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Rwanda Institute of Architects

Find an architect

Check whether an architect or firm is licensed

One check, one answer. Enter a name or a registration number and we will tell you whether that person or firm holds a licence for 2026.

An architect working at a laptop

Before you search

Ask for the registration number

Every registered professional has one, it appears on their certificate, and it removes the ambiguity names create. Asking is normal and no professional will take offence; reluctance to give it is itself information.

What each answer means

Result What it means for you
Licensed This person holds a current licence and may offer architectural services in 2026. You can proceed, and the appointment questions are the sensible next step.
Not licensed for 2026 They are registered with RIA but have not renewed. They may not offer architectural services until they do. This is usually an administrative lapse rather than a sanction and is often fixed within days — but until it is, they cannot lawfully take your work.
Retired They were registered and no longer practise. A retired member may advise informally but cannot take professional responsibility for a design.
Application in progress They have applied to RIA and are not yet licensed. They may not offer architectural services while the application is being decided.
Registered intern This person is registered with RIA as a professional intern and is not licensed to practise independently. They may work on architectural projects under the supervision of a licensed architect, and the supervising architect's name and registration number appear on the drawings.
No record found We hold no record matching what you entered. Try the registration number, and try a different spelling. If you believe someone is practising without registration, you can report it.

Using the result

Every result can be shared as a link or printed as a one-page confirmation showing the date it was checked. District offices, banks, insurers and procurement teams can attach that page to a file. A result printed six months ago proves what was true six months ago, so check again at the point the decision is actually made.

Frequently asked questions

'No. It means they meet the legal requirements to practise. Competence for your particular project is a separate question, and the appointment questions page is designed to help you ask it.'], ['q' => 'They say they are registered but that "the website is not updated".', 'a' => 'Ask for the registration number and check that. If we hold no record, write to architectsofrwanda@gmail.com and we will confirm the position directly.'], ['q' => 'Is checking anonymous?', 'a' => 'Yes. We do not tell the person you searched for them, and you do not need an account.'], ['q' => 'I checked a firm and it is licensed. Is that enough?', 'a' => 'Check the individual too. The firm\'s registration and the licence of the person signing your drawings are separate things.'], ]" />

Check another name

Not the answer you expected? Reporting takes two minutes and you do not need proof.