Use of the word architect factsheet

Final | July 2019 | v2.0.0 | PUBLIC |QGCDG

The term 'architect, registered architect or another title or name prescribed in the Architects Regulation 2019 (Qld) should not be used in isolation, but as part of a title associated with positions in ICT, business planning or other similar roles. They should be combined with another term to ensure there is no suggestion (and indeed misrepresentation) that positions such as enterprise architect, solutions architect or technical architect, for example, are providing building/construction related architectural services, and to ensure there is no conflict with the relevant sections of the Architects Act 2002 (Qld) and the Architects Regulation 2019 (Qld) the standards of which are regulated by the Board of Architects.

Queensland Government departments should qualify the term architect by using a word immediately preceding the word architect in any document to describe a government position or function that does not relate to a building industry architect (as defined in sections 113 and 114 of the Architects Act 2002 (Qld)). Note that there are now several prescribed titles, names or words also listed in Schedule 1 of the Architects Regulation 2019 (Qld) that should also be considered.

The term architect to be qualified

The term architect should be qualified when referring to roles outside of those defined by the Architects Act 2002 (Qld). Sections 113 and 114 of the Act states:

113 Claims about being an architect

(1) A person who is not an architect must not

(a) claim, or hold himself or herself out, to be an architect; or

(b) allow himself or herself to be held out as an architect.

114 Using titles or names etc.

(1) A person who is not an architect must not use -

(a) the title architect or registered architect; or

(b) another title or name, prescribed under a regulation, that in the context in which the title or name is used suggests that the person is an architect.

(2)A person who is not an architect must not use any of the following words to advertise or otherwise promote services provided by the person unless the services are to be provided using an architect -

(a) architectural services, architectural design services or architectural design;

(b) other words, prescribed under a regulation, that in the context in which the words are used suggest that the services to which the words relate are to be provided using an architect.

The Architects Regulation 2019, Schedule 1 provides a list of prescribed titles, names or words that apply to the Act and Regulation (e.g. design architect, graduate architect, principal architect, senior architect).

Agencies should therefore not use the words architect or registered architect or another title or name prescribed in the Architects Regulation 2019 (Qld) when referring to non-building architecture roles or functions. In consultation with the Board of Architects of Queensland, it has been determined that a qualifying word immediately preceding architect/s in any text in a job description or related document is required when either:

• using the word in any form that does not refer to the title architect as described in section 113 of the Architects Act 2002 (Qld)
• identifying or describing a title of a government position or function that does not refer to the title architect that relates to section 114 of the Architects Act 2002 (Qld).

The following examples will assist with understanding how to apply the governments requirements when referring to enterprise architecture or ICT architecture roles:

Benefits

The term architect when used without qualification is generally understood to mean an architect in the traditional sense, in the first instance. Qualifying the term architect or related titles, names or words with another word immediately preceding it, will ensure the protected titles, names or words are not used in a way that would cause a potential breach of the Architects Act 2002 (Qld).

Importantly, it will assist in ensuring that there is no confusion that those providing services in ICT or business planning roles are providing architectural services, the standards of which are regulated by the Board of Architects.

Need more information?

For more information please email qgea@qld.gov.au.