Investigations and referrals the Architects Tribunal
If we receive a complaint about an architect's conduct or if we suspect an architect has done something wrong, we can investigate the architect's conduct.
An investigation typically takes at least 3 months. We will typically request information from various sources during an investigation, including documents from the:
- architect
- their clients
- contractors
- local councils
- other regulators.
If we find evidence that an architect has done something wrong, we may refer the architect to the Architects Tribunal for an inquiry.
Find out more about the Architects Tribunal.
Conduct that may be investigated
We can investigate an architect if we suspect the architect has:
- engaged in unprofessional conduct
- been careless or incompetent in their practice
- failed to meet the professional standards expected of architects in Victoria
- breached or failed to comply with the Architects Act 1991
- breached or failed to comply with section 16(4) of the Building Act 1993
- breached or failed to comply with section 16(4A) of the Building Act 1993 – this only applies if the architect is the builder named in the building permit
- been convicted of an indictable offence in Victoria (or committed an offence elsewhere, that would be considered an indictable offence if they committed it in Victoria)
- obtained registration by fraud, misrepresentation, or concealing facts.
Immediate suspensions
The ARBV may immediately suspend an architect’s registration where one or more of the criteria for immediate suspension is met in section 36A of the Architects Act 1997. These include where an architect has ceased to be a fit and proper person, has not provided proof of the required insurance or continuing professional development (CPD) activities or has been convicted of a serious criminal offence.
Th ARBV will not immediately suspend an architect’s registration where the conduct or issue in question is minor or trivial and will only do so when the conduct or issue has an ongoing impact or risk of impact to consumers or the reputation of the profession which would be diminished or prevented by a suspension.
An immediate suspension of an architect’ registration must be revoked by the ARBV if the reason for revoking the suspension no longer exists.
Where the ARBV has immediately suspended an architect’s registration, it must determine that an inquiry be held into the architect’s fitness to practise or professional conduct without delay. An inquiry must still be held following revocation of the immediate suspension.
Information gathering powers
While we will typically request information or documents in the first instance, it may use its information gathering powers based on the assessed risk.
Subject to section 17B of the Act, the ARBV has the power to compel the production of information or documents:
- if it has reasonable grounds to suspect that an architect has breached the Act or Regulations
- to determine whether the Act or Regulations have been complied with
- to assist in the enforcement of any profession conduct and practice standard
- to assist it in determining whether an architect's professional conduct or fitness to practice should be referred to the Architects Tribunal.
Penalties apply for refusal to comply with a notice requiring production of information or documents without a reasonable excuse.
Architects Disciplinary Register
See the Architects Disciplinary Register to check if an architect has been the subject of a determination by the Architects Tribunal.
Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct
Standards for the professional conduct and practice of architects can be found at schedule 1 of the Architects Regulations 2026 (pg 32-45).
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