The NSW Architects Registration Board (NSW ARB) operates the Architects Act 2003 - the legislation regulating architects in NSW.
When the Act was introduced in the NSW Parliament, the aim was "a community actively discussing architecture that is contributing to its wellbeing, a community that is serviced by architects who have a robust professional framework and a flexible system of professional discipline." You can read more of the original intent of the Act in the transcript of the Second Reading speech on 21 May and 27 May 2003.
The primary purpose of the Act is to protect consumers of architectural services – by ensuring that architects provide services to the public in a professional and competent manner; by providing disciplining mechanisms to discipline architects who have acted unprofessionally or incompetently; by informing the public about the qualifications and competence of individuals or organisations holding themselves out as architects; and by promoting a better understanding of architectural issues in the community.
The NSW ARB portfolio sits within the Department of Customer Service and is responsible to the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Building.
The work of the NSW ARB is totally funded by fees paid by NSW architects and architect corporations and firms.
