Registration/Architect Registration
About Architect Registration
General
It has long been observed that most architectural designs in Bhutan are prepared by individuals who are not qualified and in most cases the identity of the architect is also not recorded. This has led to a general decline in quality and sense of responsibility of the designers.
To encourage professionalism and to protect the interests of the Client, the CDB shall register all architects (Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese) who wish to provide professional services in Bhutan .
All professionally qualified architects (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) who wish to have the privilege of signing/approving architectural designs are requested to register immediately with the CDB. Signatures of non-registered Architects shall henceforth no longer be recognized by any of the City/Municipal, Dzongkhag or other authorities for the purpose of issuing building permits.
Additionally, architects in the private sector who have registered, and wish to compete for government or corporate contracts are required to register as a ‘firm’ with the CDB immediately. Consultancy firms already registered with the CDB under ‘architectural consultant” will need to re-register.
Non-Bhutanese firms operating / desiring to operate in Bhutan shall also be required to register.
The registration forms for individual and firm registration may be downloaded from the Construction Development Board website www.cdb.gov.bt. More detailed information on registration process may be obtained from the CDB Secretariat.
At this initial stage, a preliminary registration system is used. CDB does not currently plan to use the registration system to assess a consultant's capacity to perform specific work. It will be left to the procuring agencies to use this information.
The CDB strongly feels that the promotion of architects is beneficial to a healthy and effective construction industry. As such, it encourages the registration of architects so as to facilitate their use by procuring agencies and other clients.
All Ministries, Departments and Dzongkhag administrations and their procuring agencies shall use only consulting firms or individual consultants who are registered with CDB.
Registration
An architect/Firm, who wishes to be registered with CDB, shall submit an application to the President, RBIA in a standard application form (ARC01 or 02 - Architect Registration Form) prescribed by RBIA/CDB.
Registration Fees
There are no registration fees required for professionals at the CDB. However, a nominal fee will be charged to Firms. Architects/Firms are strongly encouraged to register with the CDB.
Certificate of Registration
The RBIA, on behalf of CDB, shall process the application and if it meets minimum criteria, a Certificate of Registration will be issued based on the recommendation of the President RBIA which is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Am architect/firm shall apply for renewal of his Certificate of Registration within 30 days before its expiry date. The Certificate of Registration is the property of the CDB and it must be returned to the CDB Secretariat whenever the registration has expired or is withdrawn for any reason.
Monitoring of the Registered Architect's Performance
The CDB shall update the history of the registered consultants from time to time. The RBIA/CDB shall monitor the capability and performance of the registered consultants. The consultants are expected to maintain high professional ethics and perform their services to the best of their ability with sound professional judgment. Those with poor performance history may be refused registration or re-registration.
© Construction Development Board