protecting our sector in light of any new rules which may come into force from 1 January 2021. There is a long history of sharing best practice in the architecture profession between the UK and Ireland and there are many fine examples of the contribution Irish architects have made in the UK. We are delighted that this signed agreement will now safeguard the mutual recognition procedures that currently exist between the two jurisdictions and will allow continued future close collaboration.”

Frank Turvey, Registrar at the RIAI added: “This is the first agreement of its kind that ARB has signed and we are delighted that it is with the RIAI, ensuring that both UK and Ireland trained individuals can continue to register in an identical manner after this transition period. There is significant mobility within the profession currently and we want to avoid any disruption to that. Architects have been taking appropriate actions to protect themselves against the potential impact of Brexit. Since the announcement of the UK’s exit from the EU in 2016 the RIAI has seen a significant increase in the number of UK qualified architects registering in Ireland. This MOU means that qualifications will continue to be recognised and will facilitate the continued smooth working arrangements for architects in both the UK and Ireland.”

Marc Stoner, Acting Chief Executive and Registrar at ARB, said: “This is the first agreement of its kind that ARB has signed, and we are delighted that both regulators will maintain aligned processes for the mutual recognition of qualifications once the Implementation Period has drawn to a close. This landmark agreement will facilitate a continued registration process that is efficient and does not burden UK and Ireland trained individuals who wish to practise in either country.”

Denise Maguire   Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine

Email: denise@mcdmedia.ie      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE