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Architect - How to get into this job

Kaihoahoa Whare

Entry Requirements

To become a registered architect, you need:

a Bachelor of Architectural Studies
a Masters of Architecture (Professional).

These must be degree courses recognised by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board. It typically takes five years to get both degrees.

You then need to work for 140 weeks before you can apply to become a registered architect.

Secondary Education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter tertiary training.

The New Zealand Institute of Architects recommends a number of secondary school subjects to help prepare for studying architecture, such as:

art and design
graphics
computer studies and technology
environmental studies
history
geography
physics
mathematics
communications.

Get help with choosing school subjects

Tertiary Education

There are three accredited architecture programmes in New Zealand, all in the North Island. You can study at:

Victoria University of Wellington
UNITEC (Auckland)
The University of Auckland.

Relevant courses

Training on the job

A graduate architect needs to complete 140 weeks of on-the-job practical work experience to become a registered architect. This typically takes two to three years.

The New Zealand Registered Architects Board also requires architects to continue their professional development to maintain their registration, which is confirmed every five years. Training is provided by universities, professional organisations, and private providers.

"Once you start working, you need to pick up the particulars of how an architect's office is run. The training usually takes the form of working on a project with a more senior member of the practice. I don't have one mentor, instead I work with different architects on different projects."

Sarosh Mulla - Graduate Architect and Designer

Registration

Architects must be registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). The board requires applicants to:

hold an architecture qualification recognised by the NZRAB
complete 140 weeks of practical experience (95 of which must be completed after graduating)
pass the NZRAB practical experience assessment.

Additionally, registered architects need to undertake continuing professional development to maintain their registration.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for architects includes design, draughting, building and engineering work.

"When I worked for a civil engineering consultancy, I learned about project management and quality systems, so now it's almost second nature for me to know how to run a project."

Paki Maaka - Urban Design Manager

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Updated July 2009

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