Council of Architecture Warns Against Fake Architects

The Council of Architecture (CoA) has issued a nationwide public notice warning against individuals and entities falsely presenting themselves as architects. The notice, issued on August 2, 2026, states that only persons possessing recognised qualifications and registered with the Council are legally entitled to use the title and style of 'Architect' anywhere in India.

According to the CoA, architects registered under the Architects Act, 1972 do not require any additional registration with local bodies or authorities to practise the profession. The Council has warned that any individual or legal entity soliciting architectural work or services by falsely posing or misrepresenting themselves as an architect would be liable for prosecution under Sections 36 and 37 of the Architects Act, 1972.

The CoA has called upon unregistered persons to immediately stop using the title and cease and desist from falsely portraying themselves as architects. The notice states that any person found violating the provisions of the Architects Act will be prosecuted before the competent court in accordance with law.

The Council has advised the general public, government departments, and other stakeholders to verify an architect's registration status through the Council's official website before engaging professional services. Additionally, the CoA has urged stakeholders to report any unauthorised use or misuse of the title 'Architect' through the complaint portal available on its website.

The public notice has been issued by the Council 'in public interest' to safeguard the integrity of the architectural profession and protect consumers from unqualified practitioners. The CoA has also assured that the identity of complainants would be kept confidential, subject to applicable laws.

The Architects Act, 1972 is a statutory law that regulates the profession of architecture in India. The law requires architects to register with the CoA to practise their profession. The CoA is a statutory body constituted under the Architects Act, 1972, and is responsible for regulating the profession of architecture in India.

The Council's warning comes as a reminder to the public to be cautious when engaging architectural services. With the increasing demand for architectural services, the risk of fake architects misusing the title and providing substandard services is high. The CoA's public notice is a step towards protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the architectural profession.

In recent years, there have been several instances of fake architects being caught and prosecuted. The CoA's efforts to crack down on such individuals and entities are commendable, and the public notice is a welcome move towards safeguarding the interests of consumers.

The Council's advisory to verify an architect's registration status through its official website is a simple and effective way to ensure that consumers are engaging genuine architectural services. The complaint portal available on the CoA's website provides a convenient way for stakeholders to report any unauthorised use or misuse of the title 'Architect'.

Overall, the CoA's public notice is a timely reminder of the importance of verifying the credentials of architects before engaging their services. It is a step towards protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the architectural profession in India.

The CoA's efforts to regulate the profession of architecture are crucial in ensuring that consumers receive high-quality architectural services. The public notice is a welcome move towards achieving this goal, and it is hoped that it will have a positive impact on the architectural profession in India.

In conclusion, the Council of Architecture's public notice warning against fake architects is a significant step towards protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the architectural profession. The notice serves as a reminder to the public to be cautious when engaging architectural services and to verify the credentials of architects before hiring them.