An architect is a skilled, professional person who is registered under a relevant Act. Obtaining registration is the final step to pursuing a career in architecture. Career pathways are diverse, interesting, challenging, and satisfying. An architect registered in Australia can draw on their registration to work overseas, and to work within a range of related industries and organisations in Australia.

Registration gives clients and the general community an assurance that the architect will act professionally, ethically, and comply with all relevant laws and codes, including the Architects' Code of Conduct. Clients can also be satisfied that the person has the required skills, knowledge and competencies to provide architectural services, in a professional manner.

Registration requires all architects to maintain professional indemnity insurance. It also enables a person to call themselves an architect, and to describe their services as architectural services.

Architects are regulated by the Architectural Practice Board of SA, and similar Boards in other jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.

Billabong House, Architects Ink. Photography by Sam Noonan.

Pathways to registration

The APBSA recognises five pathways to registration. These pathways are also recognised by other registration boards in Australia.

The five pathways are:

  1. Graduate of an Australian Accredited Architecture Qualification 
    After graduation log 3300 hours of practical experience and pass the Architectural Practice Examination.
  2. Graduate of an Overseas Architecture Qualification (Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA))
    Qualification is assessed as equivalent to an Australian qualification – candidate eligible to apply for the APE.
  3. No Qualification
    Minimum seven years industry experience (National Program of Assessment (NPrA)). Project assignment. After passing the assessment the candidate is eligible to sit the APE.
  4. Overseas Experienced Practitioner (OEP)
    Overseas qualification with more than 7 years experience working at the executive level (decision maker). The candidate’s portfolio is assessed and candidate is interviewed by two assessors. Eligible to apply for registration.
  5. Local Experienced Practitioner (LEP)
    Australian qualification with more than 7 years experience working at the executive level (decision maker). The candidate’s portfolio is assessed and candidate is interviewed by two assessors. Eligible to apply for registration.