This Guide has been prepared by the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV). It provides guidance about compliance with the Architects Code of Professional Conduct 2026 (Code), which is made under the Architects Act 1991 (Act) and is a schedule to the Architects Regulations 2026 (Regulations).
The Guide is designed for architects and architectural firms in Victoria.
It contains high-level clause-by-clause guidance followed by more detailed guidance about important topics arising under the Code.
For the clause-by-clause analysis, this Guide sets out:
- the clause number and title;
- the text of the Code clause;
- a plain-language summary of the clause's purpose, including the harm(s) it is designed to address; and
- practical compliance guidance.
Important note
This Guide is a reference that can be used by architects and architectural firms to help them understand and comply with the Code. It will be updated periodically so that the guidance remains relevant and useful, so users should ensure that they are referring to the most recent version of the Guide on the ARBV’s website. However, the Guide does not replace the Code. Users should always consult the Code in the first instance when assessing compliance with their obligations.
The guidance provided in this Guide is illustrative only. It does not cover every situation that may arise in practice and should not be treated as a definitive statement of what the Code requires in any particular case. When in doubt about compliance with the Code, architects and firms should seek independent legal advice. Reliance on this Guide is not a substitute for legal advice.
The ARBV has prepared this Guide in good faith to assist the architecture profession in Victoria. The ARBV does not accept liability for any loss, damage or consequence arising from reliance on this Guide. Architects remain personally responsible for understanding and complying with their obligations under the Code, the Act and the Regulations.
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