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GuildMark

THE MARK OF QUALITY

In one of the most significant and innovative developments in the architectural ironmongery business for many years, the GAI has launched a new joint initiative with the RIBA, GuildMark. The scheme, the first of its kind ever to receive RIBA endorsement - crystallises the Guild’s commitment to quality, education and professional excellence, working with architects to deliver the highest standards of reliability demanded in modern construction.

All partners in the modern building and construction industries must seek to minimise and control their technical and commercial risk and maximise their professional capabilities. It is therefore vital that specifiers can achieve clarity and objectivity in selecting suitable technical partners. The GuildMark scheme has been conceived with just this simplicity of purpose at its heart, giving architects the peace of mind of knowing that the highest professional standards which they apply to their work can be matched by that of their specification partners.

GuildMark is a groundbreaking scheme offering architects and specifiers an assurance of quality and professionalism. The scheme has been developed in close collaboration with the RIBA to mirror its own professional requirements. To become a member of the new GuildMark scheme companies must: 

  • Be a member of the GAI
  • Have at least one fully qualified Reg AI on its payroll
  • Demonstrate appropriate QA systems
  • Hold full professional indemnity insurance 
  • Fully comply with a special GuildMark Code of Practice

These key criteria aim to upgrade and emphasise the AI’s accreditation for personal technical expertise, consolidating the important position of Reg AIs within the architectural ironmongery business. As well as being fully qualified Diploma-holders, Reg AIs carry out a full programme of certified CPD training, ensuring that their knowledge is absolutely up-to-date. This knowledge and current expertise is central to the GuildMark scheme, establishing a standard of excellence within the industry.

Ironmongery plays a vital role in the safety, security, accessibility and beauty of modern buildings. As such, specialist expertise is required to ensure correct specification and installation. With legislative, regulatory and environmental requirements changing rapidly in the field of architectural ironmongery, Reg AIs offer architects the best possible professional and technical expertise. The GuildMark scheme reassures architects that all technical advice and services they are offered by a member company falls under the direct control or supervision of a Reg AI.

Companies wishing to apply for GuildMark membership can request an application pack with full details of the criteria they must fulfil. Forms are available by calling Sue Speed at the GAI’s London HQ on 020 77903431 or by downloading a copy from the GAI web site www.gai.org.uk.