Arb has found a Surrey-based architect guilty of unacceptable professional conduct after a dispute with a client over almost ￡30,000 in compensation.

Philip Harrington of Architechnics, based in Godstone, Surrey, was found to have failed to have dealt with a letter of complaint from his client’s solicitors and failed to record in writing the terms of the contract between himself and his client.

Allegations that Harrington had failed to pay the required compensation within 28 days of notification by the Arb and that he had failed to cooperate within timescales specified by the board were found not proved.

The charges related to work Harrington carried out on an extension for a “friend of a friend” on an informal basis. Remedial work became necessary and Harrington was required to pay a judgement debt of ￡29,824.66.

While Harrington accepted that the debt had not been paid within 28 days, he argued he had not received notice of the order. Once he became aware of the order he unsuccessfully attempted to have it set aside before paying the sum in full.