about us

The Architects Registration Bureau (‘Bureau Architectenregister’ or BA in short) is an independent administrative body that is responsible for carrying out the Dutch Architects’ Title Act. The Bureau manages the architects register, and is authorized to act against any unlawful use of title. Furthermore, BA is the competent authority in the Netherlands for the implementation of the European Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications of its subsidiary professions.

The Register

Approximately 13 500 individuals are registered. Three quarters of them are architects. Interior architects, urban designers and garden and landscape architects form respectively 13%, 6% and 5% of the register.

The Architects Registration Bureau carries out the daily registration work, including the assessment of academic and professional qualifications and (de-)registration. Furthermore, the Architects Registration Bureau provides information upon request, by telephone or in writing, with respect to the qualifications of registered architects. The BA is in some cases assisted by committees of experts for the performance of its duties.

Accountability

The Architects Registration Bureau reports to the Minister who is primarily responsible for the Dutch Architects’ Title Act. Each year the financial statements, annual report, budget and rates are submitted for approval to the Minister.

International cooperation

The Architects Registration Bureau is a member of the Architects Council of Europe (ACE), an organization that represents the interests of over 560,000 architects throughout Europe. On a registration level, the Architects Registration Bureau consults with other EU Member States within the European Network of Architects' Competent Authorities (ENACA). Furthermore, the Architects Registration Bureau is a member of the European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA).