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.
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 Code is schedule 2 of the Architects Regulation 2017. It provides architects and their clients with a statement of the standards that architects are required to meet when providing architectural services. A failure to comply with the Code may constitute unsatisfactory professional conduct for the purposes of the Architects Act 2003 and may be grounds for disciplinary action under Part 4 of the Act.
A written agreement is required by law to be in place between an architect and their clients before any work commences for the provision of architectural services.
The NSW ARB Short Form Architect Client Contract is a free resource developed by the NSW ARB to assist consumers who intend to contract with architects, and to support architects to meet their obligations under the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct. It comprises a covering letter, services schedule and standard terms of agreement.
Anyone can make a complaint(s) about an architect in respect of their conduct as 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.
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.
