Ian Brewerton Architecture

Anyone can design buildings. Unfortunately many people do ... When you employ an Architect, your interests are protected. Architects practising in the UK:

• are subject to a statutory code of practice set up to protect the interests of clients

• have compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance to protect their client's interests

• are properly trained before being turned loose on the public

• undergo regular further training (Continuing Professional Development)

The Architects Registration Board will investigate complaints by clients - and unlike any other Professional Regulatory Body has majority lay representation to ensure that clients' interests are properly considered. This model of regulation is being considered by other professions for the reform of their Regulatory Bodies.
Incidentally it is an offence to use the title "Architect" in the UK unless registered with the ARB. You can check at the ARB website (see the "Links" page) whether someone is a Registered Architect - and if they call themselves an Architect without registration they are committing a criminal offence. It makes sense to use a properly trained and qualified professional.