Complaints and discipline
Complaints about a registered architect
If a registered architect has fallen short of the standards required of them, you can complain to RIA. This page explains what RIA can act on, how to complain, and what follows.
What RIA can consider
Conduct that breaches the code of ethics: dishonesty, conflicts of interest, misuse of a registration number or stamp, abandoning a client's work, taking on work beyond the member's competence, or holding out qualifications they do not have.
What RIA cannot resolve
RIA is not a court
It cannot award compensation, order a refund, settle a contractual dispute, or make a building safe. It can act on a member's registration, which is serious for them but does not put money back in your pocket. Where your complaint is really a contractual dispute, say so and take legal advice; the two can run in parallel.
Process
How to complain
- 01
Submit your complaint
State what happened, who is involved, and attach your evidence. - 02
RIA reviews it
The complaint is checked against the code of ethics and the member is notified. - 03
Investigation
- 04
Decision
Before you complain, common questions
Will using an architect delay my approval?
It usually shortens it. Most approval delays come from incomplete or non-compliant submissions, which is what a complete set is meant to prevent.
Can I use drawings from a house I like?
A design made for another site rarely works on yours — different slope, orientation, access and plot dimensions. It is also someone else's work, and using it without permission is a legal matter of its own.
Frequently asked questions
I am mid-project. Will complaining make things worse?
It may change the working relationship, and you should weigh that. Get independent advice on the project itself either way.
The person is not registered at all.
That is a different route — report unregistered practice instead.
Not registered at all?
If the person you are concerned about is not a registered member, this is not a complaints matter — report unregistered practice instead.
Make a complaint
Not sure which applies? Send it either way and we will route it.