Digital Business Cards for Architects and Surveyors in the UK

Digital Business Cards UK Editorial Team — UK professions

Digital Business Cards UK Editorial Team · Published 31 October 2026 · Updated 31 October 2026

Architects and surveyors sell expertise that is easier to show than to describe. A client wants to see what you have designed, check your credentials and know how to reach you on the day of a site visit. A digital business card puts all three in one place.

This guide is for architects, architectural designers and surveyors in the UK. It covers the protected title, professional designations, a portfolio gallery, site visits and sharing drawings and planning documents.

For the general buying checks, start with our UK buyer's guide to digital business cards.

What a digital business card does for a practice

A digital business card is a web profile with its own link and QR code. A client scans the code with their phone camera, or you text them the link. One press of Save to Contacts puts your details into their phone. No app is needed on either side.

For an architect or surveyor, it means:

• A portfolio you can show anywhere, on site, in a meeting or by email.
• Credentials clients can check, with links to the official registers.
• Current details, even when you change practice or role.
• Documents on hand, such as fee proposals or a practice brochure.

The title "architect" and the ARB register

In the UK, the title "architect" is protected by law. The Architects Registration Board explains that it can only be used by someone who is on the Architects Register, in its guidance on who can use the title architect. The protection applies to the word "architect" itself, not to terms such as "architectural designer".

On your profile:

• Only describe yourself as an architect if you are on the ARB register.
• Link to the ARB register so clients can check.
• If you are not registered, use an accurate description such as "architectural designer" and make sure nothing on the profile suggests otherwise.
• Check your practice name. ARB has separate rules for businesses that use "architect" in their name.

This is general information, not legal advice.

RIBA and RICS designations

Professional bodies have their own rules on how members describe themselves.

• RIBA. If you are a member of RIBA, the professional body for architects, describe your membership as RIBA allows.
• RICS. Surveyors who are members of RICS hold designations such as AssocRICS, MRICS or FRICS. RICS sets out rules on using its designations and logo, including its guidance on the use of the RICS logo. Clients can check members with RICS's find a member search.
• Use the exact designation you hold, and only the logos you are entitled to use.
• Keep it current. If your membership or status changes, update the profile the same day.

A portfolio gallery

Use Gallery to show your work. It is often the first thing a client looks at.

• Lead with your best three or four projects. Use Visibility & Order to keep them at the top.
• One clear image per project, with a short caption: "Rear extension, Victorian terrace, south London."
• Mix types of work if you want a range of clients: residential, commercial, heritage.
• Get permission from clients before showing their homes, and avoid anything that identifies an address.
• Add Testimonials from clients who are happy to be quoted.

For surveyors, a gallery might show the kinds of property you survey, or examples of reports with personal details removed.

Site visits

Site visits are where clients meet you in person, often with builders, planners or other consultants present.

• Text your link before the visit, so the client has your number for parking and access.
• Show your QR code on site so builders and other consultants can save your details.
• Keep your QR code on your phone's lock screen for quick access in a muddy field.
• After the visit, send the link with a short note of what was agreed.

Estate agents and surveyors often meet at the same properties. Our guide for UK estate agents shows how agents use the same kind of profile.

Planning meetings and consultations

Architects often meet planning officers, neighbours and community groups as well as clients. Each meeting is a chance to leave accurate details behind.

• At a pre-application meeting, share your link so the officer has your direct line.
• At a public consultation, show your QR code on a display board so residents can find you later.
• In design reviews, add the link to your presentation's last slide.

Keep the profile factual in these settings: your role on the project and how to contact you.

Sharing drawings and planning documents as files

Use Documents to attach PDFs clients and consultants often ask for.

Password Protection can lock a section of your profile, but it is not a project portal. Keep live and confidential documents in your practice's own systems.

Working with builders and trades

On most projects, architects and surveyors work closely with builders, plumbers, electricians and other trades. Swapping profiles at the first site meeting saves time later, when someone needs to check a detail or arrange access. Our guide for UK tradespeople shows how trades share their registration details, which helps you check who is on site.

Common mistakes

• Using "architect" without being on the ARB register, or letting a practice name suggest it.
• Showing a designation you do not hold, or one that has lapsed.
• Old projects at the top of the gallery.
• Live drawings on a public profile.
• No direct line for site visits.

Working alongside other suppliers

Architects and surveyors often work with builders, estate agents and event or venue suppliers. Many wedding venues, for example, commission alterations and surveys. Our guide for UK wedding suppliers shows how venues and planners present themselves, which helps when you refer clients to each other.

Setting up a practice profile

A short routine keeps every profile in the practice consistent.

1. Choose one template and the practice's colours.
2. Agree how titles and designations are written, such as "Associate, RIBA Chartered Architect" for staff who hold that status.
3. Add the practice's name, address and website to every profile.
4. Add the practice brochure and standard fee proposal under Documents.
5. Name one person to update profiles when people join, leave or change their registration status.

If the practice is a limited company, show its company details too. Our guide to UK company details on a digital business card explains what companies usually show.

Which plan suits a practice?

Both plans are a single payment in pounds with UK VAT included.

• Brand Presence (£45) gives you Gallery, Documents, Testimonials, Templates, QR Code and Save to Contacts. Most sole practitioners need nothing more.
• Business Add-ons (£90) adds Bookings, Enquiries, Forms, CRM and Export, if you want clients to book consultations or send enquiries from the profile.

Start on the digital business card page, which is set up for sharing in person.

Frequently asked questions

Can I call myself an architect on my digital business card?

Only if you are on the ARB register. The title "architect" is protected by law in the UK. This is general information, not legal advice.

How should I show RIBA or RICS membership?

Use the exact designation you hold, as the professional body allows, and only the logos you are entitled to use. Link to where clients can check.

Can I show a portfolio?

Yes. Use Gallery for images and add short captions. Get client permission and avoid identifying addresses.

Can I attach drawings?

Attach general documents such as a brochure or sample drawings. Keep live project drawings and client reports in your own systems.

How does it help on site visits?

Text your link before you arrive and show your QR code on site, so the client, builders and other consultants can save your details.

Do clients need an app?

No. They scan your QR code or open your link, and save your details in one step.