PATHWAY 3: FOR OFFSHORE ARCHITECTS WITH NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE

This pathway is for architects from overseas who:

  • Have a five-year tertiary architectural qualification; and
  • Hold or have previously held a full registration/license with an overseas jurisdiction; and
    • A full registration or license means that you hold or previously held registration equivalent to that of a NZ Registered Architect and you were authorised you to practise without restrictions or limitations.
  • Have seven years’ relevant professional postgraduate experience; and
  • Have 12 months relevant professional experience in New Zealand in the last three years; and
  • Live in New Zealand; and
  • Are proficient in English.

Applicants who meet these criteria are assessed by interview for which they must submit a Project Portfolio of their work as a basis for discussion.

The Minimum Standard for Registration as a Registered Architect must be met by all applicants for registration, the difference being, that applicants under this pathway are not required to prepare a Case Study, unlike pathway 1 and pathway 2 applicants.

Application
To begin the process, please:

The application form describes:

  • the information and documentation you need to provide
  • the application fee you need to pay and how to pay it
  • how to format and send your application document to NZRAB.

Please follow the application form's instructions carefully.

Note that in New Zealand, certified documents must be signed by the authorised witness on every page to confirm that they are true copies.

Definition of a ‘complex project’
A complex project is one that requires the application of skills and knowledge to resolve and integrate complex aspects including, but not limited to: siting, planning, structure, services, materials, composition and configuration. It requires the integration of cultural, social, environmental and technical issues.

Not all architectural projects follow this format, or even result in a built outcome.

However, this is the level of competency that is tested.

Note that for the purposes of Rule 7 (d) of the Registered Architects Rules a ‘complex architectural project’ is considered to be the same as a ‘complex project’.

Application close-off dates in 2025 are:

  • Round 1: 13 March 2025, with professional conversations between 1 and 4 April
  • Round 2: 29 May 2025, with professional conversations between 10 and 13 June
  • Round 3: 4 September 2025, with professional conversations between 16 and 19 September

Applications sent in early are appreciated so that we can carry out our preliminary checking processes before close-off date.

Interview
All applicants for registration will be able to indicate a preference for their their interview to be via Zoom or face to face. If face to face these will be held in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. NZRAB cannot guarantee all applicants will offered their first preference.

Once your application has been received and the application fee paid, you will be interviewed by an evaluation panel of two registration assessors who are experienced architects. You will be assessed as to whether your experience, skills, knowledge and attitude would allow you to practise competently to the standard of a Registered Architect in New Zealand. The Assessment Panel may also ask theoretical or hypothetical questions and require you to sketch some typical construction details.

Recordings of interviews are not permitted however, NZRAB may use the facility in terms of quality assurance and only for review by the Board or Convenors. If the assessment is to be recorded, all parties will be advised in advance.

Please note
Typically, where Pathway 3 applicants are unsuccessful the issue is a lack of knowledge about the specifics of the practice of architecture in New Zealand and especially New Zealand contracts for commissioning and construction.

Registration decision
After your interview, the registration assessors will make a recommendation to the Board of the NZRAB, based on which, the Board will decide whether you meet the applicable minimum standard for registration in New Zealand. You will be advised in writing of the Board’s decision.

If you have met the standard, you will receive information about your entitlements and obligations as a Registered Architect and an invoice for your annual Certificate of Registration as a New Zealand Architect. When that invoice is paid, you will be recorded on the New Zealand Architects Register as registered and you will be a New Zealand Registered Architect.

If you have NOT met the standard, you will be sent a copy of the registration assessors’ report and recommendation that you be declined. You will be advised of your right to request a review of the assessment process that was applied to you. A review of the decision itself, i.e. whether or not you met the standard, is not permitted.

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