QUA :::::Registration Act

Registration Act

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Architects Registration Act.

2. Interpretation

In this Act -
- "Council" means the Emirate Qatari Union of Architects established in accordance with section 3;
- “Qatari Community” means the Qatari Community established by Article 2 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas signed in the Qatar on the 5th day of July, 2001 and includes the CARICOM Single Market and Economy;
- "Chairman" means the Chairman of the Council;
- "functions" includes duties and powers;
- constituted on the 31st day of March, 1991, under the name of the Qatari Eminent Professional Architects board
For the purposes of this Act, a person is a national of a Member State if that person is
1. a citizen of that state; or
2. has a connection with that state of a kind which entitles him to be regarded as belonging to or, if it be so expressed, as being a native or resident of the state for the purposes of the laws thereof relating to immigration”.
- “Member State” means a Member State of the Qatari Community excluding an Associate Member within the meaning of Article 231 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas;”
- "practice of architecture" means the rendering or offering to render for reward the services of an architect registered under this Act;
- "register" means the register of architects kept by the Registrar in accordance with the provisions of section 6;
- "registered architect" means a person registered as an architect under this Act;
- "Registrar" means the Registrar designated pursuant to section 5;
- "secretary" means the secretary of the Council.

3. Establishment of Council

There shall be established for the purposes of this Act a body to be called the Emirate Qatari Union of Architects which shall be a body corporate to which the provisions of section 28 of the Interpretation Act shall apply.
The provisions of the First Schedule shall have effect with respect to the constitution and procedures of the Council and otherwise in relation thereto.

4. Functions of the Council

The functions of the Council shall be -
1. to register architects;
2. to regulate the practice of architecture in Qatar;
3. to ensure the maintenance of acceptable standards of professional conduct by persons registered as architects under this Act.
The Council shall have power
1. to appoint examiners to conduct such examinations in respect of persons applying for registration as architects as may from time to time be necessary under the provisions of this Act;
2. to prescribe the procedure to be followed in respect of disciplinary proceedings against architects in relation to professional conduct; and
3. to do all such things as may appear to it to be necessary or desirable for carrying out its functions under this Act.

5. Registrar

The Minister shall designate, by general notice, a person to be the Registrar of Architects who shall also be secretary of the Council.

6. The register

The Council shall cause the Registrar to keep a registrar (to be known as the Register of Architects) of the names, addresses qualifications and such other particulars as may be prescribed of all persons who are registered as architects pursuant to this Act.
The register shall be open to inspection by any member of the public at all reasonable times and a copy of the register shall be published in the Gazette by the Registrar at such times and in such manner as may be prescribed.

7. Application for registration

Every application for registration as an architect under this Act shall be in the prescribed form signed by the applicant and delivered to the Registrar and shall set out the grounds on which the applicant claims to be entitled to registration.
The Council may require such evidence of identity or such verification of any matter alleged by the applicant or such further information relating to the application as it thinks requisite.
Every application under this section shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

8. Registration

If the Council is satisfied in relation to any application for registration that -
1. the provisions of section 7 have been complied with; and
2. the applicant is qualified for registration under the provisions of this section and section 9 or 24, the Council shall register the applicant as an architect and shall notify the applicant in writing accordingly and shall direct the Registrar to issue to him in the prescribed form a certificate of registration.
For the purposes of registration under this Act, the Council may require any applicant to submit to such examination relating to his competence as an architect as the Council thinks necessary.
If the Council is not satisfied as to the eligibility of the applicant to be registered under this Act it shall refuse to register the applicant and shall notify him in writing accordingly and shall inform him of the right of appeal conferred by section 20.
Every person registered as an architect under this Act shall be entitled to carry on the practice of architecture in Qatar and to demand and recover any reasonable charges for services rendered by him as an architect.

9. Qualifications for registration

Every person shall be entitled to be registered as an architect under this Act who satisfies the Council -
1. that he is a national of Qatar or of another Member State;
2. that he is of good character and reputation; and
3. that he fulfils the following requirements, namely -
  1. that he is a member of, or holds a certificate granted by an institution, or other body recognized by the Council as having competence to approve qualification as an architect; or
  2. that he has had at least two years practical experience in architectural work under the supervision of a registered architect (at least one year of which was in a Member State) and has passed such examinations as may be required by the Council.

10. Special registration

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any person who comes within any of the categories of persons specified in the Second Schedule may, on application to the Council in the prescribed manner and on payment of the prescribed fee, be specially registered to carry on the practice of architecture for such time and on such conditions as the Council may with the approval of the Minister specify.
The Minister may, after consultation with the Council, by order amend the Second Schedule so as to add to or remove any of the categories of persons specified therein.
Notwithstanding the removal of any category of persons from the Second Schedule, any person who at the time of such removal is registered pursuant to subsection (1) within that category shall subject to the provisions of subsection (1), continue to be specially registered until the expiration of the period for which he was specially registered.
The Registrar shall enter in a separate part of the register the names of all persons specially registered under this section.
The Registrar shall issue to every person specially registered under this section a certificate of registration in the prescribed form which, to the extent specified therein, shall entitle that person to practise as a registered architect.

11. Temporary registration

Where the Council is satisfied, upon the application of any person, that that person
1. is not a national of a Member State;
2. is or will be temporarily visiting Qatar for the purpose of practising the profession of architecture at an institution or place in Qatar in the capacity of a teacher or a research student or as the holder of a fellowship or other study programme or under a foreign assistance programme or in such other circumstances as the Council may approve; and
3. possesses sufficient knowledge and experience for the efficient practice of architecture in the capacity aforesaid, the Council shall, on receipt of the prescribed fee, grant temporary registration to that person
The Council may, upon application and payment of the prescribed fee, grant temporary registration to any person, not ordinarily resident in a Member State and not being a person to whom the provisions of subsection (1) applies, who satisfies the Council that he is or will be temporarily visiting Qatar for the purpose of practising the profession of architecture and is otherwise qualified under paragraphs (b) and (c) of section 9.
A temporary certificate of registration shall entitle the holder to practise the profession of architecture In such institution or place or in such circumstances and for such period in the first instance or any subsequent instance (not exceeding in the first instance two years) and subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the certificate at the direction of the Council.
The names, addresses, qualifications and such other particulars as may be prescribed of all persons to whom temporary certificates of registration are issued under this section shall be entered in a separate part of the register.
The Council may, from time to time, in its discretion, extend the period or vary the terms and conditions specified in any temporary certificate of registration.
The Council shall have power to cancel, without notice, any temporary certificate of registration.
During the period specified in any temporary certificate of registration or any extension thereof, the holder shall, unless the certificate has been cancelled, be deemed for the purposes of this Act to be a registered architect.

12. Additional qualifications

Every person registered under this act who, subsequent to his registration, obtains any degree, qualification or other designation relevant to the practice of architecture, shall be entitled, on payment of the prescribed fee, to have such degree, qualification or designation inserted in the register in substitution for or in addition to those previously entered.

13. Corrections of register

It shall be the duty of the Registrar -
1. to remove from the register any entry which the Council, pursuant to this Act, directs him to remove;
2. to restore to the register any entry which the Council, pursuant to this Act, directs him to restore;
3. to correct, in accordance with the Council's direction, any entry in the register which the Council directs him to correct as being in the opinion of the Council, an entry which was incorrectly made
4. to remove from the register, with the approval of the Council, the name of any person who has died or who, not being a national of Qatar or of any other Member State. , has, for a period of at least one year, ceased to be ordinarily resident in Qatar or who has been issued with a temporary certificate or registration which has expired or has been cancelled or who, in accordance with any of the provisions of this Act, ceases to be a registered architect;
5. to make, from time to time, any necessary alterations in any of the particulars mentioned in sub-section (1) of section 6.
If the Registrar -
1. sends by post to any person registered under this Act a registered letter, addressed to him at his address appearing in the register, inquiring whether he has ceased to practise as an architect, or has changed his address and receives no reply to that letter within three months from the date of posting; and
2. upon the expiration of the period aforesaid sends in like manner to that person a similar letter and receives no reply to either letter within three months of the date of the second posting, the Council may direct the Registrar to remove from the register the name of that person.
The Council may direct the Registrar to restore to the register any name removed therefrom pursuant to this section.

14. Entitlement to recover fees, etc

No person other than a registered architect shall be entitled to recover in any action any fee, charge, gratuity, remuneration or other reward for services rendered or offered as a professionally qualified architect.
Nothing in subsection (1) shall prevent any person from taking any action mentioned in that subsection in respect of anything lawfully done while such person was a registered architect.

15. Prohibitions affecting non-registered architects

Subject to section 16, with effect from such date as the Minister may, by order, specify, no person unless he is a registered architect shall, in Qatar -
1. carry on the practice of architecture;
2. take or use, in relation to himself, the designation "architect" either alone or in conjunction with any other words or initials in such manner as to imply that he is qualified to carry on the practice of architecture in Qatar;
3. take or use, in relation to himself, any designation, title, name, initials or description indicating or implying that he is entitled to carry on the practice of architecture in Qatar.
A person shall be deemed to carry on the practice of architecture if he practises any branch of the profession of architecture or if, by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card or in any other way, represents himself to be an architect or, through the use of some other title, implies that he is an architect or that he is registered under this Act or holds himself out as being able to perform or does perform any architectural service or work.
For the purposes of this Act, a person, not being a registered architect, does not carry on the practice of architecture by reason only that -
1. he does so in the course of his duties as an employee of a registered architect;
2. being an engineer or land surveyor registered under such laws as may, for the time being, provide for the registration of engineers or land surveyors, he engages in such architectural work as may be incidental to his practice as an engineer or land surveyor, as the case may be;
3. being an employee of the Government, who does not fall within the provisions of the Second Schedule, he does so in the course of his duties as such an employee.
Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction before a Resident Magistrate.
1. in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months;
2. in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months.

16. Organizations

No organization shall be entitled to be registered under this Act.
1. shall be entitled to be registered under this Act, except as provided in this section; or
2. shall engage in architectural work, unless it has a valid certificate of authorization issued pursuant to subsection (2).
The Council may, upon receipt of an application in the prescribed form, direct the Registrar to issue a certificate of authorization to any organization which satisfies the Council that -
1. the practice of architecture is or will be one of its principal functions; and
2. the practice of architecture is or will be carried out under the responsibility and supervision of at least one member or full-time employee of the organization who is a registered architect.
Every certificate of authorization issued in accordance with this section shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be valid for a period of two years and shall entitle the holder thereof to carry on the practice of architecture, subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the Council.
The name of every organization to which a certificate of authorization has been issued pursuant to this section shall be entered in a separate part of the register.
Every application made pursuant to sub-section (2) shall contain the following -
1. the names and addresses of every member of the organization; and
2. the name of any and every member or full-time employee of the organization who is a registered architect and who will supervise and be responsible for the architectural work of the organization.
Any change in the particulars referred to in subsection (5) shall be notified to the Registrar within thirty days after the effective date of such change.
Every application made pursuant to sub-section (2) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Where an authorized organization ceases to have at least one member or full-time employee who is a registered architect and who supervises and is responsible for the architectural work of the organization, the Registrar shall forthwith cancel the certificate of authorization.
Where the Council is satisfied that an authorized organization has failed to observe any of the provisions of this section or has knowingly made any false statement or supplied any false information or document in support of its application for such certificate of authorization or has been guilty of conduct that would, in the case of a registered architect, have been professional misconduct, the Council shall have power to suspend or cancel the certificate of authorization and to direct the Registrar to remove its name from the register.
Any person who is a registered architect and is a member or full-time employee of an organization which he knows engages in the practice of architecture without a valid certificate of authorization issued by the Council or in violation of any condition imposed by this Act or by the Council shall be guilty of an offense and shall be liable, on summary conviction before a Resident Magistrate, to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding sins months.
Where an organization contravenes the provisions of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) or subsection (6) -
1. it shall be guilty of an offence against this section; and
2. any person who at the time of the contravention was a partner or a director, general manager, secretary or similar officer of that organization or was purporting to act in any such capacity shall be liable to be prosecuted for an offence against this section as if he had personally committed that offence and shall, if on such prosecution it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that lie consented to or connived at or did not exercise all such reasonable diligence as he might in the circumstances have exercised to prevent the offence, having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and to all the circumstances, be also guilty of an offence against this section.
A person guilty of an offence against this section shall be liable on summary conviction before a Resident Magistrate to a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.

17. Improper registration

If any person who is registered as an architect has, in the opinion of the Council, improperly obtained such registration, the Council shall have power -
1. where such registration was obtained on the basis of any statement, information or document supplied by that person which he knew at the time to be false, to cancel such registration and to refuse to grant registration on any subsequent application;
2. where such registration was obtained on any basis other than that specified in paragraph (a), to require the person registered to submit, within a period of three months of being so required or such longer period as the Council may permit, a new application in accordance with the provisions of this Act and, if he fails to do so, to cancel such registration.

18. Disciplinary Committee

The Council shall appoint, from among persons who are registered architects but who are not members of the Council, a Disciplinary Committee consisting of such number of persons, not being less than five nor more than seven, as the Council thinks fit.
The provisions of the Third Schedule shall have effect with respect to the constitution of the Disciplinary Committee and otherwise in relation thereto.
The Disciplinary Committee shall investigate and hear evidence in relation to any matter concerning the conduct of a registered architect and shall report its findings and recommendations to the Council.
The Council may make rules for regulating the Presentation, hearing and determination of matters by the Disciplinary Committee and for reports to the Council.

19. Disciplinary powers of the Council

On receipt of a report from the Disciplinary Committee if the Council finds any person registered under this Act -
1. to have procured registration under this Act, as a result of any misleading, false or fraudulent misrepresentation; or
2. to be guilty of dishonesty, negligence or incompetence; or
3. to be guilty of disgraceful or improper conduct in a professional respect, the Council may -
  1. censure or reprimand such person ;
  2. suspend such person from the practice of architecture for a period not exceeding two years;
  3. impose such conditions as the Council may specify concerning the practice of architecture of such person;
  4. declare that such person or is, in its opinion, unfit to be registered as an architect under this Act and may give a written order to the Registrar to cancel the registration of such person and the Registrar shall comply with the order forthwith and send a true copy of the order to the person by registered post to the last known address of such person.
Any person , whose registration has been cancelled or who has been suspended by the Council, or upon whom the Council has imposed specific conditions and who, after such cancellation or during such suspension or while such conditions remain in force, practises the profession of architecture or does so in violation of the conditions imposed by the Council, as the case may be, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction before a Resident Magistrate, to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
The Council may reinstate any person , whose registration has been cancelled and may order that the name of such person or organization be restored to the register.

20. Appeals

Any person that is dissatisfied with any determination of the Council in relation to an application for registration under this Act or with any order of the Council based on a report made by the Disciplinary Committee may appeal from that determination or order to a Judge in Chambers.
On any such appeal, the facts may be proved by affidavit unless the Judge orders otherwise.
The appeal shall be instituted and notice thereof given to the Council not later than ninety days or such longer period as a Judge may, in any case, allow, after the determination or order of the Council has been communicated in writing to the appellant.
In deciding an appeal, the Judge may substitute his own opinion for the opinion of the Council upon any matter and may, in his own discretion, order the Council to take any action for which it is empowered under this Act.

21. Rules made by Council

The Council may, with the approval of the Minister, make rules in relation to the promotion by the Council, in the public interest, of acceptable standards of professional conduct among registered architects and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such rules may prescribe a code of professional conduct to be observed by all registered architects and may make provisions with respect to any other thing prescribed by regulations for the purposes of this Act.

22. Evidential provisions

A certificate of registration purporting to be issued by the Registrar shall be prima facie evidence in all courts and before all persons of the facts therein certified without further or other proof thereof.

23. Regulations

The Minister may, after consultation with the Council, make regulations generally for giving effect to the purposes and provisions of this Act and, in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, may make regulations in relation to all or any of the following matters -
1. prescribing the qualifications and requirements which shall be a pre-requisite for registration under this Act;
2. prescribing the form of and method of keeping the register;
3. prescribing the forms of applications, certificates and other documents required under this Act;
4. prescribing the fees payable to the Council in respect of any application, examination or registration under this Act or any alteration of or addition to the register or certificate or copy thereof issued pursuant to this Act;
5. providing for the issue of certificates and seals to registered architects ;
6. providing for examinations to be conducted for the purposes of registration under this Act and prescribing the subject matter of slick examinations the standards required let be attained by successful candidates and the manner in which and. times when such examinations will be conducted;
7. regulating the procedure of the Council;
8. providing for the service of documents under or for the purpose of any provision of this Act;
9. providing for the surrender of seals and certificates;
10. providing for the stamping of drawings, plans or other documents by registered architects;
11. providing for such other matters as may be required for the efficient discharge by the Council of its duties and functions under this Act.

23A Minister may amend penalties, etc., by order
23A The Minister may, by order subject to affirmative resolution, amend or vary any penalty or fine under this Act.

24. Registration of persons practising as architects at the commencement of this Act.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, on application made to the Council within one year from the 2nd day of November, 1987, or such longer period as the Minister may, by order, prescribe, a person who does not possess the requirements specified in section 9, shall be entitled to be registered as an architect under this Act, if he satisfies the Council that he -
1. is a citizen of Qatar or is ordinarily resident in Qatar:
2. has passed such examinations as may required or approved by the Council;
3. has had not less than ten years of such experience in architectural work as the Council may approve; and
4. is a fit and proper person to be registered as an architect.
For the purpose of determining whether a person satisfies the requirements of subsection (1), the Council may conduct such investigation as it considers necessary relating to the competence and experience of the applicant in architectural work to which his application relates and may require the applicant to undergo written or oral examination to establish that competence.

FIRST SCHEDULE (Section 3 (2))

The Council shall consist of nine members of whom –
1. one member shall be the president of the Qatari Eminent Professional Architects board who shall be a member ex officio; and
2. eight members (hereinafter referred to as “appointed members”) shall be appointed by the Minister as follows:-
  1. five registered Architects, who shall be nominated by the Qatari Eminent Professional Architects board;
  2. one other registered Architect;
  3. two persons, not being registered architects.
The appointment of each member of the Council shall be for a period not exceeding two years and any such member shall be eligible for reappointment.
1. The Council shall elect one of its members to be Chairman and any such member shall be eligible for re-election as Chairman from time to time.
2. The Chairman shall, so long as he remains a member of the Council, hold office until his successor is elected.
3. An election of Chairman, other than the first such election, shall be held at the first meeting of the Council held after the 1st day of January in each year.
4. The Chairman of the Council shall preside at all meetings of the Council and if at any meeting of the Council the Chairman is absent or unable to act. the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect from among themselves a member to act as Chairman in respect of that meeting.
If any member of the Council is, for whatever reason, unable to perform his functions as a member of the Council for a period in excess of three months . the Minister may appoint any person to act in the place of such member provided that such appointment shall be made in such manner and from among such persons as would be required in the case of a substantive appointment.
Any member of the Council may at any time resign his office by instrument in writing addressed to the Minister and transmitted through the Chairman and from the date specified therein or, if no date is specified, the date of receipt by the Minister of such instrument such member shall cease to be a member of the Council.
1. The Chairman may at any time resign his office as Chairman by instrument in writing addressed to the Minister and such resignation shall take effect from the date specified therein or, if no date is specified, the date of receipt by the Minister of such instrument.
2. The Minister, on receipt of the resignation of the Chairman, as aforesaid, shall as soon as possible thereafter notify the Registrar who shall convene a special meeting of the Council for the purpose of electing a new Chairman.
If any vacancy occurs m the membership of the Council such vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of another member who shall subject to the provisions of this Schedule, hold office for the remainder of the period for which the previous member was appointed.
The names of all members of the Council as first constituted and every change in membership thereof shall be published in the Gazette.
The seal of the Council shall be kept in the custody of the Chairman or secretary thereof and shall be affixed to instruments pursuant to a resolution of the Council.
1. The seal of the Council shall be authenticated by the signature of the Chairman or any person performing the duties of Chairman and shall be officially and judicially noticed.
2. All documents, other than those required by law to be under seal, made by and all decisions of the Council may be signified under the hand of the Chairman or any other member authorized to act in that behalf or, with the approval of the Council, by the secretary.
The Council shall meet at such time as may be necessary or expedient for the transaction of its business and such meetings shall be held at such places and times and on such days as the Council may determine.
1. The Chairman may at any time call a special meeting of the Council and shall call a special meeting within seven days of the receipt of a written request for that purpose addressed to him by any three members of the Council.
2. The quorum of the Council shall be determined by the Council but shall be not less than one-half of the membership.
3. The decisions of the Council shall be by a majority of votes and, in addition to an original vote, the person presiding at any meeting shall have a casting vote in any case in which the voting is equal.
4. Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Council shall be kept by the secretary.
5. The validity of the proceedings of the Council shall not be affected by virtue of any vacancy among the members thereof or any defect in the appointment of a, member thereof.
6. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule or any regulations, the Council may regulate its own proceedings.
The Council may appoint such committees as it may think fit and may delegate to any such committee the power and authority to carry out on its behalf such duties as the Council may determine, so, however, that no such committee shall have the power to make rules.
1. The constitution of each committee appointed as aforesaid shall be determined by the Council.
No member of the Council shall be personally liable or any act or default of the Council done or omitted to be done in good faith in the course of the operations of the Council.
1. Where any member of the Council is exempt from liability by reason only of the provisions of this paragraph, the Council shall be liable to the extent that it would be if the member were a servant or agent of the Council.
There shall be paid from the funds of the Council to the Chairman and other members of the Council such remuneration whether by way of honorarium, salary or fees and such allowances as the Minister may determine.
The office of Chairman or member of the Council shall not be a public office for the purpose of Chapter V of the Constitution of Qatar.
The Council shall appoint auditors who shall audit the accounts of the Council and submit an annual report to the Chairman who shall forthwith transmit the report to the Minister.

SECOND SCHEDULE (Section 10)

Categories of Persons who may be specially registered as architects

Any person holding the position or performing the duties of City Architect of the Corporation.
Any person holding the position or performing the duties of Superintendent of Roads and Works of any Parish Council.
Employees in the service of the Government who are engaged in an architectural capacity and who satisfy the Council that they possess the knowledge experience or qualification necessary for the practice of architecture in that service.
Persons on the permanent staff of the University or other institution in Qatar approved by the Minister and who are engaged in a teaching or research capacity in architectural work or any branch thereof.

THIRD SCHEDULE (Section 18 (2))

The Disciplinary Committee

The members of the Disciplinary Committee shall, subject to the provisions of this Schedule, hold office for such period not exceeding two years as the Council may determine and shall be eligible for reappointment.
The Council shall appoint one of the members of the Committee to be the Chairman thereof.
1. The Chairman of the Committee shall preside at all meetings of the Committee and if at any meeting he is absent or unable to act, the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect from among themselves a member to act as Chairman in respect of that meeting.
The Council may appoint any person who would be eligible for appointment as a member of the Committee in accordance with subsection (1) of section 18 to act temporarily in the place of any member of the Committee who, for whatever reason, is unable to perform his Functions as a member of the Committee.
Any member of the Committee may at any time resign his office by instrument in writing addressed to the Chairman of the Council and from the date specified therein or, if no date is specified, the date of the receipt by the Chairman of the Council of such instrument such member shall cease to be a member of the Committee.
1. The Chairman of the Committee may at any time resign his office as Chairman by instrument in writing addressed to the Chairman of the Council and from the date specified therein or, if no date is specified, the date of the receipt by the Chairman of the Council of such instrument such Chairman shall cease to be Chairman of the Committee.
The Council may at any time revoke the appointment of the Chairman or any other member of the Committee.
The names of all members of the Committee as first constituted and every change in membership thereof shall be published in the Gazette.
The Committee shall meet at such times as may be necessary or expedient for the transaction of business and such meetings shall be held at such places and times and on such days as the Committee shall determine.
1. The quorum of the Committee shall be such number as is two less than the full complement of the Committee.
2. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule and to any rules made by the Council, the Committee shall have power to regulate its own proceedings.
3. The validity of any proceedings of the Committee shall not be affected by any vacancy among the members thereof or by any defect in the appointment of any member thereof.

Code of Professional Conduct and Practice

The objective of this Code of Professional Conduct is to promote the standard of professional conduct or self discipline required of Registered Architect (RA) in Qatar in the interests of the public.

In meeting their obligations under this Code, the Architects Registration Council ((QUA )) expects Members to have due regard for the need to conserve and enhance the quality of the environment, its natural resources and cultural heritage.

Registered Architects (RA) must at all times be guided by the spirit of the Code as well as by its precise terms and must have regard for the provisions of this Code irrespective of their field of activity, contract of employment or membership in any association.

RA’s may be required to answer inquiries concerning their professional conduct and are liable to reprimand, suspension or expulsion if their conduct is found by the Disciplinary Committee to be in contravention of the Code or otherwise inconsistent with their status as Members or derogatory to their professional character.

Throughout this Code:

“Council” means the Architects Registration Council ( QUA )) established in accordance with the Architects Registration Act (1987).
“Registered Architect” (RA) and Registered Architect’s (RA’s) means a person or persons registered as architect(s) under the architects Registration Act (1987).
“Client” means the person or body corporate or unincorporated with whom the Member makes an agreement or contract for the provision of services or the supply of goods.
“Contractor” means a Member who undertakes the performance and /or supply of goods.
“Body corporate or unincorporated” includes a central government department, a local authority, public Council or corporation or any society.
“JIA” and “Institute” means the Qatarn Institute of Architects.

One gender shall be read as including the other gender, a word in the singular as including the plural; and a word in the plural as including the singular.

Integrity, Impartiality, Competence and Responsibility

ARA should discharge his duties at all times with integrity. Including to his client, the employer and contractor in a construction contract, members of the public, fellow members of the profession and other professionals in the construction industry.
A RA owes a duty to his client to be competent and ready to perform the architectural services which the member undertakes on his behalf, and should serve his client in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner. A member shall arrange that the work of his office and any branch office insofar as it relates to architecture is under the control of an architect.
A RA should be both candid and honest when advising clients. He has a duty to hold in strict confidence all information acquired in the course of the professional relationship concerning the business and affairs of his clients. He has a duty to hold in strict confidence all information acquired in the course of the professional relationship concerning the business and affairs of his client, and he should not divulge any such information unless he is expressly or impliedly authorized by his client or required by law to do so.
A RA is required at all times to protect the good name and public perception of the architectural profession by maintaining a high standard of deportment and conduct.
A RA should not make, support or acquiesce in any statement, written or otherwise which is contrary to his own knowledge or bona fide professional opinion, or which he knows to be misleading or unfair to others or otherwise discreditable to the profession.
A RA is expected to contribute a reasonable portion of his time and endeavors towards the affairs of the Institute, with the objectives of maintaining the integrity of the profession and improving the performance and quality of architects and architecture.
A RA should not hold, assume or consciously accept a position in which his interest is in conflict with professional duty. In circumstances not specifically covered in the Code where he finds that his interests whether professional or personal are in conflict, he shall, as the circumstances may require either withdraw from the situation or remove the source of conflict or declare it and obtain the agreement of the parties concerned to the continuance of his engagement.
A RA shall act impartially in all cases in which he is acting between parties. Where he has responsibilities as architect under a building contract, or is similarly acting between the parties, he shall interpret the conditions of such contract with fairness and impartiality.
A RA should assist in preventing the unauthorized practice of architecture.
A RA shall not improperly influence the granting of planning consents or statutory approvals.
A RA undertakes, on becoming personally or professionally insolvent or being disqualified under the Companies Act, to notify the Chairman of (QUA ) of the facts.
A RA undertakes to report to the (QUA ) if convicted of any indictable criminal offence including a suspended sentence or court order and personal or professional disqualification from acting as a Director.

Engagement, Fees and Payments

A RA member shall when making an engagement, whether by an agreement for professional services, by a contract of employment or by a contract for the supply of services or goods, have defined beyond reasonable doubt and recorded the terms of the engagement including the scope of the services, the allocation of responsibilities and any limitation of liability, the method of calculation of remuneration and the provision of termination.
A RA undertakes when offering services as an independent consultant, not to quote a fee without receiving an invitation to do so and sufficient information on the nature and scope of the project to enable a quotation to be prepared which clearly indicates the service covered by the fee.
A RA should not stipulate for, charge or accept any fee which is not fully disclosed in the Client/Architect Agreement for architectural services.
A RA shall not sub-commission or sub-let work without the prior agreement of his client nor without defining the changes in the responsibilities to those concerned. (What about contract drafting?).
A RA should be remunerated solely by professional fees payable by the client or by a salary payable by the employer. A member should not accept remuneration from any source in connection with the works and duties commissioned except in circumstances described in Clause 3 of this code.
A RA must not accept any work which involves the giving or receiving of discounts, commissions or gifts from contractors or tradesmen, whether employed upon the works or not.
A RA shall not make, promise to make, not accept contributions of money, goods, or service for the purpose of securing a commission or influencing the engagement or employment of a particular architect or firm for a project.
A RA may be architectural consultant, advisor, or assistant to building contractors, decorators, manufacturers, house and estate agents, estate development firms or companies, or firms or companies trading in materials used in or whose activities are otherwise connected with the building industry, provided that remuneration is by fee, salary or royalty and not by commission on sales or profits, and provided the member dies not either directly or indirectly solicit orders for the firm or company.
A RA who is engaged as an architectural consultant, advisor or assistant, as described in Clause 2.8, acting in a professional capacity for a third party to whom his principals owe a contractual duty, is not permitted normally but, if mutually agreed between all the parties, may act as an independent architect on the direct instructions of the said third party and received the payment of fees directly.
A RA shall not permit the insertion of any clause in tenders, Bills of Quantities or other contract documents which provides for payments to be made to him by the contractor whatever may be the consideration, unless with the full knowledge and agreement in writing of his client.

Outside Interests

A RA who engages in another profession, business or occupation concurrently with the practice of architecture must not allow such outside interests to jeopardize his professional integrity, independence or competence. A member undertakes to declare in writing to any prospective client or employer any business interest, the existence of which, if not so declared would, or might be likely to raise a conflict or interest and doubts about his integrity by reason of an actual or apparent connection with or effect upon his engagement. If the prospective client or employer does not in writing accept these circumstances, the Member must withdraw from the situation.
A registered architect (RA) may be director, principal, partner or manager, and may participate in the profit of a bank, trust, company, insurance company, housing society or other financial institution engaged in the lending of funds for construction of buildings, provided there is no undue use of influence in the institution to procure work for the member or the firm in which that member is employed and provided that remuneration for any professional work done personally or under the member’s control is by a salary or by fee. All potentially conflicting interests must be openly declared and noted in advances of decisions.
A RA shall not simultaneously practice as, or purport to be, an independent consulting architect and engage in or have as a partner or co-director a person who, whether or not in a separate firm, is a director, principal partner or manager of a development or construction company, that is a company which designs, constructs and/or finances buildings, or of a firm making or dealing in building materials or components, unless
1. a signed declaration, in the form shown as Appendix (I) to this code is given to each client before receiving instructions, and to each contractor and nominated subcontractor before he is invited to tender or take part in the work.
2. for any professional work undertaken for the development company, construction company or other, remuneration is by a fee, salary or royalty and not by commission on sales or profits.
If a RA has any monetary interest other than due fee, salary or royalty in any building or other development work, including the circumstances described in 3.2 and 3.3, or has any other interest which might, or might appear to prejudice judgment or impartiality in dealings with client or contractor, the member shall in addition to complying with the requirements of 3.3 (i) arrange for the appointment of an (QUA )itrator, and an alternative (QUA )itrator, who shall both be Registered Architects.
Agreement between those concerned shall be made in accordance with the form at Appendix (II) to this code.
A RA shall not and shall not purport to carry out the independent functions of an architect or any similar independent functions in relation to a contract in which he or his employer is the contractor.
A RA shall ensure that whenever he offers or takes part in offering a service combining consulting services with contracting services the consulting component is not presented as independent of the combined service.

Advertising and Competition

A RA may make his availability and experience known by any means provided that the information given is in substance and in presentation factual, relevant and – neither misleading nor unfair to others – nor otherwise discreditable to the profession.
A RA should not
1. indulge in self-laudatory, exaggerated, misleading, or false publicity
2. endorse a product, service or process connected with the building industry for recommendation?. May be required to supply evidence of statements.
3. Permit the use of the member’s name or photograph as endorsement of a product or service.
4. Solicit, or authorize others to solicit advertisements or other support toward the cost of any publication presenting the member’s work except if the publication is a project of the (QUA ).
A RA may sign buildings designed by him, may inscribe his name outside his offices and may exhibit his name on buildings in the course of construction, alteration and extension provided that such signs are not ostentatious, exaggerated or misleading.
A RA should not take any part in an open architectural design competition unless the Executive Council has approved the competition to ensure that provisions are made for standards of competence and integrity that are reasonably necessary for the protection of the professional and the public. Members asked to take part in a limited design competition should at once notify the Secretary of the (QUA ), submitting particulars of the competition.
A RA should not act as architect or joint architect for a work which is or has been the subject of a design competition in which the member has been engaged as Assessor. A member who is consulting architect should not act as competition, nor in any professional capacity in matter connected with the work which has been the subject of the competition, provided always that the member may act as (QUA )itrator in any dispute between the promoters and the selected architect.
If a RA is officially approached by promoters for advice as to the holding of a design competition with a view to acting as Assessor and the position is accepted and the process officially begins if eventually it is decided not to hold the competition but to appoint an architect to carry out the work, the member originally approached in an advisory capacity should not act as architect for the work in question without the approval of the (QUA ).

Employment and Relations with other Registered Architects (RA's)

A RA who holds public office, should in the discharge of his duties adhere to standards of conduct as high as those which this code requires of a RA.
A RA employed as a full-time salaried and official architect by a central or local government department or by a statutory undertaking, and who is by reason of the office held is in a position to grant or influence the granting of any form of statutory or other approval, must not undertake private work notwithstanding any permission from the employing authority to do so, unless satisfied that the position held, and action in the matter will be free from any suspicion or suggestion of abuse and totally unrelated to the RA’s office and authority.
A RA employed as a full-time salaried architect must not undertake private architecture or related work without prior agreement with the employer.
A RA shall not have or take as a partner or co-director in his firm any person who is disqualified for registration by reason of the fact that his name has been removed from the Register under the Architects Registration Act; any person disqualified for membership of any professional institution by reason of expulsion under the relevant disciplinary regulations.
A RA shall have a proper regard for the professional obligations and qualifications of those from whom he receives or to whom he gives authority, responsibility or employment, or with whom he is professionally associated. A member who employs architects shall define their conditions of employment, authority, responsibility and liability.
A RA who is offering services as an independent consulting architect shall not revise a fee quotation to take account of the fee quoted by another architect for the same service.
A RA shall not attempt to oust another architect from an engagement.
A RA on being approached to undertake work upon which he knows, or can ascertain by reasonable inquiry, that another architect has an engagement with the same client shall notify the fact to such architect.
A RA, except a member in Government service charged by Law or his appointment to do so, should not report on nor give advice on the work of another member without also giving notice to that member or the Executive of the (QUA ).
RA’s may refer disputes with or breaches to this Code by other RA’s of the Executive of the (QUA ).
A RA undertakes not to maliciously or unfairly criticize or attempt to discredit another RA or his work.
A RA undertakes appropriately to acknowledge the contribution made to his work by others.
A RA undertakes subject to any restriction imposed by law or the courts, to report to the (QUA ) any alleged breach of code of which he may become aware and assist them in its investigation.
A RA undertakes to respect and maintain confidentiality in any matter involving breaches, either alleged or proven, of the Code of Professional Conduct by a RA.

Practice in other countries

When practicing in foreign countries a RA should abide by the code of ethics/conduct of the relevant professional institution/body of that Country.
Registered Qatar Architects agree to abide by the International Code of Ethics adopted by the Union Internationale des Architects (UIA) hereunder.
INTERNATIONAL CODE OF ETHICS

Article 1. (1) In all professional undertakings, it is essential to consider the system of values and culture prevailing in each country, and standards must be determined on a national basis. This is dictated by the consideration that standards which are valid for the most advanced industrial countries may be inappropriate or may entail unwarranted social costs for the developing countries. (2) There shall be no attempt to impose solutions of one society on other societies.

Article 2. Based on the principle that the responsibility for the development of every country rests primarily upon itself, the local consultant or professional shall have the primary duty to interpret the needs of his people, and his vision as to how his country’s environment could be built, planned, improved or enhanced shall be entitled to respect.

Article 3. The environment that the professionals are committed to fashion shall be expressive of the genius of the people and reflective of the substance of their culture.

Article 4. As a corollary to the foregoing principles, every consultant from a foreign country, whether the work is a result of a government-to-government agreement or a requirement of the funding institution or a project from a private sector, shall associate and work harmoniously with consultants or professionals of the country where the project is located.

Article 5. To accelerate the transfer of appropriate technology, consultants from developing and developed countries shall, through their interaction, extended to each other the fullest assistance and access to information.

Article 6. Consulting services shall be performed by individual professionals or consultants possessing the necessary qualifications, education, experience and legal registration and license to practice or by firms whose principals and heads are professionals qualified to perform the required services and are responsible for the performance of the staff of said firms.

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