New Zealand Registered Architects

www.nzrab.org.nz

 The NZRAB became fully operational on 1 July 2006, when it replaced the Architects Education and Registration Board. The registration and discipline arrangements now in place are considerably more rigorous than previously, reflecting the community’s increased concern about the quality of buildings in recent years.

Protection of Title

The NZRAB gains its authority from the Registered Architects Act 2005, its stated purpose being “to protect the title of Registered Architect”. The Act says that persons who provide architectural services may only use the titles “Registered Architect” or “architect” if they are registered. Other persons may design buildings, but they may not call themselves “Registered Architects” or “architects”. Architects bring to their work a broad vision of what the built environment can and should be, in addition to their technical expertise.

Functions

To achieve its purpose, the NZRAB:

• registers architects who have been assessed by their peers as competent to practice independently
• maintains an online register, so the public can confirm that an architect is registered
• quality assures the competence of architects every five years
• investigates complaints and, if need be, disciplines architects