ARB’s Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) has suspended Matthew Deering of Matthew Deering Architects in Bristol from the Architects Register for unprofessional conduct
Matthew Deering had been instructed to assist in the design of a dental practice. Deering’s client raised concerns with ARB after he had failed to deal with her complaint about his service in a full and timely manner.
ARB investigation
During the course of its investigation, ARB sought evidence of Matthew Deering’s professional indemnity insurance. It then came to light that he had been unable to secure insurance following the expiry of a previous policy but had continued to undertake architectural work since that time. For this reason, Deering faced allegations from both his former client and from the ARB Registrar.
Deering admitted that he had not provided his client with terms of engagement, had not produced adequate drawings and designs, and had failed to deal with his client’s complaint appropriately.
He also admitted failing to have adequate and appropriate insurance in place in accordance with Standard 8 of the Architects Code. He also admitted that these failings were serious and amounted to UPC.
Matthew Deering waived his right to have the case heard at a public hearing and agreed that the decision could be made by the PCC on the basis of the papers alone.
PCC decision
In considering the case the PCC noted Deering’s admissions along with his engagement in the regulatory process. It balanced this alongside the seriousness of the allegations and agreed that a disciplinary order was required.
It considered that neither a reprimand nor a penalty order would be sufficient to address the public interest and so determined a period of suspension to be the appropriate and proportionate sanction. It did not consider Matthew Deering’s conduct so serious that it required permanent erasure from the Register.
The PCC imposed a period of suspension for 12 months. While suspended from the Register Deering is not permitted to use the title ‘architect’ in business or practice.
