The NSW Architects Registration Board is constituted by, and operates under, the Architects Act 2003, the legislation regulating architects in NSW. We sit within the NSW Government Department of Customer Service and are responsible to the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Building. We are a self-funded government regulatory body, totally funded by fees paid by NSW architects and architect corporations and firms.
The use of the title ‘architect’ in NSW is protected by the Architects Act 2003. An individual may only call themselves an ‘architect’ if they are registered on the NSW Register of Architects. There is more than one pathway to become a registered architect. See 'Pathways to registration'.
You are not an architect in NSW unless you are on the NSW Register of Architects. You may nominate a 1, 3 or 5-year registration term. At renewal you are required to report your compliance with NSW CPD requirements and provide a certificate of currency for your professional indemnity insurance (held by you) or apply for an exemption.
The NSW ARB publishes resources for architects and the general public to inform them about the ethics and professional standards that are generally expected of registered architects. All our resources are written in plain English to ensure better understanding of complex professional and regulatory processes.
The title ‘architect’ is protected by law. Only individuals who are on the NSW Register of Architects may use this title. Architects are qualified and experienced professionals with recognised skills in design, documentation, project delivery and practice management. They can provide a higher level of service than other types of building designers.
