The NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct provides architects and their clients with a statement of the standards required of architects when engaged to provide architectural services.
A failure to comply with the Code may constitute unsatisfactory professional conduct and may be grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.
NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017 |
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When you use an architect you know that the person you are working with is highly qualified and has the skills in design, documentation and project delivery you need to help you realise your project.
Completing a successful architectural project will happen partly because you have a good working relationship with your architect. This guide describes what architects do for their clients and provides general advice about how to work best with your architect.
The NSW ARB Short Form Architect Client Contract (SFACC) is a free resource to assist architects meet their obligations under the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017. It comprises a customisable covering letter and services schedule that can be edited to suit the project; and standard terms of contract for use without amendment.
NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017 |
The Code provides architects and their clients with a statement of the standards required of architects when engaged to provide architectural services. |
SFACC standard terms contract |
The standard terms are intended for use without amendment. You can download the standard terms as a PDF document. Legal advice should be sought by anyone intending to make amendments to the standard terms. |
SFACC customisable cover letter and services schedule |
Both the covering letter and services schedule are designed to be highly customisable to suit the particular needs of individual projects. You can download the covering letter and services schedule as a Word document to be edited as required. |
The use of the title ‘architect’ is protected by law. Only individuals who are on the NSW Register of Architects may use this title. Check your architect’s credentials and ensure they are registered. You should check that their registration is current and that they hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance for the architectural services being provided to you.
Search the NSW Register of Disciplinary Action
Please download the factsheet on illegal use of the title ‘architect’ for more information.
Please contact the NSW ARB on 02 9241 4033 if the architect you are looking for does not appear on the published list of registered architects.
When you use an architect, you know that the person you are working with is qualified and experienced.
To become registered, your architect has attained the necessary formal qualifications, has completed years of specific practical experience, and has passed comprehensive practice examinations.
The use of the title ‘architect’ is protected by law. Only individuals who are on the NSW Register of Architects may use this title.
Architects have recognised skills in design, documentation, project delivery and practice management. They can provide a higher level of service than other types of building designer. This is important because architectural services require considerable skill to deliver and tailor to a client’s particular needs.
Architects operate within a well-regulated professional system. The regulation provided by the Architects Act 2003 safeguards the interests of architects’ clients, as well as the broader community.
Architects must comply with the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017. This sets the standards architects are required to meet when providing architectural services to their clients.
Architects are required to carry professional indemnity insurance and each year must undertake continuing professional development to maintain their knowledge and skills.
Architects are the only people allowed to design multi-unit residential apartment buildings under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
To submit a complaint(s) about an architect you will need to prepare a written submission that outlines your complaint(s), including reasons and relevant details for each complaint. Any evidence relied upon should be included and referenced in the submission.
A complaint submission should consist of a covering letter and attachments. The letter should be set out as follows:
Save the covering letter and attachments as Word or PDF files and send in an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The NSW ARB does not accept complaint submissions in hard copy format or by post.
FACTSHEET – Making a complaint about an architect
Under the Architects Act 2003, the Board may investigate complaints about the professional conduct of an architect.
Anyone can make a complaint(s) about an architect. If you are unhappy about the services provided by your architect, you should first talk to them to try and resolve the issues. If you believe your architect has behaved unprofessionally, you may have a basis to make a complaint about their professional conduct.
You will need to outline your complaint(s) in writing, including reasons and relevant details for each complaint. Any evidence relied upon should be included and referenced in the submission.
Please download the factsheet of making a complaint about an architect for more information.
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.
The NSW Architects Registration Board invites eligible architects, graduates and students to apply for this prestigious program by 31 August 2024.
New report highlights systemic risks in the Australian architecture sector and provides actionable recommendations for improvement.
Chloe Gesler of the University of Newcastle awarded the 2024 Architects Medallion.
The Wellbeing of Architects [education + practice] symposium marks the conclusion of a comprehensive research project, The Wellbeing of Architects: Culture, Identity and Practice (2020-2024).
The NSW ARB and ARBV are partnering on a “Deep Dive Report into Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector” using insights from focus groups conducted in 2023.
Professor Helen Lochhead, Deputy President and elected architect member of the NSW ARB Board, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours.
The NSW Architects Registration Board was pleased to be supporting a symposium in the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House on 8 November 2023. This event offered a comprehensive look into the Sydney Opera House, one of Australia’s most significant architectural achievements.
Samantha Rich awarded the 2023 Architect's Medallion: “Go slowly, thoughtfully, carefully, and respectfully”.
Outcome of the ballot for the election of 2 Architects to the Board
“The award gives validation to the topic of sustainable disaster relief architecture in our changing environment which acknowledges the grass roots impact and relevance of traditional technologies to the continual struggle of local communities.”
From 1 July 2022 the NSW Architects Registration Board is introducing changes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for NSW architects.
“There is no reason architecture cannot contemporise Indigenous culture with the permission of Elders.”
In 2021-2022, the Board continued to provide support to architects through initiatives, which included:
‘I think the most important architectural issue in New South Wales is turning our city from exclusive to inclusive.’
The Board is pleased to announce the launch of its Short Form Architect Client Contract 2019. The SFACC can be downloaded from the Board’s website and is a free online resource to assist architects to meet their obligations under the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2017.
A ground-breaking research project investigating the work-related wellbeing of architects and architecture students, has been funded in the most recent round of the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Projects scheme.
Want to know more about the AACA’s Oversees Qualifications Assessment or Experienced Practitioner Assessment?
