Man convicted on eight counts of criminal offence and ordered to pay £5,500 for misusing the title ‘Architect’
On 22 November Nicholas Rothe of Manchester was convicted on eight counts of the criminal offence of misusing the title ‘Architect’. Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court heard that Nicholas Rothe traded under the business name “Cheshire Architects and Construction” despite not having his name on the Register of Architects, contrary to section 20 of the Architects Act 1997, and continued to do so whilst ignoring Architects Registration Board’s (ARB) numerous warnings.
Taking into account the defendants’ refusal to engage with the ARB and their absence from court, the magistrates imposed a combined fine of £2,000 to Nicholas Rothe and CA&C Ltd, with a further £3659.58 in costs and surcharges, creating a total of £5659.58.
A spokesperson on behalf of ARB’s Professional Standards Department said: “For an individual to continue to use the title when they are not on the Register undermines the regulatory purpose of the Architects Act.
“Mr Nicholas Rothe chose to ignore the legal restrictions surrounding the use of the title and the Courts demonstrated a willingness to protect the public from those illegally calling themselves an architect.
“We will continue to monitor Mr Rothe’s trading style and if necessary recommence legal action. Anyone wishing to use the services of an architect should check the Register of Architects at www.architects-register.org.uk.”
