Link to the National Chamber of Architects and/or Professional Associations:https://www.cscae.com/
Link to the Competition and Procurement Platforms:https://contrataciondelestado.es/wps/portal/plataforma
Link to the main ADCs Regulations:Law 9/2017 on Public Sector Contracts
Short description of the legal framework based on Study 0:
In the Spanish legislation, the Procurement of Public Contracts is regulated by the Law 9/2017, which integrates the Directives of the European Parliament and of the Council 2014/23/EU and 2014/24/EU. Architectural Design Competitions fall within the procurement regime regulating intellectual services of special complexity, defined by Subsection 7a in which the special rules applicable to project competitions are defined.
Other useful links:https://www.cscae.com/index.php/servicios58/plataforma-de-concursos-cscae
Professional Qualification Criteria:
Access to the architectural profession in Spain requires holding the official academic and professional qualification of Architect, as established by Law 38/1999 of November 5, on Building Regulation.
This qualification is obtained through a specific official university program consisting of a 5-year Bachelor’s degree (300 ECTS credits) followed by a 1-year Master’s degree (60 ECTS credits), totaling six years of study and 360 ECTS credits, in accordance with Order EDU/2075/2010.
In addition, membership in one of the regional official chambers of architects (colegios oficiales de arquitectos) is mandatory to legally practice the profession in Spain.
- A specific Bachelor’s and Master’s program (only that ones), with curricula comprising 300 and 60 ECTS credits, respectively (Order EDU/2075/2010)
- Membership in an architects chamber
- Professional liability insurance is, in practice, a standard requirement for architects in Spain. While national legislation—specifically Law 38/1999 of November 5, on Building Regulation (Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación, or LOE)—does not make such insurance mandatory, several autonomous communities have introduced their own regulations that do. For example, regions such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Basque Country require architects to hold professional liability insurance in order to legally practice within their jurisdictions.
Even in regions where it is not legally mandated, professional liability insurance is often a de facto requirement. Many clients, as well as public procurement procedures, demand proof of such coverage. As a result, carrying this insurance is essential not only for legal compliance in certain areas but also for securing work and protecting against claims related to professional practice.
In summary, while national law does not universally mandate professional liability insurance, the combination of regional legislation and industry norms effectively makes it a necessity for architects throughout Spain.
To participate in public competitions (ADCs), it is necessary to hold the required professional qualification and meet the registration requirements established by Law 9/2017 of November 8, on Public Sector Contracts.
The verification of professional qualification and compliance with the requirements set out in the terms and conditions of architectural design competitions (ADCs) must be carried out prior to the awarding of the prize and the signing of the contract. This process ensures that the selected participants meet the legal and technical qualifications necessary to practice the profession, in accordance with applicable regulations and the principles of transparency and competition established in Law 9/2017 on Public Sector Contracts.
The following documentation may be required: proof of the corresponding professional qualification; certificates demonstrating compliance with tax obligations to the national public authorities; and, if specified in the contract’s terms and conditions, evidence of having professional liability insurance.
