What happens when an architect goes bust?

[Jibergrt]

Not sure which section to post this in. Basically we had an architect to design and oversee our extension. When we employed him he said that he was our guarantee should anything go wrong. Well he was pretty ineffectual to be honest, but the job was completed and the problems sorted out with the builders (who we did not have a very good relationship with - they were totally inept) and we were just waiting for the certificate of completion before paying the architects final bill However he is no longer trading, and the builders don't know anything. Thing is, if we have a problem with the extension a few years down the line(I think the architect said he was the guarantee for 10 years) what do we do? Or have we basically lost any guarantee and have to hope nothing goes wrong?

[Jugglering]

If the architect was registered with RIBA, contact them - they may be able to advise you further:-
http://www.architecture.com/RegionsAndInternat ional/UKNationsAndRegions/England/RIBAYorkshir e/FindAnArchitect.aspx

[buildersmate]

If he is a qualified architect and is using that term architect to describe what he is, he must be registered with RIBA. He must also have professional indemnity insurance and this just doesn't stop when / if he decides not to trade anymore.
Go to RIBA and check him out.
The so-called guarantee you refer to and very likely to be the same as that provided by NHBC or Zurich or the other insurance backed warantees. The 10 year bit will be for the structural components only - in the event that the foundations sink, or the roof structure wasn't designed properly. This particular should have designed by a Structural Engineer and the calculations shown and approved by Buidling Control. Your architects would have overseen this (and probably charged you for the services of the Structural Engineer).