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.
Overview of the complaint process
- Confirm whether the architect is currently registered with the NSW ARB.
- Read the Code and the Act to understand the nature of an architect’s responsibilities and standards of practice.
- 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. Note that the NSW ARB may ask you to provide further particulars in the course of investigation.
- Once the NSW ARB has confirmed receipt of a complaint(s), the architect will be notified in writing.
- Usually, the architect will be given 28 days in which to provide a written response to the complaint(s).
- At its discretion, the NSW ARB may seek further submissions from either or both parties at any stage of the process.
- Once all parties have made the required submissions, the matter will be considered by a Complaints Committee convened by the Board.
- The Board will come to a decision based upon the recommendation of the Complaints Committee considering the evidence presented.
Please download the factsheet of making a complaint about an architect for more information.
