Designer qualifications
Why there is a qualification system
Section titled “Why there is a qualification system”Because the consequences of building design are not immediately visible. A bad structural decision shows up years later, or under an extreme load. So the legislation prescribes what education and professional experience are required to design in a given field.
The legal basis
Section titled “The legal basis”Government decree 266/2013 (VII. 11.) on professional activities in and connected with building. It lists the fields, the qualification codes and the conditions.
The qualification arises on entry in the register: the chamber of architects keeps the register for architectural design, the chamber of engineers for the engineering fields.
The structural field
Section titled “The structural field”Structural design is a field in its own right, with its own qualification code. There are typically two levels, designer and lead designer, with different professional experience requirements.
The qualification relates to the legally prescribed basic requirements for the structures of the building irrespective of the discipline of the works — so it is not tied to a technology. The same qualification covers reinforced concrete, steel and light gauge steel frames.
What that means in practice
Section titled “What that means in practice”The drawing has to be signed
Section titled “The drawing has to be signed”A drawing becomes usable when a qualified designer signs it and states their name and chamber number. That is the form responsibility takes.
The qualification can be limited
Section titled “The qualification can be limited”In some fields the qualification is limited by the nature or size of the works. The register states this.
Foreign designers
Section titled “Foreign designers”A qualification obtained abroad is not automatically valid here. A Hungarian project has to be signed by a designer with a Hungarian qualification — and the reverse applies if we design from here for abroad. The legal side of a foreign project.
Continuing education and the register
Section titled “Continuing education and the register”Maintaining the qualification is tied to chamber membership, fees and regular continuing education. The register is public: a designer’s qualification can be checked before signing a contract with them.
This is not legal advice
Section titled “This is not legal advice”The qualification conditions and the breakdown of fields change. The rules in force are given by government decree 266/2013 and the chambers’ regulations.