Carruthers Law

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Architects Negligence

Professional Negligence Claims Against Architects in England & Wales

If you have been let down by an architect and suffered financial loss as a result, our specialist litigation solicitors can help you seek compensation. Carruthers Law is a leading firm with deep expertise in high-value professional negligence claims against architects. We are based in Liverpool but act for clients nationwide, handling complex cases often heard in the High Court (Technology and Construction Court). Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your architect negligence claim. We may be able to act on a no win, no fee basis in appropriate cases.

Specialist Architect Negligence Solicitors

With over 30 years of experience in professional negligence litigation, our team has the knowledge and track record to hold negligent architects accountable. Our solicitors regularly handle high-value, complex architect liability disputes, often involving significant construction projects and multiple parties. We understand the technical and legal challenges these cases present. By combining legal excellence with deep industry insight, we provide strategic advice and robust representation aimed at securing the best outcome for our clients. Whether your case involves a residential development or a large commercial project, we have the expertise to assist.

High Court litigation expertise: We are seasoned in pursuing architect negligence claims through court, when necessary, including in the High Court’s Technology and Construction Court (TCC) which handles many architect disputes. We work with top barristers and industry experts (including experienced architects as expert witnesses) to build a strong case. Our focus is always on resolving claims efficiently and effectively, often via negotiation or mediation, but we are prepared to litigate vigorously to achieve justice.

When is an Architect Negligent?

Architects, like all professionals, owe their clients a duty of care to perform their services with reasonable skill and care. In most projects, you will also have a contract with the architect that sets out their responsibilities. An architect who falls below the standard expected of a reasonably competent practitioner in that field, breaches their duty. In simpler terms, if the architect did not “exercise the ordinary skill of an ordinary competent” architect and you suffer loss as a result, the architect may be professionally negligent. Both breach of contract and negligence in tort can give rise to a claim in these circumstances.

Common examples of architect negligence include

Inadequate or flawed designs/plans: Designing a building or extension containing serious errors (e.g. incorrect structural calculations or impractical designs) that leads to structural problems or fails to meet the client’s specifications.

Failure to obtain planning/building approval: Neglecting to secure required planning permission or building regulations approval, causing the project to be halted, altered, or even demolished to comply with legal requirements.

Budget and cost overruns: Providing misleading cost estimates or failing to design within the agreed budget, resulting in significant unplanned expenses. An architect should accurately estimate costs in conjunction with quantity surveyors – gross underestimation can be negligent.

Poor project management: Failing to supervise the build or manage contractors properly, leading to substandard work, defects, or serious construction delays. For example, not coordinating contractors or not addressing issues on site can cause costly rework and schedule overruns.

Contract administration failures: Not fulfilling contractual duties such as inspecting works, issuing certificates, or managing variations in a timely and competent manner. Negligently approving defective work or allowing uncontrolled project changes can breach the architect’s obligations.

Negligent advice or oversight: Providing incorrect professional advice (e.g. on suitable materials or methods) or failing to warn of known risks during the project. If an architect’s bad advice or omissions cause you financial loss – for instance, recommending a solution that turns out unsuitable – this may amount to negligence.

Other breaches of duty: Any failure to meet the standards set by the profession and the contract – such as inadequate checking of site conditions (ground stability, soil surveys, etc.), using inappropriate or low-quality materials contrary to the brief, or not keeping the project within agreed specifications – can potentially be negligent.

If you suspect your architect has been negligent in any of these ways and it has cost you financially, you may have grounds for a claim. We will review your situation in detail to identify where the architect fell short of their duties.

Proving Your Architect Negligence Claim

Not every mistake by an architect will justify a legal claim – you must be able to prove negligence under the law. To succeed in an architect professional negligence claim, you generally need to establish four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and loss. In practical terms, this means demonstrating the following:

Duty of Care: The architect owed you a duty to exercise reasonable skill and care. (This is usually clear if you engaged the architect’s services, either via a contract or a defined professional relationship.)

Breach of Duty: The architect breached that duty by failing to meet the required standard of care. You will typically need to show that they did something (or failed to do something) that no competent architect would have done in the same situation. Expert evidence from another architect is often used to prove this standard was not met.

Causation: The architect’s breach of duty directly caused you loss. It must be shown that the problems and expenses you incurred were a result of the architect’s errors or omissions, and not due to other factors. We will gather evidence to draw a clear line between the negligence and the damage you suffered.

Loss: You incurred financial loss (or other measurable loss) as a result. This could be the cost of remedial works, the expense of delays, loss of investment returns, diminished property value, etc. If no loss was ultimately caused, there is no viable claim even if the architect was careless. (In rare cases, claims can include elements of inconvenience or distress, but the core of a professional negligence claim is economic loss).

Our role is to assemble the evidence needed to prove these elements. We will obtain and review all relevant documents – contracts, drawings, emails, expert reports – to build a compelling case that your architect breached their duty and is liable for your losses. We often engage independent expert architect witnesses to provide an opinion on how your architect’s work fell short. These experts can compare the architect’s performance against industry standards and testify to what a competent architect should have done differently.

Because proving negligence can be complex, it’s important to have experienced solicitors on your side. We know how to navigate the legal and technical issues that architect negligence cases involve. From interpreting building contracts to understanding architectural plans, our team speaks the language of construction disputes. We will also ensure compliance with all procedural requirements – including guiding you through the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes (the required process before court proceedings). This protocol encourages information exchange and potential early settlement, and we will use it strategically to seek a resolution wherever possible.

Crucially, we will also advise you on mitigating your losses. The law expects claimants to take reasonable steps to reduce their loss once a problem becomes apparent. We will discuss what actions you can (or could have) taken to prevent avoidable losses, to protect your position. By preparing your case thoroughly on liability, causation, and quantum (the value of your claim), we put you in the strongest position to achieve a successful outcome – whether through negotiated settlement or at trial.

Time Limits for Architect Negligence Claims

Time limits (limitation periods) are very important in professional negligence cases. In England and Wales, you generally have six years from the date of the architect’s negligent act or omission to bring a claim. If the negligence only became apparent later (for example, you discovered a hidden design flaw or defect sometime after the work), then you have three years from the date you first knew, or could reasonably have known, about the negligence to start a claim. This is known as the date of knowledge provision. However, there is an absolute long-stop deadline of 15 years from the negligent act, beyond which you cannot claim even if you only discovered the problem later.

These limitation periods are set out in the Limitation Act 1980 and strict compliance is required. Missing a deadline can mean you lose your right to claim entirely. Calculating the limitation period can be straightforward in some cases (e.g. six years from a specific faulty design delivered on a known date), but in other cases it can be complicated – especially if the negligence was ongoing or only detected much later. We will carefully assess the timeline of events in your matter to determine the relevant deadlines.

The key point is not to delay seeking legal advice. If you think you may have a claim against an architect, get in touch as soon as possible. Even if you are within the six-year period, starting the process early is wise. Gathering evidence and expert opinions takes time, and architects (or their insurers) often defend these claims vigorously. By contacting us promptly, we can ensure your claim is filed in time and take steps to protect your position.

If negligent design or inspection only comes to light later, section 14A may allow you to claim beyond six years. For a full discussion, read our article on limitation and date of knowledge in professional negligence.

No Win, No Fee Funding and Free Consultation

We understand that the prospect of legal fees can be a concern, especially if you are already facing financial losses due to your architect’s negligence. To help our clients, Carruthers Law offers a free initial consultation to evaluate your architect negligence claim. In this first meeting (by phone or in person), we will discuss the details of what happened and give you a frank assessment of the strength of your case, at no cost and with no obligation.

If we believe your claim has good merits and is economically viable, we can offer to represent you under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) – more commonly known as a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement. This means you would only pay our fees if and when we succeed in recovering compensation for you (typically, a success fee would be payable from the damages recovered). A no win, no fee agreement allows you to pursue justice without upfront cost and with peace of mind about costs. We can also advise on insurance to cover any disbursements or opponent’s costs in the unlikely event a claim does not succeed, ensuring you are protected from financial risk.

We are transparent about all funding options. If a no win, no fee model is not suitable, we may discuss alternative ways to fund your case – such as legal expenses insurance (which might be part of your home insurance) or alternative fee arrangements. Our goal is to ensure that anyone with a strong claim can access our legal expertise, regardless of financial means. During your initial consultation, we will explain the funding options in plain English so you can make an informed decision. There will be no charge for this initial advice, and you will leave with a clear understanding of how we can help and what the next steps would be.

Why Choose Carruthers Law?

Choosing the right solicitors to handle your professional negligence claim can make all the difference. Here are a few reasons clients across England and Wales trust Carruthers Law with architect negligence cases:

Extensive Experience: We have been resolving professional negligence disputes for decades – our firm has over 30 years of experience in this field. We have seen all types of architect negligence scenarios, from small residential extensions gone wrong to multi-million pound commercial construction failures. This wealth of experience means we can quickly identify the strengths and challenges of your case and devise the best strategy.

Proven Track Record: Our dedication to excellence has earned us industry recognition. We were proud to be named “Professional Negligence Law Firm of the Year” in 2016 (for the second year running) by Lawyer Monthly magazine. While awards are gratifying, our biggest achievement is the successful outcomes we have secured for clients – recovering substantial compensation to put right the losses caused by negligence.

High-Value Litigation Specialists: We are litigation specialists first and foremost. Complex High Court litigation is a core part of our practice, not an afterthought. Our team is skilled in managing large-scale cases, handling disclosure of technical documents, working with expert witnesses, and presenting persuasive arguments in court. We know the tactics that defendants (and their insurers) use to try to avoid liability, and we know how to counter them. Our tenacity and attention to detail ensure that no stone is left unturned in pursuing your claim.

Personalised Service Nationwide: As a boutique firm, we offer a personalised service led by senior solicitors. Your case will be handled by an experienced professional negligence lawyer, not passed down to juniors without supervision. We keep our caseload selective so that each client receives attentive service. Though we are based in Liverpool and London, location is no barrier – we routinely represent clients throughout England and Wales, and can arrange meetings or case updates via phone/email or travel as needed. You will have direct access to the solicitor handling your case, ensuring clear and prompt communication at every stage.

Client-Focused Approach: Professional negligence claims can be stressful and frustrating for clients – you’ve already been disappointed by one professional, and pursuing legal action is a big step. We understand this, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible. Our team is approachable and empathetic, while remaining laser-focused on defending your interests. We will guide you through each step of the claim, keeping you informed of progress and explaining the legal details in a straightforward manner. Our aim is to shoulder the burden of the dispute so you can focus on moving forward.

Straightforward, Honest Advice: We believe in providing honest assessments. If we don’t think a claim will succeed or is economically sensible to pursue, we will tell you upfront – and we can often suggest alternative solutions (for example, a complaint to the architect’s professional body for smaller grievances). If we do take on your case, you can be confident we genuinely believe in it and are prepared to fight for you. Your goals – whether that’s securing funds to rebuild a project, recovering fees paid for poor work, or obtaining accountability – become our priority.

In short, we combine the firepower and expertise of a large city firm with the personalised care of a specialist boutique. Our professional negligence team has helped numerous clients obtain justice after being let down by their architects. We are confident that we can do the same for you.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you suspect that your architect was negligent and you have suffered as a result, do not hesitate to contact our professional negligence team for advice. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss how we can assist. There are strict time limits to consider, so early advice is crucial.

Call us on 0151 541 2040 or 0203 846 2862 to speak with a solicitor today. Alternatively, you can email us at info@carruthers-law.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you promptly. Please tell us what happened with your project, and our experienced team will quickly assess how we can help.