Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

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The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) is an executive non-departmental public body of the UK government, established in 1999. It is funded by both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

CABE is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. Its job is to influence and inspire the people making decisions about the built environment. It champions well-designed buildings, spaces and places, runs public campaigns and provides expert, practical advice. It works directly with architects, planners, designers and clients.

CABE's board members - its commissioners - are appointed by the secretary of state for culture, media and sport. There are 16 commissioners in total. Its chair is John Sorrell, one of Britain's leading design businessmen and a former chair of the UK Design Council. CABE's chief executive is Richard Simmons.

One of CABE's main functions is design review - expert independent assessments of building schemes at an early stage. CABE reviews schemes of national importance, that have a significant impact on the local environment, or which set standards for the future. CABE's design review panel consists of around 40 expert advisors drawn from England's architectural, built environment and creative community. CABE is known as a 'non-statutory consultee' in the planning process, meaning that planners and others should heed CABE's advice when making decisions, but are not obliged to do so.

CABE's remit does not cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

CABE's first Chairman was Stuart Lipton who was also Chief Executive of the Property Developer Stanhope PLC. Private Eye's architectural correspondent complained that this represented a conflict of interest.

CABE is the successor body to the Royal Fine Art Commission, originally established in 1924.