ARB suspends Northern Irish architect for unacceptable professional conduct

14/10/2020

On 30 September 2020 the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) of the Architects Registration Board issued a one year suspension order to Mr John Kirkpatrick of County Down following a finding of unacceptable professional conduct (UPC).

Mr Kirkpatrick was appointed to carry out site inspections by the developer of a semi-detached house in Belfast. Architects Certificates were signed in January 2015 and May 2017, and the final certificate confirmed Mr Kirkpatrick had visited the site at appropriate intervals and would be liable for a period of 6 years from the date of the certificate.

It was alleged Mr Kirkpatrick failed to adequately inspect the site in accordance with the Architects Certificate dated 22 May 2017 and that he acted inappropriately by attempting to enter into a financial settlement with the Complainant on condition that she withdraw her complaint from ARB. It was also alleged that Mr Kirkpatrick failed to co-operate fully and promptly with ARB during its investigation into the complaint against him.

You can read the full decision here