Architect in Belgium: Duties, Responsibilities, and State Regulation

In Belgium, architecture is not just a creative profession — it is a tightly regulated field closely linked to public governance and urban planning. Architects are expected not only to design but to ensure full compliance with laws, technical standards, and the public interest.

The profession is overseen by the Order of Architects, while public architectural projects are supervised by institutions such as the Bouwmeester. This reflects the country’s strong emphasis on architectural responsibility and the quality of the built environment.

Who Can Work as an Architect in Belgium?

To practice architecture officially in Belgium, having a diploma alone is not enough. Candidates must complete several formal steps, starting with the recognition of their education and ending with registration in the Order of Architects of Belgium (Ordre des Architectes). This professional body oversees compliance with ethical standards and work quality.

The first step is to have your architectural diploma recognized, whether obtained in Belgium or abroad. Next comes a mandatory two-year internship under the supervision of an experienced architect-mentor. Upon completing the internship and submitting reports, candidates can apply for full registration in the Order.

Who can work as an architect in Belgium: a beginner’s checklist:

1. Obtain an architectural diploma
   – From a Belgian university or through recognition of a foreign diploma.
2. Complete a two-year internship
   – Under the guidance of a registered architect mentor.
3. Register with the Order of Architects of Belgium
   – After successfully completing the internship.
4. Obtain professional liability insurance
   – Without it, practice is not permitted.
5. Comply with the Law of February 20, 1939
   – The main legislative act regulating the profession.
6. Be subject to oversight by FPS Economy
   – Supervising compliance with professional and business standards.

Architects must also have professional liability insurance, as required by the Law of February 20, 1939, which regulates the profession. Additionally, FPS Economy monitors architects’ activities to ensure legality and compliance.

Important: Architects who complete all registration steps gain exclusive access to public tenders and projects unavailable to unregistered professionals.

The path to becoming an architect in Belgium includes education, internship, registration, and insurance — all under the supervision of both the professional community and state authorities.

Struggling to find work in Belgium as an English speaker? This article will help you solve that problem.

Architect’s Responsibilities

An architect designs buildings and structures, creating architectural plans that consider all client requirements and wishes. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with construction norms and safety standards throughout all stages of the work.

During construction, the architect supervises the process, ensuring the completed work matches the technical specifications and approved plans. A key part of the job involves communicating with the client and government authorities to coordinate the project and obtain necessary permits.
Architect’s responsibilities include:

• Developing architectural plans for buildings or structures.
• Taking into account client requirements and wishes during design.
• Ensuring project compliance with construction norms and safety standards.
• Preparing technical documentation and drawings.
• Coordinating the project with government bodies and securing permits.
• Supervising construction progress and conformity with the plans.
• Collaborating with contractors and other professionals on site.
• Resolving technical and organizational issues during construction.
• Ensuring the project meets deadlines and budget requirements.
• Maintaining reports and project documentation.

In Belgium, architects must carefully draft contracts with clients. All architect duties—from design and plan approval to construction supervision and code compliance—must be clearly stated. It is crucial to specify deadlines, costs, and the procedure for changes in the contract.
Not interested in a regular job? Learn how to find remote work in Belgium.

Moreover, legislation and the Order of Architects’ regulations require adherence to ethical standards and open communication with clients. An architect is responsible not only for work quality but also for legally correct client relations, which helps avoid misunderstandings and disputes.

Tip: always discuss and document every project detail in the contract to prevent conflicts later on.

The government body FPS Economy oversees compliance, ensuring all contracts and professional work meet legal and standard requirements. This approach protects both parties’ interests and guarantees project reliability.

Architect’s Responsibility

In Belgium, an architect bears serious responsibility for the result of their work — both to the client and under the law. This applies to both design and construction supervision. Any mistake can lead not only to corrections but also to legal consequences.

One of the key duties is the ten-year guarantee (garantie décennale). For 10 years after the completion of the construction, the architect (together with the contractor) is responsible for serious defects that could affect the building’s stability or make it unfit for use. This rule is established by the Belgian Civil Code and is mandatory.

Here’s a real-life example from practice in Belgium, illustrating the architect’s responsibility:
In 2018, an architect designed a private house in the province of Liège. Two years after completion, the foundation began to crack and significant cracks appeared in the walls. An expert report showed that the architect had not taken into account the properties of the soil — it was unstable and required a reinforced foundation. The contractor followed the plan exactly, so they were not held responsible.
As a result, the architect was held liable under the ten-year guarantee. The court ordered the architect (through their insurance) to pay the owners compensation for fixing the defect and temporary relocation. The total was about €120,000.

This case highlights how important it is to properly account for technical and geological factors, and why insurance is not a formality but real protection for both the architect and the client.

It is important to distinguish architectural errors from construction errors. If the building was constructed exactly according to the project, but the defect came from a mistake in the drawings — the architect is responsible. But if the design was correct and the builders violated the technology — the responsibility lies with the contractor. That’s why architects are required to ensure their civil liability (assurance de responsabilité civile professionnelle) to cover potential damages.

Legal responsibility of the architect includes:

• Civil — for damage caused to the client or third parties,
• Professional — for mistakes in the design or supervision,
• Administrative — for non-compliance with regulations and procedures.

The contract with the client usually states which risks are covered by insurance and which are not. A well-written contract and properly arranged insurance protect both parties from disputes and financial losses.

Need to find a job in Ghent, Belgium? Learn how to do it in our article.

Professional Liability Insurance for Architects in Belgium

n Belgium, professional liability insurance is mandatory for all practicing architects. This insurance protects both the architect and their clients in cases of errors, omissions, or unforeseen events during design or construction supervision.

Professional liability insurance (assurance de responsabilité civile professionnelle) covers damages caused to clients or third parties due to the architect’s mistakes.This includes design miscalculations and oversights during construction supervision.Such protection is crucial, considering the ten-year liability for defects established by the Civil Code.

Coverage includes:

• Design and calculation errors
• Oversights during construction supervision
• Violations of building codes and safety standards
• Client losses related to defect remediation
• Court-ordered compensations or third-party claims

Architects are responsible for arranging their insurance, typically through annual contracts with automatic renewal options. Importantly, architects cannot sign off on projects or participate in construction without active insurance coverage.

Real-life example:

An architect in Brussels designed a loft conversion but failed to supervise the installation of a load-bearing beam. This oversight led to a partial roof collapse, resulting in damages exceeding €80,000. Thanks to professional liability insurance, the architect avoided personal financial loss, as the insurer covered all expenses, including legal fees.

Choosing the right insurance:

Several Belgian insurers offer specialized programs for architects. When selecting a policy, consider:

• Coverage scope and included risks
• Maximum payout limits
• Deductibles (uncovered amounts)
• Availability of legal support

A well-defined insurance contract ensures peace of mind and professional security.

Comparative Table of Insurance Products for Architects in Belgium:

Professional liability insurance is not merely a formality but a legal requirement for architects in Belgium. It safeguards against significant financial repercussions and helps maintain professional reputation.

Tip: Always verify your insurance validity before commencing a new project—working without it is prohibited.

Role of Government Architects (Bouwmeester)

In Belgium, the so-called Bouwmeesters — government architects — are responsible for urban architecture and architectural policy in Flanders and Brussels. Their role includes ensuring project quality, setting strategic directions for urban development, and promoting innovative solutions through open competitions.

To become a Bouwmeester, significant experience in architecture and proven success in managing large projects are usually required. Candidates undergo a competitive selection process, where their professional achievements, vision for architectural policy, and ability to collaborate with government institutions are assessed. Communication skills and the ability to balance innovation with social needs are important.
Appointments are made officially by regional or city authorities (for example, in Flanders or Brussels). Terms are often limited to several years with the possibility of extension, allowing for regular renewal of approaches and bringing in new experts.

Functions of government architects include:

• Developing and implementing regional architectural policy
• Organizing architectural competitions and ensuring transparent project selection
• Controlling the quality of design solutions and urban development
• Promoting sustainable, ecological, and inclusive approaches
• Advising regional and municipal authorities
• Supporting young architects and emerging firms

In Flanders, this role is fulfilled by the Flemish Bouwmeester, who works within the regional government. In Brussels, the BMA (Bouwmeester Maître Architecte) is an independent body under the capital’s government. Both institutions actively involve citizens in project discussions and set standards for the country’s architectural environment.
The work of the Bouwmeester helps shape a harmonious, sustainable, and aesthetically thoughtful urban environment. These specialists act as a bridge between authorities, architects, and society.

Interesting fact: The Flemish Bouwmeester was the first in Europe to introduce mandatory open competitions for all public architectural projects costing over €500,000.

Architect’s Participation in Tenders and Projects

In Belgium, open competitions are the main mechanism for selecting architects for public and municipal projects. They ensure transparency, equal conditions for all participants, and encourage innovative solutions. Any architect or architectural firm that meets the established criteria can take part in such competitions.

Step-by-step process

Architects participate in tenders by submitting design proposals evaluated on quality, functionality, cost, and alignment with regional architectural policy. Their role extends beyond design — they become partners of the authorities in shaping urban environments and long-term planning.

Architect Christian de Portzamparc:
“Open architectural competitions are not just a method of choosing a project — they are an opportunity for architects to express their vision and bring real change to the urban landscape. It’s a space for innovation and dialogue between architects, clients, and society.”

Significant projects realized through open competitions in Belgium include new municipal buildings, public spaces, schools, and transport infrastructure. This approach helps engage skilled professionals and ensures that projects meet both technical and social expectations.

Interaction between Architects and Government Authorities

To successfully implement a project in Belgium, architects must maintain regular and well-structured communication with government authorities. From the initial concept to final completion, coordination with local agencies and departments is essential at every stage.

Key areas of interaction:

• Municipalities and public services
  Architects collaborate with local authorities to ensure the project aligns with zoning regulations, architectural standards, and community interests.
• Urban planning department (urbanisme)
  This body handles major approvals regarding land use, functional changes to buildings, and compliance with rules on height, density, and façade design.
• Building permit (permis d’urbanisme)
  Before starting any construction or major renovation, obtaining a building permit is mandatory. Architects must prepare and submit a comprehensive file, including plans, project descriptions, and technical data.
• Coordination with other services
  In certain cases, additional approval is required from environmental agencies, fire safety authorities, or heritage protection services.
• Public hearings and community feedback
  Some projects require public presentations, where architects explain their ideas and respond to residents’ questions or objections.

Interaction with government bodies is not a mere formality — it’s a vital part of the architect’s role. The quality of this communication directly influences the speed, legal soundness, and social relevance of the project.

The architectural profession in Belgium calls for both creativity and a deep understanding of legal, administrative, and social dynamics. Participation in public tenders, cooperation with authorities, respect for architectural policy, and active engagement with local communities form the foundation of responsible architectural practice. For those ready to work at the intersection of design and regulation, Belgium offers a real opportunity to shape the urban landscape and improve daily life.