Who can use the title architect in Hong Kong (Cap. 408)

In Hong Kong the title “architect” is protected by law. Under the Architects Registration Ordinance (Cap. 408), only a person whose name is on the ARB Register may describe themselves as an “architect” or “registered architect”, or use the initials “R.A.” after their name. Section 31 makes it an offence for a person who is not a registered architect to use, or knowingly permit the use of, the description in connection with their business or profession. To check anyone, search the ARB Register.

What Cap. 408 says

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) sets out the rule on its page on the use of the “architect” title:

• Section 30. A person whose name does not appear on the Register is not entitled to describe himself or herself as “architect” or “registered architect”, or to use the initials “R.A.” after their name.
• Section 31(1)(h). It is an offence for any person who is not a registered architect to use, or knowingly permit the use of, the description “architect” in connection with their business or profession. The penalty is a fine at level 5 and imprisonment for 1 year.
• Company names. Anyone who wants to use the title, or to use it in the name of a company, must comply with section 30.

Read the sections in full in the Architects Registration Ordinance on Hong Kong e-Legislation. The exact wording matters, especially for firms and companies. ARB also keeps a page on the Ordinance itself.

How to check whether someone may use the title

1. Get the person’s full name in English, their Chinese name if they use one, and their ARB registration number.
2. Search the ARB Register by surname, first name or registration number. It is free.
3. Match the entry to the person. The registration number is the most reliable match.
4. Check that the registration is current. Under ARB’s renewal rules, an entry remains in force for 12 months from the date of registration and has to be renewed. ARB removes a name from the Register if the renewal fee is not paid by the due date.
5. For a firm that calls itself “architects”, ask which registered architects work there and check each one. Then ask the firm how it complies with section 30.

Our step-by-step guide on how to check the ARB Register covers search tips and what an entry shows.

Title, membership and building roles are different things

People often run three separate questions together:

Registration as an architect is one of the prescribed qualifications for becoming an Authorized Person under the Buildings Ordinance, but the AP register is a separate list with its own entry requirements. For the full picture, see ARB, HKIA and the Buildings Department.

How someone becomes entitled to the title

Entitlement follows registration. ARB’s page on becoming a registered architect lists the requirements. They include membership of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects or another architectural body the Board accepts (or passing the required examinations, with training and experience to the Board’s standard), 1 year’s relevant professional experience in Hong Kong before applying, being ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, a written declaration of competence, and being a fit and proper person. One route in is the HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment, which the two bodies run jointly.

If you qualified as an architect outside Hong Kong, read section 30 in full and ARB’s guidance before you use any architect title here. Registration elsewhere is not an entry on the Hong Kong Register.

Common mistakes

• Using the title after registration lapses. Registration runs for 12 months at a time. Once a name is off the Register, section 30 applies.
• Job titles and marketing. The offence covers knowingly permitting the use of the description, not only using it yourself. Check business cards, email signatures, websites and company names.
• Treating HKIA membership as registration. They are separate records. Check the ARB Register.
• Treating a directory listing as permission. A listing in our architecture directory comes from the firm’s own website. It is not ARB registration.

Raising a concern

If you believe a registered architect has committed a disciplinary offence under Cap. 408, use ARB’s complaint procedure: fill in the complaint form and send supporting information and evidence. ARB says it treats the information in strict confidence. If the person is not on the Register at all, contact ARB through its contact page and describe what you have seen.

ranked.hk is not ARB, and this guide is not legal advice. For advice on a specific use of the title, speak to a Hong Kong solicitor.