Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Architect definition

What does Architect mean? In construction law and practice, an architect is the professional engaged to design a building project and, where there are multiple designers (such as engineers and specialist consultants), to act as lead designer coordinating that multidisciplinary design so the packages interface and function as a whole. The title “architect” is legally protected: in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland under the Architects Act 1997 (registration with the Architects Registration Board), and in Ireland under the Building Control Act 2007 (registration via the statutory register operated by RIAI). The role itself is a descriptive term used across contracts and is...

Soft Landings, Government Soft Landings and BIM: aligning design, handover and operation—legal and contractual considerations, KPIs and extended aftercare

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Practice notes

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note is archived and not maintained.

What is Soft Landings?

Soft Landings began as a concept introduced by the Architect Mark Way, prompted by practical challenges he observed after buildings were handed over to their users. He then developed the approach further through a project at Cambridge University, and in 2004 produced initial documentation presented as Scope of service papers. As the push towards more sustainable buildings increased, the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) became involved and brought together an industry task group. That group went on to publish the Soft Landings Framework in June 2009 to enhance briefing, design, handover, and in‑use building performance (BSRIA BG 4/2009). The framework is available to download from the BSRIA website...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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