Architect

Find your occupation to see if it is included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme. If it is included, you will find information to help you notify the relevant regulator and begin work in NSW.

Occupations which are exempt or not included in the AMR scheme may be included at a future date.

Last updated: 24 June 2024

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Note for architects

In NSW, architects must be registered under the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) scheme to lodge designs and make compliance declarations in the NSW Planning Portal for class 2, 3, or 9c buildings or buildings with class 2, 3, or 9c parts.

Practising architects who have a current interstate registration and have notified for AMR can apply for registration in the DBP scheme.

To apply, email DBPregistration@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20.

Architect – Non-practising 

Activities under this occupation will not be included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.

Interstate licensees need to apply to the regulator, NSW Architects Registration Board, under the Mutual Recognition scheme for recognition of their existing licence in NSW and pay any applicable fees. 

Architect – Practising (full registration) 

Activities under this occupation are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.  

Included activities

See below the licensed activities included under this type of licence in NSW. This should be used as a guide to align the activities a person is licensed to do in their home state with the activities they wish to carry out in NSW.

An architect offers services in the design, planning or construction of buildings. These include: 

design of buildings
planning of buildings 
construction of buildings 
expert witness services (relevant to architecture) 
any other services provided in connection with the design, planning or construction of buildings that are ordinarily provided by architects.

How to comply with NSW laws

Note: Some architects may be exempt from insurance requirements – details are provided during the notification process.

Notify the regulator

Interstate architects are required to notify the regulator, the NSW Architects Registration Board, of their intention to work in NSW under AMR.

The link to notify the regulator will take you to the Service NSW website where you can complete your notification.

Notify the regulator

You can update your notification details or complete the outstanding actions on your notification. Outstanding actions are where you have been asked to clarify information provided in your notification.