Architects' test

A chara, – The new assessment process in determining who should be allowed to use the word architect (Property, August 5th) …

A chara, – The new assessment process in determining who should be allowed to use the word architect (Property, August 5th) poses interesting questions. This state has its fair share of appalling architecture, including anti-family matchbox apartments, large bland housing estates and ubiquitous one-off houses. I despair that a complex bureaucratic process over the legal use of a word will do nothing to address these problems but will instead just make the profession of architecture more protectionist. Mr James Gandon didn’t need to quarrel over his job title as he brought us the Custom House, the Four Courts and the King’s Inns? – Is mise,

ALEX STAVELEY,

Turvey Walk,

Donabate, Co Dublin

Madam, – I see that “self trained” architects (Property, August 5th) are resisting legislation requiring proven competency. Let’s hope they are unsuccessful. I would fear my next visit to the dentist should their logic win out. – Yours, etc,

LESTER NAUGHTON,

BArch MRIAI

Moycullen Co Galway