Become a Client Design Advisor

Protocol

This protocol note sets out the rules that RIBA Client Design Advisors (CDAs) should abide by for their appointment with clients, and the delivery of their work.

  • All accredited RIBA CDAs must currently be a Chartered or Affiliate Member of the RIBA. Where an application for membership is rejected, or if current membership is suspended or terminated for whatever reason, the CDA will immediately cease to be accredited. The person may reapply for accreditation when and if RIBA membership resumes.
  • All RIBA CDAs are to abide by and act in accordance with the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct both in the spirit of the code as well as its precise and express terms. They should also take into account the supporting guidance notes to the Code, as well as complying with this specific note for CDAs.
  • The current disciplinary procedures of the RIBA will apply to all RIBA CDAs, whether Chartered Members or Affiliates.
  • The Law
    CDAs must comply with all legal obligations in the jurisdictions in which they are working.
  • Experience and knowledge
    CDAs are knowledgeable and experienced professionals in their field. Individual CDAs should not seek to advise on projects or issues that are outside their area of expertise and knowledge. Should CDAs be appointed to such projects, they should make clear, in writing, the limits of their experience and knowledge and ensure that they have the necessary expertise within their support team.
  • Policy
    CDAs should ensure that they are aware of and remain up-to-date with both public and RIBA policy on matters, including:
      -procurement strategies
      -building standards
      -sustainability
      -whole-life construction
      -efficiency
      -health and safety.
    They should seek expert advice on such matters, as necessary, to carry out their advisory role.
  • Appointments
    CDAs must ensure that the terms of their appointments are clear and recorded in writing. They should obtain their client’s written agreement to the terms of appointment as soon as possible and should not proceed with any work until they have their client’s authority to do so.
  • Conflicts of interest
    The role of the CDA is to act as an independent advisor to clients and other parties, including users and other stakeholders. The CDA should therefore take steps to avoid conflicts of interest. Should a conflict arise, it should be declared to the client, and if the conflict is unacceptable or cannot be resolved, the CDA should withdraw from the engagement. If in any doubt, the CDA should first seek guidance from the RIBA or other advisor. Any residual or potential conflicts of interest should be declared to all relevant parties when appropriate.
  • Once an appointment has been accepted CDAs must not seek any further appointment on the project other than a direct extension to their CDA role. In particular, they should not become part of the design team acting for a bidding or contracted body to the client.
  • Continuing Professional Development
    CDAs must undertake at least the minimum level of annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) required of all RIBA Chartered Members. Details should be entered into the RIBA’s online CPD records, and a proportion of these will be monitored for compliance with the RIBA’s requirements.
  • CDAs should seek to stay in touch with other CDAs and share relevant experience and knowledge. The RIBA will facilitate such exchanges by organising regular networking and briefing events and other means of communications.
  • The RIBA may from time to time require CDAs to undertake obligatory training modules for the acquisition or updating of necessary skills and knowledge. Such modules should be undertaken within a reasonable time of the CDA being notified of the requirement.
  • Insurance
    CDAs should be covered by appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance. The extent of such insurance should be confirmed to the client. Chartered Members registered at the Architects Registration Board must comply with the ARB’s current PII requirements.
  • Annual renewal
    CDAs should renew their accreditation each year, which requires:
      -affirmation that they will continue to abide by this protocol note
      -payment of an annual fee
      -continued membership of the RIBA
      -confirmation that CPD requirements have been met (including any required training
       modules)
      -that the CDA is fit to practise for the forthcoming year.
  • CDAs should ensure that the registration information kept by the RIBA is up-to-date and accurate, including address/es, telephone numbers, email address/es and website/s.
  • Feedback
    The RIBA will seek to collate relevant information on ongoing projects to provide all CDAs with an information resource and periodic updates. CDA’s should feed information back regularly to the RIBA’s online database.
  • Title
    The title 'RIBA Client Design Advisor' will be subject to the terms of the Architects Act in the UK. Please note that use of the RIBA affix is limited to those RIBA members, including Client Design Advisors, who are registered at the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
  • RIBA Client Design Advisors should note that the RIBA constitution does not permit the use of ‘RIBA CDA’ as an affix. Permissible affixes are those listed in Byelaw 2 of the RIBA Charter & Byelaws.
  • Client Design Advisors who are Affiliates of the RIBA may not refer to themselves as an RIBA Client Design Advisor, and should take care not to use the ‘RIBA’ affix while practising, without the express authority of the ARB. RIBA Client Design Advisors practising outside the UK should abide by the pertaining registration requirements of the country in which they are working.
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