Architect registration

[papalazaru]

Do all practicing architects have to be registered with either the ARB or RIBA? I ask because we recently met with one who I can't find on either of the websites above and it makes me nervous.....

Anybody calling themselves an architect must be registered with the ARB. The RIBA is voluntary extra but you must be a member to call yourself a chartered architect.
Lots of unregistered people call themselves 'architectural consultant/designer' to get round this. This can be confusing. If they are not registered on the ARB website they are not an architect. To be an architect you must meet minimum levels of competence, maintain that competence throughout your career, must carry insurance and must act professionally/ethically.
If you aren't registered you don't have to do these things, you might choose to but...
It is illegal to call yourself an architect without ARB registration so if you do find somebody misusing the title please report them to the ARB.

My worry was professional indemnity. If the drawings turned out to be wrong we wouldn't have any legal redress.
Worth checking.