THE PROFESSION

Question 1

1. What is the difference between the AIA and NSWRB?

Answer 1

AIA – professional body that serves the interests of the architectural profession, and aims to promote architecture to the community. NSWRB – protects the interests of the community by ensuring architects provide architectural services in a professional and competent manner. This is through the registration of architects and informs the public of the qualifications and competence required to practice as an architect, while promoting architecture to the community.

Question 2

2. What are the powers of each body in the event of a claim for misconduct being upheld?

Answer 2

AIA – revocation of membership.
NSWRB – can issue a warning to the general public on their website with reference to the action of misconduct. For serious misconduct, the NSWRB can strip an architect of their registration status.

Question 3

3. What controls the way architects in NSW provide their professional services?

Answer 3

Architects Act 2003 and Architects Professional Code of Conduct.

Question 4

4. Name a number of non‐architectural professional associations you will come in contact with as an architect.

Answer 4

AILA, PIA, Property Council, Aus Institute of Engineers

Question 5

5. What information can be obtained from these associations?

Answer 5

Advice for running an architectural practice, legal advice, financial advice, background checks on other professionals (i.e. Fair Trading licence check on builders to establish if they are licensed, check their track record etc).