By ANNE GIBSON
What is an architect? Anyone who wants to be, according to a bill which is expected to be passed soon.
Under the Architects Bill, anyone will be able to describe him or herself as an architect - a title which is now protected by law.
But while "architect" would be open to all, the planned legislation would limit use of the term "registered architect".
Architects are angry about the change, which they say threatens their profession and could confuse consumers.
Institute of Architects president Gordon Moller has decried the bill, which will replace the Architects Act of 1963. The bill was tabled on October 15, has been to select committee, was reported back to Parliament on April 14 and aims to introduce a new regulatory framework for architects.
At present, would-be architects require a five-year university degree, 140 weeks of supervised work experience and must sit a registration exam before they can use the title.
The Architects Education and Registration Board cautions others against describing themselves as architects, though "naval architect" and "landscape architect" are allowed, and it concedes that "golf course architect" and "computer architect" are generally accepted.
A spokesman from Commerce Minister Margaret Wilson's office said that although anyone would be able to call him or herself an architect under the terms of the new law, only university-educated, professionally qualified architects who were registered would be able to differentiate themselves by using the term registered architect.
The institute had overreacted to the proposal, the spokesman said.
But Moller said the new law would open up the chance for anyone to call him or herself an architect, leading to confusion.
"Under this proposed legislation, the distinctions between architects and non-architects will become increasingly blurred and allow any person to call themselves an architect - a designer may call themselves a licensed architect for example - and where are the professional standards, let alone any measure of consumer protection in that?"
The Government Administration Committee said it had considered these issues and decided it was enough to let the words registered architect become the differentiating term.
"We were not persuaded by submissions that argued that protection of the title architect is based on historical precedent and required for consistency with overseas jurisdictions," it said.
"Many other professions now use architect, such as landscape architects and software architect. We considered that limiting the scope of the protection of the title of registered architect would clearly identify persons who fall under this bill and enhance professional competency, consumer protection and market competition.
But Moller said the law would undo years of work by the institute to educate the public.
"For years, we have worked to ensure widespread public knowledge and understanding that when the title architect is used, it applies only to those trained and fully qualified in the full range of aspects of the discipline and who meet only the highest standards of professional conduct.
"Instead of giving strength to the professional use of the title architect, this committee has seen fit for it to be seen as a generic term able to be used by anyone no matter how unqualified or remotely connected with the industry or profession.
"As it now reads, the bill would rename appropriately qualified architects as registered architects, leaving open the opportunity for any else to adopt the generic architect title."
Law changes
* A replacement for the Architects Act 1963 is about to go before Parliament.
* It is a companion measure to go with an overhaul of the Building Act.
* Together, the two laws aim to improve the building industry.
* The new Architects Bill aims to modernise legislation governing architects.
* Architects will be registered by a new regime, the NZ Registered Architects Board.
* This will replace the Architects Education and Registration Board.
* The new law will also increase penalties for breaches of the act and deter offending.