Architects Call for a Revision of Law No. 45-25 to Reform the System and Save the Profession

Architects Urge Reforms for Morocco’s Future

Following a roundtable organized by the National Union of Private Sector Architects (SNAP) on “The Future of Morocco and the Role of Engineering,” architects have made a pressing appeal to the Prime Minister and Parliament for a comprehensive reform of the legislative framework governing their profession. They particularly called for the modernization of the outdated laws of 1952 and Law No. 45-25, which are seen as ill-suited to the economic, social, and urban transformations of contemporary Morocco.

Participants emphasized that a revamp of the legal framework for architecture is crucial for any sustainable and modern urban revitalization. They raised concerns about numerous constraints threatening the profession’s balance and independence, including delayed fee payments, disregard for regulated tariffs, and unfair competition driven by “dumping” practices endangering the quality and viability of architectural firms.

Architect Hassan El Menjra Essâdi, President of SNAP, noted that this meeting is part of a broader national consultation process. He stressed, “The Moroccan architect is navigating a critical period that demands an urgent response from the government and lawmakers,” adding: “We are calling for a comprehensive reform that restores the architect’s role in the country’s development. Current laws no longer reflect the reality of the profession and fail to protect the rights and duties of professionals.”

El Menjra Essâdi also pointed to the lack of legal mechanisms ensuring fair and regular payments, alongside the persistence of unethical practices within the urban planning sector. He advocated for a new national framework that clearly defines the responsibilities of each stakeholder while embedding principles of transparency, equity, and good governance.

Meanwhile, Architect Ali Guessous, Vice President of SNAP, reminded attendees that the current legislative texts were adopted “in bygone historical contexts” and are now hindering the profession’s evolution. “The current framework perpetuates inequalities, undermines the profession, and allows for practices that evade legal or ethical oversight.”

Guessous called for a participatory legislative initiative involving the union, the Order of Architects, industry professionals, and the Ministry of Land Use Planning, aiming to develop a modern, equitable, and inclusive law.

He also highlighted that Morocco has over 25,000 engineers, including thousands of architects, yet the absence of an effective organization restricts their contribution to urban development. Approximately 100,000 construction permit applications are filed each year, but their uneven distribution leads to imbalances that adversely affect project quality.

Participants further criticized the dysfunctions within the urban planning “single-window” system, citing a lack of transparency and repeated resignations within the administration. They urged the government to restore trust and integrity in the management of files.

Regarding education, architects called for the reintroduction of mandatory internships before entering the profession, as they consider it an essential guarantee of skill and accountability. They also condemned the practice of “complacent stamps,” where some architects sign projects they do not oversee, thus jeopardizing the profession’s credibility.

On a social level, SNAP proposed the creation of a Professional Solidarity and Support Fund, funded by a nominal fee from the most active architects, to assist young practitioners and small firms.

The union also advocated for simplifying administrative procedures, particularly for small and medium-sized projects that account for approximately 70% of the activity, through a streamlined authorization process signed by the architect, the engineer, and the mayor, bypassing urban agencies.

Participants concluded by calling for reforms in the architectural competition system by compensating participants and ensuring transparency in the selection process, thus encouraging creativity and fair competition.

In conclusion, the National Union of Private Sector Architects (SNAP) emphasized that this roundtable marks the beginning of an institutional and civic movement to modernize legislation, protect the profession, and initiate a constructive national dialogue between the government, Parliament, and professionals, aiming for a new architecture law in Morocco that aligns with the Constitution and the ambitions of the New Development Model.