Complaints Procedures

The Architects registration Board of Jamaica administers a procedure by which complaints about architects' work can be investigated. Options for resolving disputes are available and, if warranted, disciplinary action can be taken.

Persons wishing to contact the Board to discuss their concerns should telephone [876] 926.8060 and ask for the Registrar, or email info@arbj.com for assistance. It can be very helpful to ring the Board office as a preliminary step.

A complaint against a Registered Architect must be in writing, include a time frame of events and copies of relevant documents. Typically, complaints are made on the basis that the architect has breached the Code of Minimum Standards of Ethical Conduct for Registered Architects or has practiced in a negligent or incompetent manner, as described in section ?? of the Architects Registration Act 1987.

Once a complaint has been received, it is checked to make sure that it is complete. The Registered Architect is sent a copy of the complaint and is given a time frame of twenty working days to respond. An initial investigation is then undertaken by the Registrar who writes a report to the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee.

If, following consideration of the Registrar's report, the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee believes that there are grounds to proceed, an Investigating Committee is formed which investigates the complaint. Further information is sought from the complainant and the Registered Architect though meetings with the parties. The costs of attending meetings of the committee are met by the complainant and the Registered Architect.

The Investigating Committee is able to explore with the complainant and the Registered Architect options for resolving the issue through mediation or arbitration.

If options for mediation or arbitration are not taken up, then the Disciplinary Committee makes a recommendation to the Board to dismiss the complaint or proceed to a Disciplinary Committee hearing.

The Disciplinary Committee hearing is conducted under the framework outlined in the Code of Conduct and recommends to the Board that the complaint is dismissed or is upheld. If the complaint is upheld, the Disciplinary Committee recommends a penalty to be imposed on the Registered Architect. The architect has the right to appeal the decision of the Board in Court.

The Board has published a brochure explaining these procedures in more detail. Entitled "Problems With Your Architect?" Request a hard copy at info@arb.com.jm.