If you’re an Architect registered and practising outside the UK and EU, you can apply for RIBA Chartered Membership through the Membership Eligibility Assessment Panel (MEAP).
The MEAP is a panel of highly experienced Academics and Practitioners who meet to discuss applications from international Architects and Academics who do not hold RIBA-recognised qualifications, but want to become RIBA Chartered Members.
The MEAP process is very straightforward and can be completed online. Applicants are first asked to demonstrate their eligibility (Stage 1), and then to submit a more detailed application and digital portfolio (Stage 2). The panel usually meets once every month to consider Stage 2 applications. Please note that currently panels are on hold and will resume in 2023.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership via MEAP you must usually have studied architecture for a minimum of five years, and will have completed at least five years' professional practical experience.
Please note that the MEAP route is only available to architects based outside the UK.
If you have less than five years' professional practical experience, you may still apply for MEAP, but first need to complete a MEAP access course.
If you are interested in MEAP but still not sure, why take our word for it? There are some testimonials below of candidates who have passed MEAP this year
"For me, the whole MEAP process has been a serious, yet pleasant and straightforward journey. From the very beginning, I had an overview of the requirements due to the plethora of information available online. At all times the RIBA membership staff was very helpful, answering my queries and guiding me in a professional and polite manner throughout the application process. I would definitely recommend the RIBA membership and MEAP route to anyone interested."
- Horatiu-Cojan (Passed MEAP in September 2021)
“To anyone who may be considering becoming a member of the RIBA Community through the MEAP (Membership Eligibility Assessment Panel) Application Process, congratulations on taking the steps toward achieving your goal. Although the process may seem rigorous and daunting at first, the RIBA’s Support Team is very approachable and responsive. With enough time and preparation, you will be able to work with the RIBA to navigate your way through the process. I am confident that the RIBA’s Team will be willing to provide the assistance and guidance that you need in order to complete a successful MEAP Application. Remember, you have already done the work – all you have to do is highlight your qualifications and talents. Good luck!”
-Gerren Clarke, RIBA. (Passed MEAP in June 2021)
"I would like to thank you for an enlightening experience regarding the process of joining the RIBA team of Architects. Applying to become a member was a clear and simple process to follow, each step was well-defined and explained to details. The RIBA International Assessment Officer Jodie helped me a great deal throughout the process by her thorough assessment of my application that gave me sound feedback to work with. The process of applying alongside the comprehensive reviews of the jury just confirmed why it is a great honour to join the RIBA Team."
-Tina Bader (Passed MEAP in November 2021)
"I am happy with the RIBA MEAP process & I am glad to be part of the RIBA member. I really liked the e-application forms provided by RIBA which is ease to fill them.
Detailed portfolio request from RIBA encouraged me to refresh my past & current professional experience."
-Srinivasan Parthiban (Passed MEAP in July 2021)
"RIBA added to me the most significant point in my professional career, RIBA added to me the link between your academic study I have achieved before such as management, technical design, environmental study, Risk study, and quality and linking all the previous with the practical implementation in the site through RIBA principles, the journey was as hard as impressive to me, I am grateful to RIBA and their team so much"
-Ahmed Owais (Passed MEAP in November 2021)
"I can't thank you (RIBA Team) enough on your provided service to achieve my RIBA chartered membership, you (Jodie Kreft) have been along with the whole team exceptionally helpful, experienced, and professional towards achieving one of my lifetime dreams."
-Sameh Darwish (Passed MEAP in June 2021)
“I am honoured to be a member of RIBA, with its ongoing efforts of acknowledging the urgent need for inclusion in the architecture profession. By establishing its internal diversity and accepting members outside of the United Kingdom, RIBA emerges from a narrow circle into a cultural compass. In addition to encouraging cross-media lectures by international members and researchers, who are influential in their own communities and region, RIBA becomes a global academic platform for dialogue. Such efforts are hard to come across in today’s world, and I hope that this continues and grows to promote diversity in the value of architectural content.”
-Dr. Rasem Badran (Passed MEAP in June 2021)
"My Experience obtaining the RIBA Charter through the MEAP process was a great one, having applied from Sri Lanka, I was very impressed with the Speed and Follow up from the RIBA team. The team assisted me very closely and guided me through each stage of the Application process right up to the receipt of my RIBA certificate and were extremely hands on : answering questions that I had, and guiding me throughout the process. The steps for MEAP were very easy to understand and followed a very comprehensive checklist that allowed me to showcase some of the key projects for my submission. I encourage anyone from around the world looking to be recognised by the RIBA, and expand their architectural knowledge and exposure to obtain the membership through the RIBA MEAP process."
- Ashan Algama (Passed MEAP in August 2021)
"The whole process is quite straightforward and comfortable .Thanks very much!"
-Mr. Shanxing Gao (Passed MEAP in October 2021)"I'm honoured to join RIBA as a chartered member. The RIBA MEAP process greatly simplifies the evaluation and registration process of architects outside the UK in RIBA, and it plays a great role in the expansion of RIBA's group & international influence."
-Lanlan Wu (Passed MEAP in November 2021)"The whole process of the RIBA MEAP application was very smooth. The requirements of the application materials were clear, and not to mention that there was always a great pleasure to communicate with RIBA staff to have their timely and helpful feedback."
-ShuoJiong Zhang (Passed MEAP in July 2021)"The RIBA MEAP process is very easy going and user-friendly, I can find all the necessary information in its very concise introduction, the application form and portfolio samples it provided are great help for anyone new to the application.
The experience of the whole application process is very comfortable and efficient."
-Yang Shi (Passed MEAP in August 2021)"During the whole MEAP process, I feel the professional attitude of all RIBA colleagues no matter in China or in UK. The e-mail about my question is always replied timely by RIBA. It is impressive for me."
-Wenbo Yu (Passed MEAP in June 2021)"As a first-class registered architect in China, I am honoured to be a member of RIBA through MEAP. Under the general trend of re-internationalization, learning and communication should become a necessary skill for an architect. In every project, the combination of local culture, art and technology will be considered.
During the application process, I have the following experience:
1. Organize my work, refine and show my current participation in the project in a limited number of files.
2. The time is relatively free, and the time for preparing materials can be adjusted according to the time of their work.
3. Feedback from the Internet is relatively fast.
4. Online payment is convenient and fast."
-Ruchan Xiong (Passed MEAP in November 2021)"For Architects educated outside the UK, a Chartered RIBA Membership validates one's professional experience and expertise to be par with international standards. As Associate Architect in Charles Correa Associates, it was inspiring to see his name etched on the walls of RIBA UK as a RIBA Gold Medal awardee.
With 26 years of professional experience in all aspects of the architectural profession, I applied for membership through the MEAP process. Upon application, I received clear guidance about the procedure, payment, timeline, and documentation required. The International Assessment team's replies to my queries and draft submission were precise and prompt. It was a moment of pride when the MEAP panel approved my final submission for Chartered Architect membership. Being a Chartered RIBA Architect has enabled me to access international and local chapter webinars, site visits, and continuous learning programs. I shall continue to benefit from the membership and look forward to becoming a Fellow Member in the near future.”
-Shishir Pitre (Passed MEAP in July 2021)"For the RIBA MEAP process, I think every step is clear and reasonable. I can get lots of help from you (Jodie Kreft) and your colleague, which is the most important part for my application.
-Yidan Zhang (Passed MEAP in August)"The RIBA MEAP is a great process regarding my personal experience"
-Ji Gan (Passed MEAP in June 2021)"The overall application form instruction words are quite clear and helpful. The candidates could read enough information on what need to be prepared and what is the key point on why the questions being asked. So I would recommend the future candidates should always read the explanation and key words carefully and get to know the big picture or logic of the RIBA Chartered Membership.
The official RIBA Shanghai team is quite helpful as well. For some initial silly questions, they are patient enough to answer them and give you a sense of hospitality.
The whole application process is satisfactory to me and thank you RIBA for giving me the opportunity address my personal feeling about it. Hope this might help."
-Lei Yang (Passed MEAP in June 2021)"The whole application process is standard and clear, and can be completed according to the PDF as a guide."
-Wenlong Huang (Passed MEAP in October 2021)"Prompt and courteous support from the RIBA Membership Development Team (Mitch, Jodie and Paul) made the MEAP application and assessment process a positive and enjoyable experience for me. The example of the type of response expected for the GC points was very helpful."
- Sheriz Khan (Passed MEAP in October 2021)"I completed my MEAP in June this year. The process is quite clear and it was pleasant working with RIBA Team. On my way exploring the logic of ideal places of residence and work, being a Charted Membership of the RIBA is exciting for me – I'm willing to listen to the views and comments from the panel, and also learn more from the industry leaders. Look forward to the upcoming programs of the RIBA."
-Yu Jiang(Passed MEAP in June 2021)"The RIBA MEAP process seemed fair and just for us. The guidelines and instant contact with RIBA China are helpful for our application. Our applicants also took the chance to look back at their career path and rethink about all those exciting moments." (Pic: from top left clockwise)
-Jian He (Passed MEAP in November 2021)
-Hao Lu (Passed MEAP in August 2021)
-Zhou Qing (Passed MEAP in December 2021)
-Xiaoxiao Zhang (Passed MEAP in November 2021)
-Yan Wang (Passed MEAP in August 2021)"I am Ransirini Kumara, a practicing Architect from Sri Lanka and privileged to have received the Charter Membership of RIBA through the MEAP in November 2021. I am honoured to be a part of this globally recognized esteemed organization and looking forward to contributing as well as improving my practice through the resources and opportunities offered by the RIBA.
The MEAP process was very precise and well-defined and made my journey an easy sail until the end. Moreover the application methodology was very distinctly detailed digitally and seamlessly.
I wish to invite the young Architects world over to join RIBA and enhance the scopes and horizons of their profession."
-Ransirini Kumara (Passed MEAP in November 2021)"Actually it was very happy and great full step for me to join to RIBA through the MEAP, and I get all the help full and kindness guide from you and the all MEAP & RIBA team with full support from you. It's from my pleasure to give my experience and support all people need to join to RIBA.
Thanks in advance to you and all RIBA & MEAP team."
-Ahmed Sallam (Passed MEAP in August 2021)
