Among its
functions, the New Zealand Registered Architects Board is required to
investigate complaints against Registered Architects, and, if warranted,
implement discipline procedures which, as an absolute last resort, can see an architect’s registration cancelled.
The primary
purpose of the complaints procedure is to protect the public. However, the
profession can benefit from complaint investigations by seeing examples of where architects have got into trouble and learning from their mistakes.
From the complaints that the Board has looked at so
far, the following patterns have emerged.
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Generally complaints relate to residential projects, with
home-owner clients.
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Almost invariably residential projects founder because of poor
budget control by the architect.
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Excessive self confidence leads to sloppy communications with
clients.
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Casual language, particularly with emails, leads to the architect
not maintaining control of the project.
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The loss of control of the project is worst in relation to money
matters, setting budgets, and obtaining cost estimates at the various
design stages of the work.
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Not getting independent estimating advice is a common failing.
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Often conditions of engagement and fee-setting are not formalised
and changes in scope aren’t documented.
Discipline Reports
When complaints have been concluded, where relevant, summaries are provided to help architects avoid these mistakes.
How the discipline process works
When members of the public contact the NZRAB with concerns about an architect's performance they are given a brochure which describes how complaints are dealt with and the penalties that can be applied if an architect is found wanting. You can view it here or in a text only version here.