Protecting Consumers
The NSW Architects Registration Board is a statutory authority responsible for registering architects, approving architectural education, conducting enquiries into the conduct of architects, investigating misuse of the title Architect and promoting a better understanding of architectural matters in the community.
You can contact the Board to:
- Check a person's registration status
- Enquire about making a complaint about an architect
- Notify possible misuse of the title 'architect' by persons or corporations and firms whose names do not appear on the Register of Architects or the List of Architect Corporations or Firms.
Search the Register
The use of the title ‘architect' is protected by law. Only people registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board may use the title. To check a person's registration status you should search the NSW Register of Architects on the homepage. The Board also maintains a List of Architect Corporations and Firms which have nominated to the Board at least one registered architect who is responsible for the provision of architectural services by the firm.
If you choose an architect, consumers know that person has attained the necessary architectural qualifications, completed specific practical experience and has passed the Board's examination before registration. Architects are subject to the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017 governing their service to clients.
Architects maintain professional indemnity insurance and each year must undertake professional education appropriate to the services they provide.
Registration ensures architects’ accountability for their conduct by making them subject to disciplinary action for unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct. Architects who breach the Architects Act 2003 may incur penalties including reprimand, fines, and suspension or cancellation of registration.
Consumers may make complaints to the Board about the professional conduct of an architect. The Board must investigate any complaints made about an architect.
See FACTSHEET – MAKING A COMPLAINT ABOUT AN ARCHITECT
Illegally representing as an architect
To protect consumers, registration differentiates those who are entitled to use the title architect from those who are not. Designers may offer design and drafting services but aren't required to meet the standards of professional service set out in the Architects Act 2003. They are not subject to the disciplinary actions for breaching the Act that apply to architects; nor do they necessarily possess the level of qualification, education and experience required of architects.
The Board investigates breaches of the Act by those who represent themselves or others as an architect or architect firm when they are not registered or listed.
See FACTSHEET – ILLEGAL USE OF THE TITLE ARCHITECT
