Criminal penalties for using the unqualified title 'architectural designer'; amended Certified Architects Act takes effect

[Financial News] With the amended Certified Architects Act taking effect on the 18th, people without architect qualifications may face criminal punishment if they use titles such as 'architectural designer' that could be mistaken for those of an architect. Companies that are not architectural offices are also prohibited from promoting themselves as if they carry out architectural work.
According to the Korea Institute of Registered Architects on the 18th, the amended Certified Architects Act, promulgated on March 17, took effect that day. The amendment was introduced to prevent the public from mistaking unqualified individuals or improper advertisements for legitimate certified architects or architectural offices.
People who are not certified architects may not use expressions or markings that could lead others to believe they perform architectural work. Likewise, anyone who is not the operator of an architectural office may not use titles or expressions that could create the impression that they conduct an architectural business.
The rules apply not only to business names and titles but also to business cards, signs, websites, blogs, social media, online advertisements and promotional materials. Typical violations include an unqualified person using the title 'architectural designer' or a general company using names such as '○○ Architectural Office' or '○○ Architectural Design Office.'
Promoting services on a website or social media as if an unqualified person directly performs architectural design and permit-related work may also fall under the law.
Penalties have also been strengthened from administrative fines to criminal punishment. Anyone who uses a similar title or uses expressions or markings that could lead others to believe they perform architectural work may face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.
The association urged people to verify whether the actual service provider is a certified architect before commissioning design, supervision or other architectural services. Information about architects and architectural offices can be checked through the 'Architect Search' service on the association's website or through the relevant metropolitan or provincial architects' association.
Kim Jae Rok, president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects, said, "This amendment is not simply intended to regulate a single title. It is a system designed to ensure that members of the public can accurately distinguish and choose qualified professionals as they plan and carry out construction projects. We will continue public outreach and monitoring to prevent harm caused by similar titles and improper representations."
[email protected] Choi Ga-young Reporter