Official registers
ARB vs HKIA vs Buildings Department: which to check
Three bodies, three different lists. ARB registers architects under Cap. 408, HKIA publishes its members and registered practices, and the Building Authority keeps the statutory registers of Authorized Persons, inspectors, engineers and contractors under Cap. 123.
At a glance
- ARB
- Statutory register of architects (Cap. 408)
- HKIA
- Lists of members, specialists and practices
- Buildings Department
- AP, RSE, RGE, RI and contractor registers
- Run jointly by ARB and HKIA
- The HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment
- ranked.hk
- None of these bodies
ARB, HKIA and the Buildings Department each keep different lists, and each list answers a different question. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) registers architects under the Architects Registration Ordinance (Cap. 408). The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) is the professional institute and publishes its members, specialists and registered practices. The Building Authority keeps the statutory registers of Authorized Persons, inspectors, engineers and contractors under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123), and the Buildings Department publishes the search. Open the one that matches your question.
The three side by side
| ARB | HKIA | Buildings Department | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Statutory body formed under Cap. 408 | The professional institute for architects | Government department; the Building Authority keeps the registers |
| Main list | The Register of architects | Lists of members, specialists and registered practices | Registers of AP, RSE, RGE, RI and registered contractors |
| People or firms | People | Both | Professionals and contractors |
| Question it answers | May this person use the title architect? | Is this person an HKIA member, or this firm on HKIA’s list? | Is this person or contractor registered for a role under the Buildings Ordinance? |
| Where to search | ARB Register | HKIA Find a Member | Registered Professionals or Contractors search |
ARB: the title question
ARB is a statutory body formed under Cap. 408 to provide for the registration of architects and disciplinary control of their professional activities. Its Register is free to search by surname, first name or registration number. A person whose name is not on it is not entitled to call themselves an architect or registered architect, or to use the initials R.A. Registration lasts 12 months at a time and has to be renewed. Complaints about a registered architect’s conduct go to ARB.
See how to check the ARB Register.
HKIA: the institute question
HKIA’s Find a Member section has a List of Members, a List of Specialists and a Registered Practices list. The practices list shows each firm’s company name, band, address, telephone, fax and email. HKIA membership and a place on its practices list are HKIA records. Neither is an entry on the ARB Register, and neither is a Buildings Department registration.
See HKIA registered practices.
Buildings Department: the statutory role question
The Building Authority keeps separate registers of Authorized Persons (AP), Registered Structural Engineers (RSE), Registered Geotechnical Engineers (RGE), Registered Inspectors (RI), Registered General Building Contractors (RGBC), Registered Specialist Contractors (RSC) and Registered Minor Works Contractors (RMWC). Each is for persons qualified to perform their respective statutory duties under the Buildings Ordinance. The Buildings Department’s registration guides explain how each register is joined.
See how to search Buildings Department registers.
How the three connect
- HKIA and ARB jointly organise the HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment. Passing it is a route to HKIA membership and to registration as an architect.
- ARB’s registration requirements include membership of HKIA or another architectural body the Board accepts, or passing the required examinations.
- Registration as an architect is one of the prescribed qualifications for the Authorized Persons’ register. An applicant also needs practical experience in Hong Kong for a continuous year within the 3 years before applying, and a recommendation from the Registration Committee after a professional interview.
- A Registered Inspector may be an Authorized Person, a Registered Structural Engineer or another registered building professional, as long as their name is on the Inspectors’ Register.
So one architect can appear on lists kept by all three bodies. Each entry is still separate, and a person can come off one list while staying on another. Check each list that matters to your decision.
Which list to open
| Your question | Open |
|---|---|
| Can this person call themselves an architect? | ARB Register |
| Is this firm on HKIA’s list, and what band does it show? | HKIA Registered Practices |
| Is this architect an Authorized Person? | Buildings Department search, AP(A) |
| Is this person a Registered Inspector for MBIS? | Buildings Department search, RI(A), RI(E) or RI(S) |
| Is this contractor registered? | Buildings Department search, contractor registers |
| I want to complain about a registered architect’s conduct. | ARB complaints |
For contractor checks, see registered contractors on the Buildings Department lists.
What none of them tell you
None of these lists is a guide to fees, design quality or how a practice runs a project. Ask for a written fee proposal and scope of service, and ask to see past work. Our architecture directory lists practices from their own websites so you can compare them. ranked.hk is not ARB, HKIA or the Buildings Department, and a listing here is not a registration with any of them.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between ARB and HKIA?
ARB is a statutory body formed under Cap. 408 to register architects and exercise disciplinary control over them. HKIA is the professional institute and publishes lists of members, specialists and registered practices. They jointly organise the Professional Assessment but keep separate records.
If an architect is on the ARB Register, are they an Authorized Person?
Not necessarily. Registration as an architect is one of the prescribed qualifications for the Authorized Persons’ register, but an applicant also needs Hong Kong experience and a Registration Committee recommendation. Check AP(A) on the Buildings Department search.
Which list shows whether someone can use the title architect?
The ARB Register. Under Cap. 408, a person whose name is not on it is not entitled to describe themselves as an architect or registered architect, or to use the initials R.A.
Which register do I check for a Registered Inspector?
The Inspectors’ Register, through the Buildings Department’s Registered Professionals or Contractors search. Pick RI(A), RI(E) or RI(S) to match the person’s profession.
Is ranked.hk connected to ARB, HKIA or the Buildings Department?
No. ranked.hk is an independent directory that lists practices from their own websites. A listing is not a registration with any of these bodies.