Becoming an architect is getting a redesign — here’s what’s changing

The UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) has unveiled an action plan to overhaul how aspiring architects gain practical experience before qualifying.

Aimed at improving transparency, quality, and support, the changes are expected to benefit not just trainees, but also the clients by making it easier when choosing an architect.

From a new Record of Competency to stronger mentorship support, this marks one of the most significant shifts in architectural education in a generation.

A standard path to real-world experience

For the first time, aspiring architects will follow a more standardised and transparent process to gain practical experience.

Central to this is a new Record of Competency (ROC), where trainees will formally log and evidence their development in a consistent, nationally recognised format.

“This is about making sure all future architects are equipped with the same essential skills and knowledge – regardless of where they train,” said Alan Kershaw, Chair of ARB. “We want to shift the focus to outcomes, not just time served.”

The ROC will be developed with input from schools of architecture and industry partners, ensuring it reflects real-world expectations.

A new role for educators and practices

To reduce confusion across the industry when assessing an architect the ARB will introduce a co-ordinating role within education providers to oversee and guide the practical experience phase.

The aim is to create clear lines of responsibility between academic institutions and the practices that host trainees.

“The new co-ordinating role will need to work for all learning providers,” Kershaw explained. “That’s why we’re designing it with them - to make it flexible, effective, and rooted in reality.”

ARB will consult widely through focus groups before finalising how the role functions, and how it will be reflected in accreditation standards.

Cultural change through better mentorship

While ARB stopped short of making mentorship training mandatory for architects, it is actively exploring ways to support and encourage stronger mentoring across the profession.

“Mentoring has the power to transform careers and cultures in architecture,” said Kershaw. “We’re committed to helping architects become better mentors – because the profession thrives when knowledge is shared.”

This move aims to strengthen not only technical competence but also workplace inclusion, confidence, and wellbeing among future professionals.

What’s next?

Stakeholders, including educators, practices and architects, are being invited to help shape the reforms via focus groups and the Architectural Educators Engagement Network.

These actions could shape the way UK homes are designed and built in the future.

“We’re building a system that works better for everyone - for students, for schools, for practices, and ultimately, for the people they design for,” Kershaw said.