How do I know if my "architect" is really an architect and why does it matter?

By UK law anyone calling themselves an architect must be registered with the ARB. The ARB is the Architects Registration Board. This is a government organisation set up to protect consumers who appoint an architect. All architects must be registered with the ARB and follow their code of conduct. You can check that your “Architect” is really an architect by checking the online register: http://www.arb.org.uk/

Architects are the only construction professionals who are fully trained to design buildings and to have a wide overview of all aspects of construction sufficient to coordinate all technical and legal requirements. Many people claim to be able to design buildings, however, unless they have carried out architectural training it is unlikely that they will have all the design and project management skills plus technical and legal knowledge necessary to provide you with as good a solution as an architect.

Jane Leach is the principal chartered architect at i-architect and is both a registered architect and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). She also has over 10 years of experience working as an architect on projects valued from £50k - £28M.