Registered Architect
Required for design-led projects, RFBs (NSW Apartment Design Guide mandates registered architect signoff), heritage works, and any project where the design fee will be worth more than commodity drafting.
Registered under state Architects Act (NSW Architects Act 2003). Five-year accredited course + supervised practice + Architectural Practice Examination (APE).
Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) + state architects boards
A$8,000–100,000
NSW: SEPP 65 (now Housing SEPP) requires Registered Architect for RFB ≥3 storeys / ≥4 dwellings. VIC: design verification statement under Cl 58 can be by Registered Architect or Registered Building Designer.
Key outputs
- ✓Site plan + floor plans + elevations + sections
- ✓Shadow diagrams (when required)
- ✓Streetscape elevations
- ✓Materials + finishes schedule
- ✓Internal layouts + room sizes
- ✓Design statement
- ✓Coordination with structural / civil / landscape
What triggers engaging them
- ▸NSW RFB (mandatory Registered Architect)
- ▸Heritage works (often required by Council)
- ▸Complex multi-dwelling
- ▸When design quality drives outcome
Architects are also licensed for design verification (some states). Architects-as-consultant: design only; not the contracted builder. For simpler projects, a Building Designer is often a more affordable choice (see below).