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

Architects Call for Legislative Reform in Morocco

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 Chief of Government and Parliament for a comprehensive reform of the legal framework governing their profession. They specifically targeted the outdated laws from 1952 and Law No. 45-25, stating these regulations are no longer suitable in light of Morocco’s contemporary economic, social, and urban transformations.

Participants asserted that overhauling the legal framework for architecture is essential for any sustainable and modern urban revival. They highlighted several challenges threatening the profession’s stability and independence, including delays in fee payments, violations of regulatory tariffs, and unfair competition fueled by "dumping" practices that compromise the quality and sustainability of architectural offices.

Hassan El Menjra Essâdi, president of SNAP, remarked that this meeting is part of a broader national consultation process. He emphasized, "Moroccan architects are going through 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. The current laws no longer reflect the profession’s reality and fail to protect the rights and responsibilities of professionals."

El Menjra Essâdi also pointed out the lack of legal mechanisms to ensure fair and regular payment as well as the ongoing unethical practices in the urban planning sector. He advocated for a new national framework clearly defining the responsibilities of each stakeholder and enshrining the principles of transparency, fairness, and good governance.

Vice President of SNAP, Ali Guessous, reminded attendees that current legislative texts were adopted "in bygone historical contexts" and now hinder the profession’s progress. "The existing framework perpetuates inequalities, weakens the profession, and allows for practices that evade legal or ethical control," he said.

Guessous called for the initiation of a participatory legislative process involving the Union, the Order of Architects, industry professionals, and the Ministry of Territorial Planning to develop a modern, fair, and inclusive law.

He further noted that Morocco is home to over 25,000 engineers, many of whom are architects, yet the lack of effective organization limits their contribution to urban development. Each year, around 100,000 building permit applications are submitted; however, their uneven distribution creates imbalances and detracts from the quality of construction projects.

Participants also criticized the dysfunctions of the urban planning "one-stop shop" 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.

In the realm of training, architects called for the reinstatement of mandatory internships before entering the profession, which they believe is crucial for ensuring competence and responsibility. They condemned the practice of "complacency stamps," where some architects sign off on projects they do not oversee, thus undermining the credibility of the entire profession.

Socially, SNAP proposed creating a professional solidarity and support fund, financed by a nominal contribution from active architects, to assist young practitioners and small firms.

The Union also advocated for the simplification of administrative procedures, especially for small and medium-sized projects that account for approximately 70% of industry activity. They proposed a streamlined authorization process involving the architect, engineer, and the mayor, bypassing the urban agencies.

Finally, participants called for reforming the architectural competition system, proposing that participants be compensated and that the selection process’s transparency be ensured in order to foster creativity and encourage 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 aimed at modernizing legislation, protecting the profession, and launching a constructive national dialogue between the government, Parliament, and professionals, with an eye toward a new architecture law in Morocco that aligns with the Constitution and the ambitions of the New Development Model.