Architecture, Engineering & Planning: find professionals

Architecture, engineering and planning covers architects, structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, and land and building surveyors, for homes, commercial buildings and development projects.

Architects design buildings and prepare drawings for planning and building control. Structural engineers assess and design the parts of a building that carry loads; civil engineers work on sites, drainage and infrastructure; mechanical and electrical engineers design heating, ventilation, plumbing, fire protection, power and lighting. Surveyors define boundaries and report on condition.

The title “architect” is protected: the Architects Registration Board is the UK’s regulator of architects and maintains the Architects Register, and someone who is not on the Register is not an architect. Engineering works differently. The Engineering Council awards the protected titles Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Engineering Technician and ICT Technician, and registration is independent assurance of competence rather than a legal requirement to practise; you can check a registration with the Engineering Council. Ask which register a firm’s people appear on before work starts.