Zambia Institute of Architects blacklists three architectural firms for allegedly operating illegally

The Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) has banned three foreign architectural firms from providing services in the country with immediate effect for breaching national laws.

ZIA President, Musunka Silungwe, announced the ban in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, naming Design Partnership, SLT Architects, and Pattichides and Partners as the affected firms.

He stated that these firms had been illegally offering architectural services to Hungry Lion, Shoprite, and Ocean Basket over the years, despite repeated warnings from the Institute.

Silungwe explained that under the Architects Act No. 36 of 1995, Chapter 442, foreign architects must form joint ventures with local professionals before operating in Zambia.

However, the three firms failed to comply with Section 28 (2) and Section 35 (1), (4) of the Act, it claimed.

“We have engaged these firms multiple times, offering guidance on the legal requirements, yet they continue to operate illegally with impunity,” Silungwe said.

He warned that all active construction sites linked to these firms are now considered crime scenes, calling on Zambia Police to arrest any personnel from these companies found working on-site.

Silungwe urged the National Council for Construction (NCC) to intervene and shut down sites using unauthorized foreign architectural drawings without a joint venture certificate.

“The Zambia Institute of Architects is solely focused on ensuring compliance with the laws of Zambia,” he emphasized.

He also appealed to Local Authorities under the Ministry of Local Government and the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs to increase oversight of construction sites to prevent further violations.

Silungwe criticized some public officials for enabling these illegal activities by issuing work permits and granting planning approvals for unregistered architects.

“We have visited sites where some foreign workers lack even basic English proficiency—yet they have been granted work permits, which is a clear violation of standard requirements,” he revealed.

He warned that such negligence, often motivated by personal gain, fosters a culture of non-compliance in the construction sector.

Silungwe urged regulatory bodies to enforce the law rigorously, ensuring that construction projects adhere to legal standards to protect public integrity and national development.

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