ARCHITECT’S ACT 1972

 Came into force on 1st September, 1972

 An Act to provide for the registration of architects and for matters connected therewith.
 It has come into force from 31st May 1972 and extends to the whole India.
 It contains 4 Chapters with 45 Sections along with one Schedule.
 "Architect" means a person whose name is for the time being entered in the register;
 "Council" means the Council of Architecture constituted under section 3;
 "Indian Institute of Architects" means the Indian Institute of Architects registered under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860;
 "Recognized qualification" means any qualification in architecture for the time being included
in the Schedule or notified under section 15;
 "Register" means the register of architects maintained under section 23;
 "Regulation" means a regulation made under this Act by the Council;
 "Rule" means a rule made under this Act by the Central Government.
Objectives
 To prepare a register of qualified architects to safeguard the interest of common man
 To regulate the profession-evoked code of ethics and lay down minimum standards of
architectural education in India
Main features
 A corporate body -COA-created
 Has powers for registration of architects
 Enrols persons holding degrees
 Holds enquiries and actions –for misconducts of architects
 Prescribes minimum standards of education and training of architects in India
Chapters
 Chapter 1: definitions
 Chapter 2: about COA
 Chapter 3: about registration
 Chapter 4: all court matters
 Schedule: contains recognized Indian degrees and diplomas in Architecture and some
recognized qualification in other countries
CHAPTER 1:
2. In this act, unless the context otherwise requires,
• "Architect" means a person whose name is for the time being entered in the register. • "Council"
means the Council of Architecture constituted under Section 3 • "Indian Institute of Architects"
means the Indian Institute of Architects registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. •
CHAPTER 2:
COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE
Members
1) five architects possessingrecognized qualifications elected by the Indian Institute of Architects
2) two persons nominated by the All India Council for Technical Education
3) five persons elected by heads of architectural institutions in India imparting full-time instruction
for recognized qualifications
4) the Chief Architects in the Ministries of the Central Government and head of the Architectural
Organization in the Central Public Works Department
5) one person nominated by the Central Government
6) an architect from each State nominated by state Government
7) two persons nominated by the Institution of Engineers (India) and
 8) one person nominated by the Institution of Surveyors of India
FUNCTIONS AND POWER of various committees of COA
 Executive committee: Headed by president-has a vice president and 5 members elected by the
council
Tenure: 3 years
Functions:
 Formulate the budget Enrolment of persons holding recognized qualifications.
 Carry out specific directives of the council
 Take action on reports of various committees
 Assist the president in laying down the policy
 Disciplinary committee: consists of 3 members: Headed by either president or vice president-
assisted by 2 more members
 Conduct hearings in all cases of unprofessional conduct and report its findings and
recommendations to the council
 Appeals committee: consists of 2 or 3 members-headed by vice president
 Considers appeals made by aggrieved persons whose applications for registration have been
rejected by the registrar
CHAPTER 3: REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS
23.1 The Central Government shall, as soon as may be, cause to be prepared in the manner
hereinafter provided a register of architects for India. 2. The Council shall upon its constitution
assume the duty of maintaining the register in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
CHAPTER 4: MISCELLANEOUS
36. If any person whose name is not for the time being entered in the register falsely represents that
it is so entered, or uses in connection with his name or title any words or letters reasonably
calculated to suggest that his name is so entered, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend
to Rs.1000/-
37.1. After the expiry of one year from the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 24, no
person other than a registered architect or a firm of architects shall use the title and style of
architect.
ARCHITECT’S REGULATIONS
Regulations are divided into 8 parts and 30 sections. As below: -
PART – 1 (Preliminary and Definitions)
PART – 2 (C.O.A. Meetings)
PART – 3 (Powers & Duties of President & vice president)
PART – 4 (Executive Committee) PART – 5 (Committees of Council)
PART – 6 (Registrar and Employees of the Council)
PART – 7 (Finances, Accounts and Audit)
PART – 8 (Inspection of Educational Institutions of Architecture)
 For the guidance of Architects
 Lay down a general standard for profession
 Architects has a general obligation to his clients, the public, and to other professionals
 He must not take part in architectural competition which is not as per the guidelines by the
council nor as a jury
 He is expected to uphold the scale of fees laid down by the council
Condition of engagements The IIA has adopted the following conditions of engagement and scale
of professional charges to maintain the highest standards of practise and conduct.
Responsibilities Study the client’s needs and to advice, direct and to coordinate design and to
supervise works executed under a building contract. The selection of contractor shall be done with
architect’s discretion in agreement with client.
 The architect can also nominate the sub-contractors in agreement with client.
 Decisions taken by the architect with respect to various stages in design, material changes, etc.
should be informed to the client.
 Frequent inspection if required, then a Clerk of Works will be employed.
Remuneration It is the duty of the architect to uphold and apply the scale of professional charges
adopted by the IIA. The scale of charges show percentage under two columns. The percentage
under the first column does not provide remuneration for work performed by the Civil, Structural,
Mechanical, etc. or for any other work performed by consultants. The percentage under second
column becomes applicable when all such services are provided by the Architects own staff.
Liability The architect is liable if he fails to exercise all skill, care and diligence in the discharge of
his duties, but the aforesaid liability is limited as stated:
The liability of the architect does not cover costs other than those for the reinstatement of the works.
 The liability expires after 2 years from the date of completion of relevant part of work.
 The architect does not guarantee the work of any contractor.
Termination of engagement An engagement between the architect and the client can be terminated
at any time by either party on expiry of reasonable notice (normally 3 months)
 Copyright
 Copyright in all drawings and in the work executed will remain the property of the architect.
Successors and Assignments The client and the architect each bind himself, his partners,
successors, etc to the agreement made between them.
 Arbitration
 When any differences or dispute arises such that both the client and architect cannot come to a
common justifiable solution, then it shall be referred to the arbitration of a person to be agreed
upon between two parties.
STANDARD SCALE OF REMUNERATION FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
COMPREHENSIVE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
1. SCOPE OF WORK
the Architect is required to provide services in respect of the following:
Part I - ARCHITECTURE:
 Taking Client's instructions and preparation of design brief.
 Site evaluation, analysis and impact of existing and / or proposed development on its immediate
environs.
 Design and site development.
 Structural design.
 Sanitary, plumbing, drainage, water supply and sewerage design.
 Electrical, electronic, communication systems and design.
 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning design (HVAC) and other mechanical systems.
 Elevators, escalators, etc.
 Fire detection, Fire protection and Security systems etc.
 Periodic inspection and evaluation of Construction works.
Part II _ ALLIED FIELDS:
 Landscape Architecture
 Interior Architecture
 Architectural Conservation
 Retrofitting of Buildings
 Graphic Design and Signage
2. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES:
The Architect shall, after taking instructions from the Client, render the following services:
 concept design [stage 1]
 preliminary design and drawings [stage 2]
 drawings for client's/ statutory approvals [stage 3]
 working drawings and tender documents [stage 4]
 appointment of contractors [stage 5]
 construction [stage 6]
 completion [stage 7]
3. professional fee 4. effecting payment to the architect 5. documentation and communication
charges 6. reimbursable expenses 7. client’s role and responsibilities 8. execution of the assignment
9. time schedule 10. indemnification 11. ownership of copyright 12. termination of agreement
13. interpretation 14. Arbitration
URBAN DESIGN:
•For all projects except Housing: 1 % on the cost of works assigned, to be computed at a rate of Rs
6000 / sq.mof proposed built-up area.
•Housing Projects: 20 % of the fee payable for housing at a rate of Rs 6000 / sq.mof proposed built-
up area.
•In case of Urban Renewal projects fee payable shall be 1.5 times of the fee stated above based on
actual cost of works assigned. (Minimum fees -250000/-)
INTERIOR DESIGN, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND GRAPHIC DESIGN:
7.5 % on the cost of works assigned.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Site Visits:
•Outstation Visit
• Travelling, Boarding & Lodging Expenses -Actual Air/ AC First Class Fare (to & fro), AC Car,
Boarding & Lodging Expenses and Local Transport -For each day –Rs 3000/-
•Local site visit/ field visit per day –1000/-
ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION
•An organization that intends on constructing a new building -invites architects to submit design
proposals. The winning design-chosen by an independent panel of design professionals and
stakeholders (such as government and local representatives).
•To generate new ideas for building design, to stimulate public debate, generate publicity for the
project, and allow emerging designers the opportunity to gain exposure.
•To award commissions for public buildings. In some country’s rules for tendering public building
contracts -mandatory open architectural competition.
ARCHITECT
 gives valuable opportunities to show their merit and to get recognition in the profession
 Successful participants may be commissioned for the work
CLIENTS
 He gets the best designs and services of the best architects for the work
 Guidelines framed by COA- BASED ON Architectural Competition rules formed by
International Union of Architects on behalf of UNESCO
 Registered architect must not take part in architectural competition which is not as per the
guidelines by the council nor as a jury
TYPE OF WORKS
 For major works
 For works involving a challenge in the solution of a problem
PURPOSE
 Provide choice to a client:
 Projects of high standard with a variety of approaches
 To select a particular idea and concept which satisfy his requirements
 To explore the hidden talents among young architects
 To safeguard interest of both client and architect
 To get entries from professionally qualified and reputed architects
GUIDELINES
I. Eligibility to compete: architects registered with COA
II. Firms in which at least one partner/director is a registered architect
III. Students of a teaching institution, the qualifying examination of which is recognized by the
council
IV. Client, assessors, their associates or employees are not allowed to act as architects or joint
architects
TYPES
Project competition:
•May be either "Projects" or "Ideas" competitions or combination of both.
•The aim -to find the best solution for an actual building project and to appoint its author to carry out
the commission.
•Competitions of Ideas -to explain certain aspects of architectural and town planning problems.
•The winner -may not be commissioned to carry out the project.
•Students of architecture may participate by the decision of the promoter.
Classifications
Open competitions:
•All Architects are invited to participate -through an announcement by advertisements which may be
issued by the promoters.
•For projects estimated at less than Rs. 10, 00,000/-
•May be restricted to Architects who have their main or branch office in the State of the project site.
Limited competition:
•Limited amount of Architects (approx. 5 to 8) -selected by the promoter on the advice of the Senior
Architect Assessor or Board of Assessors -are invited to participate.
•Each participant who submits his designs shall receive an honorarium.
Special competitions:
•Competition may also combine town planning as well as design problem, and may involve the use
of industrial components or participation of developers.
•Participation may be required to be limited to professionals or group of professionals with certain
definite expertise.
•In such cases the competition announcement shall clearly define the field of expertise.
REGIONAL SPECIAL CATEGORY COMPETITIONS:
• This type of competition is intended for -small projects of charitable organizations in which four to
six local firms will compete for the appointment as the Architect.
• No premiums are given and the winner shall be appointed to carry out the project.
COMPETITION ORGANISATION:
Competitions maybe organised in one or two stages:
Single stage competitions:
• The competition entries shall be fairly complete drawings i.e. plan, section, elevations, etc. to a
suitable scale.
• Sufficient to explain the scheme as set out in the competition conditions.
• Shall be assessed by the Assessors for the award of the prizes and the appointment of the architect.
• Such competitions are recommended for small and simple project.
Two stage competitions:
• First stage -drawings to a suitable scale sufficient to indicate the intentions of the competitor.
• Designs shall be assessed by the Assessors for selecting a small number of competitors (between 5
and 10).
• The author of these selected designs will be invited to take part in the second stage of the
competition, and each architect so invited would be paid a specified sum.
• In order to maintain anonymity, each competitor will be informed individually whether he has been
or has not been invited to participate in the second stage.
• The Board of Assessors -if found necessary and with the approval of the Promoter, clarify or
amplify points in the competition conditions for the benefit of the second stage competitors.
• The period between -first stage and submission of designs for the second stage shall not exceed six
months. Only under exceptional circumstances period may be extended.
• The second stage of the competition may be limited to only a part of the subject dealt with in the
first stage.
• Members of the Board of Assessors shall be the same for first stage and second stage of the
competition.
• The designs submitted for both the first stage and the second stage shall be exhibited and/or
published only after the final award of the second stage competition.
• If any design selected for the second stage is published or exhibited before the final award of the
second stage has been declared, it will be disqualified.
• Two stage competitions are recommended for town planning and for large scale or complex
project.
ROLE OF ASSESSORS AND ADVISORS:
assessors:
•Assist in the preparation and approval of the brief.
•Study and understand the requirements of the Local authorities
•Visit and examine the project site, if necessary.
•Advise on the appointment of the Technical Advisers, if necessary.
•Finalise the competition conditions.
•Prepare the final report/award.
advisors:
•Technical Adviser
•Professional Adviser
Technical adviser:
•To assist in the preparation of the brief for the competition project.
•To advise the Board of Assessors, only when called upon to do so, on the competition
design entries.
•The advice of the technical adviser will be limited and have no voting rights.
Professional adviser:
•An Architect registered with the COA.
•The first stage of the competition the sealed envelopes containing the names of the
competitors shall be opened only by the Promoter or Professional Adviser.
•To clarify or amplify any aspect of the competition project to the competitors selected
for the second stage.
CONDITIONS FOR CONDUCTING A COMPETITION:
•Should be based upon the guidelines of COA.
•The type & purpose should be clearly mentioned.
•Should clearly indicate the number and nature of prizes, name of assessors and the language.
•Project brief and conditions –prepared by promoters in consultation with assessors –all members of
the board should approve this. Clearly indicate which requirement of the project is mandatory.
•The information should be specific without any misinterpretation.
•Must indicate the promoter’s priorities –functional aspect, construction economy, technical or
circulation problems etc. Conditions of the Competition are issued on a fixed amount of fee. If
competitor decides not to compete and return the conditions within 4 weeks prior to the date of
submission – promoter should refund the fee. The submission should enclose the bona fide
certificate of competitor. If association the partnership should indicate. •The awards shall be final
and binding and made public by a date stated in the conditions. •The Board of Assessors can adopt
"promoters” choice while giving awards. •If estimation is required –standard format should be
issued. •The final year students can also participate even if their faculty works as one of the three
assessors.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECT’S
 Formed in 1917 as Bombay Architectural Students Association in Mumbai.
 In 1929 converted to IIA
Objectives
 To organize and unite Architects in India. To promote architectural profession
 To encourage architectural education . To prescribes syllabus and conduct examinations
 To make necessary changes in laws relating to architectural practice
 To organize conferences, seminars, lectures etc and to award medals, certificates, prizes
 To promote other bodies such as SSA .To promote improvement of living standards and to make
awareness among the public about the profession.
ROLE AND ACTIVITIES:
•The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture.
•The programmes are conducted through its Chapters and Centres, who communicate with the public
in various regional languages by using the press and electronic media.
•Public lectures are also arranged on celebrating days such as the World Environment Day, the
World Habitat Day etc.
•The IIA Publications Board and the Editorial Committee publish the Journal of the Indian Institute
of Architects (JIIA) and a Newsletter every month.
•Organizing and uniting the fellowship of architects within and outside the country.
•Encouraging the planning and building standards of architectural education, training and practice.
•Inventing and imposing the means of testing the qualification of candidates for admission to the
member institute.
•Considering all questions effecting practice of architecture and making necessary arrangements for
changes suitable architectural practice.
•Coordinating the activities of the building industry and architecture profession in association with
other bodies and institutions.
Membership
Six classes of membership:
a. Honorary fellow member b. Fellow member c. Associate member d. Licentiate member
e. Student memberf. Retired member
IIA MEMBERS
Honorary fellow member:
 Not a qualified architect but has contributed to the growth of architectural profession
 Administrators, writers, designers or persons connected with architectural institution
Fellow member
 An associate member who has attained the age of 36
 Practiced independently or served in a senior and responsible capacity in architectural office
 Made a significant contribution to profession
 Can help and advice junior members of IIA in conducting their practice
 Can use the suffix FIIA
Associate member:
 Person who has attained the age of 21 and graduated from one of the institutions recognized by
IIA or registered with COA. Those who pass IIA exams
 An Associate member after 7 years of independent practice or 10 years’ service in a responsible
position can apply for Fellow membership
 Can use suffix AIIA
Licentiate member:
 Any person registered with COA
 Has all the privileges of an Associate member except he is not eligible to vote on matters relating
to change in IIA constitution and bye laws. Serving for 7 years, can apply for Associate
membership . Can use suffix LIIA
Student member:
 Student enrolled in any one of the architectural institutions whether recognized by IIA or not can
on application become a Student member
 Has limited privileges of attending conferences, seminars, lectures etc.
 Not able to attend general body meeting or participate in any elections conducted by IIA
 Have access to Sohrab Bharoocha library of IIA
 Can Seek assistance of IIA In His Academic Problems and for seeking placement as trainee in an
architect’s office. For student members IIA organizes speciallectures, training programs and co-
curricular activities. Can’t use any suffix
Retired member:
 Any fellow member, licentiate member or associate member after attaining age of 55 and on
completely retiring from services / professions can apply for this. Enjoy all the privileges
enjoyed by full-fledged member.Not eligible to seek election to any IIA post or vote in such
elections.Can use the suffix MIIA
THE COUNCIL OF IIA:
•All activities and affairs of the Institute –managed by Council.
The council consist of,
• A President. 2 Vice –presidents . 2 secretaries .1 treasurer . 1 editor . 7 members
•The immediate past president and chairman of all zones, state chapters, and city centres are also the
members of the Council. •Council holds its office for a period of 2 years.
REGISTRATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
 Application form
 Available in head office of IIA or office of chapters and centres on payment of prescribed fee
and annual membership subscription
 Documentary proofs of qualification and registration with COA
 Necessary for the applicant to make a declaration stating that he will abide by IIA’s constitution
and byelaws .Every application endorsed by 3 members of IIA
 After receiving the application at the IIA head office in Mumbai, the names of applicants are
published in IIA newsletter for the information of members.Application are duly scrutinized and
then placed before IIA council for election  IIA has power to accept or reject without any
reason. Upon election, member is given a membership certificate which is displayed in members
office . Membership certificate is IIA’s property and must be returned to IIA on retirement or
registration. Any arrears architect will be removed from membership
 On payment of arrears and entrance fees he may be reinstate
 Member found guilty by COA and whose name is struck out from the council’s register can be
removed by IIA council without any enquiry
 He has given opportunity to represent his case before action is taken