Fact Sheets

FACTSHEET - ACCESS TO AN ARCHITECTS ELECTRONIC FILES

Many consumers assume that the fees paid to their architect include access to all the electronic files associated with their project. This is generally not the case. Unless the client architect agreement makes specific reference to the provision of editable files, the NSW Architects Registration Board holds the view that there is no obligation for the architect to provide editable, vector-based CAD files.

FACTSHEET - ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADR

This Factsheet outlines an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pathway for clients and their architects that is agile and responsive to concerns in relation to the professional conduct of an architect.

FACTSHEET - ARCHITECTS LEARNING GROUPS

An Architects' Learning Group comprises architects who have formed a group for the purpose of peer education. If the Group follows the guidelines in this Factsheet, participants can claim Formal CPD hours.

FACTSHEET - NSW ARCHITECTS WORKING INTERSTATE

All NSW architects intending to work in another Australian state or territory must notify the relevant architect registration board before commencing work. If they do not do so, they may be breaking the law. If you are working interstate and using the word 'architect' to describe yourself (or its derivatives to describe your services) you must be registered in that state or territory under Mutual Recognition (MR), or have notified the relevant board of your intention to work under Automatic Mutual Recognition – Automatic Deemed Registration (ADR).

FACTSHEET - BEST PRACTICE FOR CPD PROVIDERS

The Board does not accredit CPD providers.  Instead, architects are responsible for self-determining which CPD activities they undertake based on what they consider appropriate to their individual needs. CPD providers should develop their activities for architects in line with the best practice principles outlined in this Factsheet.

FACTSHEET - CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Clause 16 of the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct requires that architects must report to the NSW Architects Registration Board that they have taken all reasonable steps to maintain and improve the skills and knowledge necessary for the provision of the architectural services they normally provide. Architects should undertake a minimum of 20 hours of CPD each year, of which at least 10 hours must be Formal CPD activity. At least 3 hours of the 10 hours of Formal CPD completed each year must address mandatory topics.

FACTSHEET - ILLEGAL USE OF THE TITLE ARCHITECT

The use of the title ‘architect’ is protected by the Architects Act 2003. It is an offence to represent an individual or business entity as an architect when they are not. Significant fines apply for breaches of sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Act.

FACTSHEET - INTERSTATE ARCHITECTS WORKING IN NSW

All interstate architects intending to work in NSW must notify the NSW Architects Registration Board before commencing work. If they do not do so, they may be breaking the law. An interstate architect can lawfully work in NSW through Mutual Recognition (MR) or Automatic Mutual Recognition – Automatic Deemed Registration (ADR). If you are an interstate architect working in NSW and using the word 'architect' to describe yourself (or its derivatives to describe your services) you must be registered in NSW under MR or have notified the NSW ARB of your intention to work under ADR.

FACTSHEET - NOMINATING A RESPONSIBLE ARCHITECT FOR A CORPORATION OR FIRM

The Architects Act 2003 requires any business that provides architectural services in NSW to nominate a responsible architect to oversee the provision of those services. Businesses are required to make it clear who the nominated architect(s) is to ensure consumers know they are dealing with an architect, and to ensure the competent delivery of those architectural services.

FACTSHEET - NSW PORTFOLIO PROGRAM OF ASSESSMENT

The NSW Portfolio Program of Assessment (NSW PPA) is a competency based assessment process that provides a pathway to the Architectural Practice Examination for those who have substantial skills and experience in the architectural services profession but do not have the approved academic qualification in architecture or overseas equivalent.

FACTSHEET - PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE

Professional indemnity (PI) insurance provides financial cover in the event of an architect’s error or omission, or failure in the performance of their professional duty. Clause 15 of the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct requires that architects must maintain a policy of PI insurance appropriate for the architectural services being provided by the architect and provide each client with a copy of information relating to the insurance.

FACTSHEET - MAKING A COMPLAINT ABOUT AN ARCHITECT

Under the Architects Act 2003 the NSW Architects Registration Board may investigate complaints about the professional conduct of an architect. Any person may make a complaint(s) about an architect in respect of the architect’s conduct as an architect. This Factsheet should be read in conjunction with the attached extract from Part 4 of the Act that deals with complaints and disciplinary proceedings.

Contact Us

T: 61 2 9241 4033
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
W: www.architects.nsw.gov.au