ARB guidance hub
ARB architect conduct and competence proceedings: guidance and solicitor matching
Guidance for registered architects responding to ARB screening, Investigations Panel decisions and Professional Conduct Committee proceedings.
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What this guidance covers
A stage-specific map for ARB.
Guidance for registered architects responding to ARB screening, Investigations Panel decisions and Professional Conduct Committee proceedings.
Use the supporting guides to move from the first notice through evidence, hearings, outcomes and any review. Start with the question raised by the latest letter rather than trying to read the whole process at once.
Common entry points
- An ARB complaint has been made: first response
- Unacceptable professional conduct and serious professional incompetence
- ARB investigation evidence and the role of an Inquirer
- Responding to an ARB Investigations Panel preliminary decision
- ARB case-to-answer decisions and PCC referral
Guides for each stage
8 focused guides in procedural order.
Start with the guide matching the latest letter or decision. From there, you can move to the stages immediately before and after it, or return to this overview.
An ARB complaint has been made: first response
ARB can investigate registered architects for unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence. The first response should preserve the complaint and project record, distinguish professional discipline from a fee or contract dispute, and identify which version of the Architects Code applies to the events.
Read the guide Guide 02Unacceptable professional conduct and serious professional incompetence
ARB discipline is confined to unacceptable professional conduct and serious professional incompetence under the Architects Act. A departure from good practice or a client disagreement does not automatically meet either serious threshold; the allegation must be analysed against the evidence and applicable Code.
Read the guide Guide 03ARB investigation evidence and the role of an Inquirer
ARB may obtain party evidence and appoint an independent Inquirer for architectural advice, site inspection, interviews or a report. The architect should preserve authentic project material, clarify the scope of any inspection and answer technical issues without altering the underlying record.
Read the guide Guide 04Responding to an ARB Investigations Panel preliminary decision
The Investigations Panel may issue a preliminary decision where further written representations would assist before its final case-to-answer decision. This is a focused opportunity to address the panel's reasoning, new material or legal advice rather than repeat the initial response wholesale.
Read the guide Guide 05ARB case-to-answer decisions and PCC referral
The Investigations Panel refers an allegation where the evidence gives a realistic prospect of a UPC or SPI finding and proceeding is in the public interest. Referral is not a disciplinary finding; it defines the case that will move to the independent Professional Conduct Committee.
Read the guide Guide 06Preparing for an ARB Professional Conduct Committee hearing
PCC hearings are ordinarily public and decide referred allegations under the applicable rules. Preparation should follow case-management directions, organise project and witness evidence, and keep factual proof separate from the statutory characterisation and any sanction stage.
Read the guide Guide 07ARB PCC sanctions and publication
After a finding, the PCC may consider the sanctions authorised by the Architects Act and its current guidance. Evidence on seriousness, insight, remediation, risk and professional context should be specific, while the ordinary public nature of hearings and decisions creates separate reputational consequences.
Read the guide Guide 08Appealing an ARB Professional Conduct Committee decision
A statutory appeal from a PCC disciplinary order is distinct from asking ARB to revisit an Investigations Panel step or making a later registration application. The formal decision, order and reasons should be reviewed promptly against the Architects Act and the court deadline.
Read the guideHow an introduction works
The law firm remains independent.
A participating firm would assess your information, decide whether it can help and explain its own terms. An introduction alone does not create a retainer or guarantee an outcome.
- 01Choose your regulator and current stage.
- 02Provide only basic contact, stage and deadline information.
- 03Review the named recipient and referral disclosure before sharing.
- 04The independent firm decides whether to offer a consultation or accept the matter.
Primary-source register
Built from current regulator material.
Sources checked 19 September 2026. Check the linked regulator material for later amendments and use the corrections route if a source or summary needs attention.
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