Removal of name and particulars from register of architects
17B.—(1) The Board may order the name and other particulars of a registered architect to be removed from the register of architects if he —
(a)
has no address in Singapore at which he can be contacted or sent any document using his particulars in the register; or
(b)
has not renewed his practising certificate for a continuous period of not less than 10 years.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Part VII, the Board may order the name and other particulars of a registered architect to be removed from the register of architects if it comes to the knowledge of the Board that —
(a)
he has obtained his registration by fraud or misrepresentation;
(b)
his qualification for registration under section 15 has been withdrawn or cancelled by the authority through which it was acquired or by which it was awarded; or
(c)
he refuses or fails to comply with —
(i)
an order made (whether before, on or after the date of commencement of section 17(a) of the Architects (Amendment) Act 2017) by the Board under section 31B(1)(a) (pursuant to the recommendation of an Investigation Committee under section 31A(d)), or under section 31B(1)(c);
(ii)
an order made (whether before, on or after the date of commencement of section 17(a) of the Architects (Amendment) Act 2017) by a Disciplinary Committee under section 31G(2)(c) or (3) to pay a penalty or sum, or under section 31G(2)(e); or
(iii)
any prohibition, restriction or condition imposed by the Board under section 15(2B).
[Act 20 of 2017 wef 06/10/2017]
(3) The Board shall, before exercising its powers under subsection (2), notify the registered architect concerned of its intention to take such action and shall give the registered architect an opportunity to submit reasons, within such period as the Board may determine, as to why his name should not be removed from the register.
(4) Any person aggrieved by an order made by the Board under subsection (2) may, within 30 days of being notified of the order, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final.
(5) Any registered architect may apply to the Board to have his name and particulars removed from the register of architects.
(6) Every application under subsection (5) shall be made in such form as the Board may require and the Board may, if it thinks fit, require either or both of the following:
(a)
that the application should be supported by a statutory declaration;
(b)
that the applicant should advertise his intention to make the application in such manner as the Board shall direct.
(7) Subject to subsection (8), the Board may, upon receiving an application made under subsection (5), direct the Registrar to remove the name and particulars of the applicant from the register of architects.
(8) No order shall be made on an application under subsection (5) if the Board is satisfied that —
(a)
disciplinary action is pending against the applicant; or
(b)
the conduct of the applicant is the subject of a complaint made against the applicant which is not dismissed, or an inquiry by an Investigation Committee.