ARBV legislative framework

The Architects Registration Board of Victoria works within legislative framework to regulate the industry, ensure architects comply with their responsibilities, and assure the Victorian public that registered architects have the required experience and qualifications.

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Architects Act 1991

The Architects Act 1991 is the law that establishes the ARBV and sets out the registration and compliance requirements of Victoria's architects.

The Act gives the ARBV powers to:

  • register individual architects
  • approve companies and partnerships that provide architectural services
  • regulate the professional conduct of architects
  • create a public complaints process
  • regulate the use of the terms 'architect', 'architectural services', 'architectural design services' and 'architectural design'.

Architects Regulations 2015

The Architects Regulations 2015 describe standards and requirements to implement the Architects Act 1991.

The Architects Regulations 2015 include:

  • standards for the professional conduct and practice of architects (known as the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct)
  • requirements for registration as an architect
  • requirements for approval as a company or partnership
  • a process to elect architects to the ARBV Board.

Building Regulatory Framework

Architects must have detailed understanding of construction and work closely with builders and other practitioners in the building industry. They should be aware of the building regulatory framework.

Find out more about the Building Regulatory Framework.

Architects Tribunal

The Architects Act (Section 18) provides that the ARBV may determine whether or not an architect’s fitness to practise and/or professional conduct should be the subject of an Inquiry.

Inquiries are conducted by the Architects Tribunal which is independent of the ARBV. A Tribunal is constituted as required, from a panel appointed by the Minister. Each Tribunal must consist of the following members, with one person needing legal experience:

  • an architect member
  • a non-architect member
  • a consumer representative.

If the Architects Tribunal finds allegations against an architect proved, the ARBV is required to enforce the Determinations made by the Tribunal.

The ARBV provides administrative assistance to the Architects Tribunal but the Architects Tribunal remains independent of the ARBV.

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