Government to set stricter controls on what unregistered architects can design.

And they are considering hiring a lawyer to fight a group of unregistered architects.

Citing public safety as its prime concern, a taskforce led by Institute of Bermuda Architects president Mr. Neil Sloan will urge Government to put into law the size and types of projects for which non-registered architects can submit drawings.

Mr. Sloan said the Institute had no problem with unregistered architects designing small structures for less than ten people.

But there was no clear-cut definition of a small project so it was left to the Planning Department's discretion whether to allow the plans to be submitted, making Government liable in the event of a problem with the building.

Registered architects are further angered that as much as 80 percent of local design work is being done by unregistered architects.

And they believe it is wrong for the group of unregistered architects, represented by the law firm of Trott and Duncan, to call themselves the Architectural Association of Bermuda.

To be registered, one must normally have a degree, two years experience and sit the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards exam.

A growing number of unregistered people were offering architectural services, Mr. Sloan pointed out, adding, "`The piece of pie that we're going after is getting smaller and smaller.''