Gordon Taylor (no relation), misunderstands the purpose of a professional body (3 December, page 26), when he argues for consolidation of the professions

One of the core functions of a professional institute is to assure clients that its members are properly qualified to provide the services they offer. Consolidation of the professions would not work: each discipline needs its own reinforcing body. In my Open Mike article (22 October, page 33), I challenged the RICS on its effectiveness in discharging this duty for the QS profession.

But Taylor is right in seeking better co-operation between the members of the design team. This should happen through RIBA, ACE and RICS talking to each other. That they do not is witnessed by continuing ambiguities in their terms of engagement at points where their duties converge.

Malcolm Taylor

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