Frequently asked questions

How do I become a RIBA Client Design Advisor?
You can fill in the online application form and update your information at any time until the next Assessment Panel deadline. In 2008, due to changes to the RIBA main database affecting the CDA online application process, we will only be assessing applications around Sep/Oct 2008 - deadlines are still to be confirmed. For more details please email clientdesignadvisor@inst.riba.org

In order to access the form you will need your membership number and password. If you do not have either of these, please contact RIBA membership administration on T: 020 7307 3800.

You will then need to complete the following sections which you can fill in at your convenience by saving the latest information and returning to the form when you wish to update it. When you have completed the form to your satisfaction you press the submit button.

The form contains the following sections:

• Personal details (including your RIBA membership number and PI insurance details)
• Qualifications
• Membership of other bodies
• Personal statement - to show why a client should select you for a project (approximately 100 words)
• 12 Core skills - you will need to write up to 200 words on each core skill demonstrating your experience /knowledge. Please note that where you do not have relevant experience of a core skill, you will need to demonstrate to whom you would look for support in this area.
• Projects - to demonstrate your personal input into projects (not your company's) i.e. the core skills and additional services you provided (minimum 5 projects with up to 4 images per project). Please note that this information will be given to prospective clients.
• 3 References - the RIBA will write to your referees asking for views on your ability to be useful to a client in setting up project strategy, achieving design quality, briefmaking, advising on feasibility studies, procurement advice and team choice.

An RIBA CDA Assessment Panel will meet twice a year to assess applications.

Once you have been selected by the panel you will need to pay an annual £250 fee to remain on the register and ensure that you meet the annual CPD requirements.

I can't log into the on-line form using my membership number and password. What do I need to do?
You need to enable cookies under internet options. Go to enable cookies for further information.

I’ve forgotten my membership number and password to fill in the application form. How do I access it?
If you have forgotten your membership number or password or have not yet received your new member pack, contact Membership Administration on:
T +44 (0)20 7307 3800
E membership.administration@inst.riba.org
F +44 (0)20 7307 3730

I’m not a member of the RIBA yet. How do I generate a membership number and password to fill in my application form?
If you have not yet applied for membership, you need to complete and submit an application form. Application forms are available in pdf format from www.architecture.com or in hard copy from Membership Administration who can be contacted as follows:
T +44 (0)20 7307 3800
E membership.administration@inst.riba.org
F +44 (0)20 7307 3730

Once your application has been received and processed you will have a membership number and password, these will be sent to you with your new member pack. For chartered members, this will happen after the next Council meeting (Council meets four times a year) or you can obtain it sooner by contacting Membership Administration. For all other membership classes, this will happen in 10-15 working days of your application being processed. Enquiries about the status of your application can be made to Membership Administration – see contact details above.

Can I get a membership number and password whilst I'm waiting to become a member of the RIBA, so that I can fill in the application form now?
You have to be a member of the RIBA to apply to become a CDA. However you can apply for both at the same time. If you are an architect you will need to apply for chartered membership. If you are a construction professional you will need to join the RIBA as an affiliate member.

How do I change my password?
Members can change their passwords in the members only area.

I am updating my form and there has been an error message when I hit 'save'. What should I do?
This indicates that the information that you have just entered has not been saved properly. This may be caused by entering too much information into particular fields. Click your browser's 'back' key, review your data and try to re-save it. If an error still occurs please email clientdesignadvisor@inst.riba.org. You can click on 'Entry Form' to review the state of your entry - all previously entered information will still be visible. You can continue to enter other information in the meantime.

Will the RIBA follow up references or do I need to provide them myself?
The RIBA will follow up references.

If my application is rejected will I be able to apply again?
The assessment panel will outline why you haven’t been accepted. You will be able to reapply at any time having demonstrated that you have addressed their concerns.

How much will I get paid as a CDA?
CDA input varies widely from project to project and there are no standard fees or rates for their work, so costs will need to be negotiated with individual clients.

As an individual architect/employee I do not carry insurance. Do I need to take out insurance to apply to be a CDA?
Whilst you are applying to be a CDA you will not be required to take out insurance. However if you are accepted by the CDA assessment panel you will need to take out your own PII insurance, or provide proof that you are specifically insured for CDA appointments through your practice, before you will allowed on to the register.