are you working with a professional?
Our fervour and determination to build the reputation of our industry is founded in our ability to educate and communicate with our clients. Countless clients have told us of the doldrums in which they find themselves after dealing with fly-by-night architects and draftsmen who have promised them great results and never delivered.
A little bit of research, and a lot of wet shoulders later, we have started to communicate with the architects that have contracted us to ask them their opinions. The big flag that is raised is this:
Our fervour and determination to build the reputation of our industry is founded in our ability to educate and communicate with our clients. Countless clients have told us of the doldrums in which they find themselves after dealing with fly-by-night architects and draftsmen who have promised them great results and never delivered.
A little bit of research, and a lot of wet shoulders later, we have started to communicate with the architects that have contracted us to ask them their opinions. The big flag that is raised is this:
“Is your architectural professional (AP) registered and licensed to practice?”
The next question should be: How do I find out?
Check out SACAP – The South African Council for the Architectural Profession. According to the ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION ACT (44 of 2000), registered members are held accountable to the standards as set out in the act and may face disciplinary action in the event of any contravention. SACAP is the council that endeavours to make sure that this happens!
SACAP’s primary role is to protect the public, which it does through the following:
- Registering professionals
- Renewing registrations
- Developing and registering appropriate qualifications
- Accrediting programmes at higher learning institutions
- Regulating activities within the architectural profession via a Code of Conduct and a Disciplinary Procedure
- Facilitating and auditing the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) process
- Developing and implementing the Identification of Work process
- Developing and updating the recommended Professional Tariff of Fees
- Amending legislation as and when necessary
SACAP registration is compulsory to submit drawings to the local authority. Professionals must abide by the SACAP code of conduct and register every year. Unfortunately, many Architects and Architectural technologists don't have this!
An architect (or technologist) may apply for the following professional titles, dependent on their qualifications:
- Professional Architect
- Professional Senior Architectural Technologist
- Professional Architectural Technologist
- Professional Architectural Draughtsperson;
If, at any stage, you are weary of what your architect is legally able to do for you, check out the SACAP website or mail us for assistance. Remember, it’s better to take more time in the planning and stage and get everything 100% right than have to tear down a building that is illegally built!
We will be posting more information on this topic soon! If you would like to keep up with the trends and current news in our industry, or perhaps need help in building your home, send us an email or follow us on Facebook.
