Unique agreement helps architects register and study between the UK, Australia and New Zealand

A new mutual recognition agreement (MRA) has been signed between the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB), and the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB).

The agreement means that from 25 May, eligible architects can benefit from a streamlined registration process that will reduce costs and examinations, making it easier for them to register to work in each country.

The agreement will open up the architects’ profession whilst upholding and maintaining the high standards and safety that help to protect the public. This is because of the alignment between the rigorous competencies required to register in each country, reinforced by the three regulators’ quality assurance processes.

To help improve access to the profession, this unique agreement will also recognise an individuals’ relevant qualifications along the path to becoming an architect. This means someone who has been educated up to and including Master’s level can complete their training in another partner country and benefit from the agreement.

Kathlyn Loseby, CEO of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, said: “Architects are among the most highly qualified professionals alongside the legal and medical fraternities. Architecture is also one of the professions that benefit most from collaboration, and this agreement enhances the ability of both registered architects and graduates with accredited qualifications to move between the UK and Australia / New Zealand.

“Our three nations have an obvious affinity based on shared language and cultural similarities and the new professional recognition process is straightforward and simple. AACA thanks both the ARB and NZRAB for the six years of collaboration culminating in this agreement.”

Hugh Simpson, Chief Executive and Registrar, Architects Registration Board, said: “The agreement builds on the close links between our three countries and has been made possible because of the constructive engagement between regulatory bodies and the confidence we have in the integrity of regulation and assurance of standards across Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re delighted that as well as helping eligible architects to register, saving them time and money, the new and more proportionate process will also create opportunities for tomorrow’s architects to study internationally across the three countries.”

Dougal McKechnie, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, said: “This agreement will facilitate the mobility of architects registered in the United Kingdom and New Zealand and between our countries.

“We want our registration processes to be as straightforward as possible, while still ensuring new registrants have what is necessary for safe and effective practice. Mutual recognition agreements such as this benefit qualifying architects with a simpler pathway to registration between the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

“We are delighted to have developed and signed this trilateral agreement and thank the ARB and the AACA for all the work that has gone into making it possible.”

Business & Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “This is great news for British architects, unlocking new markets and helping UK businesses to grow, create new jobs and pay higher wages and comes following the signature of our new free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.”

Interested architects or students can find more information on their home regulator’s website:

• Australia – AACA: https://aaca.org.au/mutual-recognition/united-kingdom/
• New Zealand – NZRAB: https://www.nzrab.nz/c/Alt-To-Apply
• UK – ARB: org.uk/international-routes/

RIBA President Simon Allford said: “This is another welcome step that opens up the world for architects and architecture. Through these agreements, we enable the sharing of expertise and innovation internationally.

“With our cultural links and this new agreement, I am optimistic that UK architecture will be able to engage in more projects in Australia and New Zealand, and crucially, the new arrangements will save architects time and money.

“I hope that our members and their peers in Australia and New Zealand make the most of this chance to expand beyond borders and import and export best practice in the design of the low carbon future.”