Work in New Zealand as an Architect

Architects design structures through plans and specifications and work alongside construction professionals to ensure the project meets all required specifications. The same goes for Landscape architects who design outside areas.

According to the Australia/New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, tasks may include:

• obtaining advice from clients and management to determine type, style and size of planned buildings and alterations to existing buildings
• providing information regarding designs, materials and estimated building times
• preparing project documentation, including sketches and scale drawings, and integrating structural, mechanical and aesthetic elements in final designs
• writing specifications and contract documents for use by builders and calling tenders on behalf of clients
• consulting with Professionals and clients about external area designs, costs and construction
• compiling and analysing site and community data about geographical and ecological features, landforms, soils, vegetation, site hydrology, visual characteristics and human-made structures, to formulate land use and development recommendations, and for preparing environmental impact statements
• preparing reports, site plans, working drawings, specifications and cost estimates for land development, showing location and details of proposals, including ground modelling, structures, vegetation and access
• inspecting construction work in progress to ensure compliance with plans, specifications and quality standards

Career paths

Once you gain experience in this field, you can work independently as an architect or landscape architect, become a contractor, join a company or run your own business (you need to be on an open work visa or a resident to work as a contractor or be self-employed). As a resident, you can be your own boss and work independently to provide architectural services.

Construction sector

Skilled architects are needed for many of the current and upcoming constructions projects all over New Zealand. Currently Auckland is in a large period of growth.

Best things about being an Architect in New Zealand

• Range of experiences – work in a range of areas within the Architectural profession
• Work Life Balance – New Zealanders benefit from a good work life balance approach by supporting employer

Your pay varies on the skills, experience and the type / complexity of work that you will do.

Architects:

• Graduate Architects usually earn $55 - $75 k per yar
• Experienced Architects usually earn $70k – 140k per year

Landscape Architects:

• Graduate Landscape Architects usually earn $42 – 60k per year
• Experienced Landscape Architects usually earn $45 - $90k per year

Do you have what it takes to work as an Architect in New Zealand?

According to ANZSCO, an Architect or Landscape Architect is a skill level 1 occupation and you will be required to hold a bachelor degree or higher qualification to meet the qualification requirements.

Occupational Registration

The Registration board for architects is the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB)

NZRAB website

Overseas-qualified architects usually require 1 year work experience in New Zealand before they can become registered in New Zealand. UK-registered architects may work as "UK-registered architect" mentioned on their visa.