Engage only qualified architects: COA

Srinagar, Aug 19: Council of Architecture (COA), an autonomous statutory authority of Govt of India has asked all departments to engage qualified architects.

In a public notice, COA has reached out to the general public, all municipalities, development authorities, foreign architects, consultants, Government departments and all concerned.

“The Council of Architecture, an autonomous statutory authority of Government of India set up under the Architects Act, 1972, is mandated to register qualified professionals as architects and to regulate the standards of architectural education and profession in the country in order to safeguard the interest of the society.

The Act mandates that only a qualified person be registered as an Architect with the Council of Architecture and only he/she can use the title and style of Architect for carrying out the profession of an architect in India,” the notice reads.

“An architect is rigorously trained and groomed with special knowledge and skills to design buildings for comfort and life safety of the citizens duly complying local development control regulations and various other laws and standards. An architect is governed by Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989 approved by the Central Government and thus remains accountable for the professional services rendered by hím/her.”

“In view of the above, general public and all concerned persons/ competent authorities are advised to avail the professional services of an ‘Architect’ including designing buildings and getting statutory approvals from local authorities, The registration status of the ‘Architect’ may be verified from website www.coa.gov.in of the Council before appointing them. Issued in Public Interest. Registrar New Delhi,” the notice reads.