Policy
The former Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure published a new policy on Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland in June 2006. The policy incorporates an ambitious action plan endorsed by Government departments.
The aim is to ensure best value from public expenditure while targeting capital investment towards enhancing the visual landscape and improving the quality of life now and for future generations.
Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built Environment
In September 2007 DCAL established the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment in Northern Ireland. Since the reorganisation of the NI Executive Departments, MAG now sits within the Department for Communities. Its primary role is to advise the Minister for Communities on the implementation and development of the Architecture and the Built Environment policy.

Mrs Lara Kinneir and Ms Nicola Waddington have been reappointed as MAG Members for a second term from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2023. They have both served as Members since 1 May 2014.
Six new Members have been appointed from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2023:
- Ms Roisin Donnelly
- Mr Yulian Manev
- Prof Michael McGarry
- Mr Gerry Millar
- Mrs Clare Mulholland
- Mr Sam Tyler
Further details of their public appointment, terms and remuneration are available.
Collectively, they bring a varied range of expertise to MAG, to include architecture, architectural conservation, landscape architecture, procurement, sustainable development and town planning.
The Chair and Members of MAG are Ministerial appointments. MAG currently holds a list of 40 Expert Advisors who were recruited to support MAG in the key area of design review and on an ad-hoc basis to assist in other areas where MAG requires additional specialist expertise.