A Critical Review of the Registration Process of Architects - Its Highs and Lows (Case Study: Uganda)

The practice of architecture worldwide is one of the most regulated. To become an Architect, one must undergo a rigorous process, first at an architecture school and then in real-life practice. This paper critically examines the architect registration process in Uganda, highlighting its highs and lows, and recommends what must be done to improve the process. Using the mixed-methods approach consisting of surveys, thematic analysis, and document reviews, the study assesses the individual experiences of graduate architects who have undergone this process. To ensure the validity and reliability of research tools, the questionnaire was reviewed by five experts with in-depth knowledge of the architectural registration process. The study acknowledges that compulsory placement of graduates under a registered architect is useful as it exposes the graduates to practical skills, which include management of projects, office management, communication, supervision skills, and legal compliance, which cannot be easily provided in architecture schools. However, the registration procedure is considered very rigid and outdated due to its long registration timelines, lack of communication, and failure to accommodate the views of the new specialties in the course. In conclusion, it is acknowledged that reform is necessary in the registration process, which will include digitizing the documentation and feedback process, as well as introducing a modular assessment method. It also calls for flexible mentorship models that are tailored to meet professional requirements.