HELP!!! Being ripped off by an "architect"

Cameron1983

This post may not be in the right place, but any help would be really appreciated...

My mum wanted to change a spiral metal staircase in her flat to a wooden normal one. She looked up "architects" in the yellow pages, and found a guy in it. In his proposals, his company header says "architecture, design, construction" and his company name. Nowhere in his letters does he say he's an architect, however he said he was when he met us (even the city council planning officer didnt question him as he was so convincing when she met him).

Now, 3 months down the line having paid for his initial drawings (which were rejected by the council), he is wanting additional additional cheques for work before its been accepted by the council (it's a B-listed building), without sending invoices, and things have been "getting lost in the post". He also only provides a phone number (and rarely returns calls) and a PO Box address. Obviously, at this stage alarm bells started ringing and we got a couple of builders in who said instantyl that the drawings were not those of an architect and were essentially rubbish, and that we shouldnt pay anything else to this guy. I couldnt find him registered on the Architects Registration Board website. We already wrote him a letter (before meeting the builders) telling him to either correct the original drawings or refund us the money.

Essentially, now Im pretty sure that everything hes done is to defraud us, and I know about going to the CAB, and getting initial free 30min advice from solicitors. But we need help! Can he legally advertise in the yellow pages under "architects" if he isn't one (I suspect legally he probably can), and does the fact that he's written "architecture" on his company header not necessarily mean he's an architect (again I think so). He said he was an architect, and I was there to witness it. What do people think we should do first - I plan to phone the ARB tomorrow, and obviously theres the city council trading standards, company house, consumer direct, police(?), but if anyone can give me some advice/opirnions as a heads up itd be great!!

Cheers guys, Cameron
ps. post duplicated in another forum as not sure where this should go.

clutton_2

I am sorry to hear that you may have been conned. i would move on and find a real architect and finish your project. Then go afer him - you have 3 years to take him to the small claims court in. Did he put letters after his name ? if he did - that is misleading and you could talk to Trading STandards about him.

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

Nowhere in his letters does he say he's an architect, however he said he was when he met us (even the city council planning officer didnt question him as he was so convincing when she met him.

He could have been the local butcher ! It's not her job to check his credentials. The Post Office will give you an address for the PO box if you explain your situation. Doubt the police will be any help ! Write an anomymous letter to the taxman And then try & sue him.

seven-day-weekend

He could have been a Planning Agent, rather than an architect. Even so, his drawings should be up to scratch and he shouldn't call himself an architect.

I agree with other people, move on, get your work done and deal with him later.

The Council may have a list of Architects, although they will probably not recommend one.

Good luck.

N9eav

I questioned a similar situation a while back. An accountant who was not a real one but was doing the work of one.
Apparently you can legally do the work of an accountant, architect or whatever as long as you don't advertise on your paperwork that you are qualified as one. I know a guy who does the accounts for many people (ripping them off more like), but no where does he say he's a 'chartered' accountant. Just an accountant.
I could be a detective for example, or painter, or builder. As long as I don't advertise qualifications that I don't have it's supposed to be OK...????

marybishop

Go to www.AARUK.info and click on the link 'Use of Title'. Haven't read it in detail but I do know that they will follow up anyone who is fraudulently using the word 'architect' if they are not registered with them. We have clients who are in exactly the same boat as you and the shoddy workmanship done by the 'architect' (not!) has cost them thousands (he was also the 'builder' - scary eh!).

Do not pay him any more money. Instead choose an architect or surveyor who are registered with their relevant professional body i.e. the RIBA or the RICS. If they're not registered steer well clear! Anyone can put an ad in the Yellow Pages so that is definitely no guarantee.

Did he claim to be a limited company - if so you can check him out on Companies House website - if he doesn't appear then speak to them as well.

Cameron1983

Thanks for the replies guys. I found out today that this guy has been struck off the Architects Register in March this year for "non-payment of fees". That sounds like an odd reason to be struck off - I mean surely its worth being a member of such an organisation for the sake of £xxx (?) than not. Will look into the possibility of legal action, and at worst write to company house and trading standards. What do folk think about writing to newspapers, or threatening/"advising" him that I intend to, in case all else fails? It may be more hassle than its worth but I cant stand these "people" who rip off decent folk.