Case 6: Searching for an architect should mean finding an architect

RSUA is committed to ensuring that when a member of the public searches for an architect in Northern Ireland, search engines direct them to qualified architects rather than to individuals or businesses that may claim to be architects but are not.

Our aim is to protect the public and maintain the good reputation of architects.

You can read more about this work here.

Case 6 – McGurran Associates

In January 2025, RSUA raised its concerns with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) that Belfast-based firm McGurran Associates was misusing the title ‘architect’.

Following ARB intervention, the following changes were made with the welcome cooperation of the business:

1. Previously, Kevin McGurran, Director of the business, was listed as ‘Architect’ on Companies House despite not being listed on the ARB Register. This is no longer the case.
2. Previously, the website of the business included a testimonial on its homepage that described Kevin McGurran as an ‘architect’. This is no longer the case.
3. Previously, the online directory Yell categorised the business as being ‘Architects’ and ‘Architects near Belfast’. This is no longer the case.

Screenshots – Before and After

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After:

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Ongoing Work – Role for Members

RSUA has nine other case files live with ARB currently. We will report on these in due course.

If you become aware of any instances of title misuse, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk