In the UK, architects are regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Under Section 20 of the Architects Act 1997 the title ‘architect’ is protected and can only be used by a person who has had the education, training and experience needed to become an architect, and who is registered with the ARB.
An architect must be a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to become chartered.
Professional Indemnity insurance became compulsory for all Architects in 1997 under the ARB Architects Code.
The ARB recommended minimum limit of liability for a PI policy is £250,000 each & every claim; the ARB also recommends that, upon cessation of business, architects ensure they have a minimum of six years’ run-off cover.
Below are some examples of typical things that went wrong, all of which would be covered by a Professional Indemnity policy: