An individual may only use the title ‘architect’ to describe themselves if they are on the NSW Register of Architects.
If a business entity wishes to describe itself as an ‘architect’, it must have nominated at least one architect who is responsible for the provision of architectural services. This architect is called the ‘nominated architect’ and must be either a director, member, partner or employee of the corporation or firm.
Architects hold professional qualifications, must have completed a period of practical experience in architecture, and must have passed the architectural practice examination (or alternative pathway approved by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia).
Architects are bound by the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017. They must maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the services they provide and must undertake a minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional development annually.
More information
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.
Please download the factsheet.
