Architects Registration Board

The title "architect" is protected by law. Architects are required to have a recognised qualification in architecture and to comply with the Architects Registration Board's Code of Practice. Any Architects practicing in the United Kingdom must be registered with the Architects Registration Board and have professional indemnity insurance.

The ARB are an independent regulatory body which was established in 1997 to protect the consumer and also to safeguard the reputation of architects. If you want the protection of the ARB, make sure you employ a professional whose title is Architect, and ask for details of their ARB registration and a certificate of Professional Indemnity Insurance.

We require all our staff to comply with the ARB Code of Practice. Full details of this code, the ARB's complaints procedure and further information about the ARB are available at their website, where you can also search the register.

Royal Institute of British Architects

Inkpen Downie are a Chartered Practice  under the RIBA  Chartered   Practice Scheme, which requires that qualifying practices meet minimum standards of quality and performance. 

The RIBA's mission is to "to advance architecture by demonstrating its benefit to society and promoting excellence in the profession". Whilst many architects are members of RIBA, it is not compulsory.

As a promotional body, RIBA organises a wide range of events around the country for members and for the public. RIBA also boasts a Clients Advisory Service and an online directory of members to help you find the right architect. Find the RIBA website at architecture.com.

Architect Accredited in Conservation

Ben Downie has been is on the RIBA Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) in recognition of his expertise in working with historic buildings.

The architects listed on the AABC Register have been assessed as to their individual knowledge and experience in conservation work by a team of experienced conservation architects and knowledgeable lay people.

The register was set up to assist clients in finding architects with specific historic buildings experience, and both English Heritage and Historic Scotland have imposed conditions on grant aided work, making it a requirement that works of repair and conservation are expedited under the direction of a registered AABC.

National Home Energy Rating Scheme

The NHER Scheme is the UK's leading energy ratings system for homes. It is unrivalled at delivering energy efficiency advice, tackling fuel poverty and developing local and regional improvement strategies.

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle fuel poverty presents challenges for a wide range of organisations and individuals. With full membership of the NHER scheme, Inkpen Downie can offer our clients computer generated assessments of energy efficiency and running costs, during the design process. Energy ratings such as the Government's SAP rating and the NHER rating can also add value to a development.

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877. It is the largest national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.

SPAB policy is one of skillful repair rather than restoration. Many of our projects with historic buildings have used their guidelines.

Green Register of Construction Professionals

This register is the first of its kind to list architects, engineers and tradespeople who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable building practices. Originally set up with the support of a London local authority that was looking for professionals with skills in ecological design, it has grown into a nationwide network.

The Green Register aims to:

• Raise awareness of green building issues
• Provide a pre-selected list of construction professionals for those looking for ecological expertise, and
• Provide a forum for like-minded people in the construction industry, supporting their work with CPD certified seminars, resources and contacts.

Inkpen Downie has joined the register to share its skills with other professionals, assist our staff in learning about sustainable building techniques, and find clients who share an interest in preserving the environment.

English Historic Towns Forum

The English Historic Towns Forum's primary objective is to promote and reconcile prosperity and conservation in historic towns in England.

To achieve this objective, the Forum sets out to:

• Encourage contact between local authorities that are responsible for the management of historic towns and cities and other public, private and voluntary agencies.
• Organise seminars, workshops and conferences to discuss issues of common concern.
• Encourage a corporate, inter-disciplinary, multi-agency and enabling approach to the management of historic towns.
• Compile and circulate information describing the approach of different authorities to critical management issues for historic towns.
• Express and advocate a collective view on issues or proposals which are likely to affect the interests of historic towns.
• Establish links with the EU and European historic towns and cities.

EHTF has been supporting professionals working in the historic built environment since 1987. The Forum's events and publications focus on perennial and topical issues, drawing together practitioners across the disciplines and sectors and offering a strong platform from which to lobby policy makers on behalf of historic towns and cities.