About

The Architects Board of Western Australia is a statutory authority that administers the Architects Act 2004, the legislation that regulates architects in Western Australia.  The Board’s key role is to protect consumers of architectural services.

Although the Board reports to State Parliament through the Minister for Commerce, it is entirely self funded by architects.

The Board is composed of 10 members – four members are appointed by the Minister as consumer representatives, two members are appointed by the Minister on the nomination of professional architectural bodies, and four members are elected by architects.

The Board manages the registration process for architects and issues licences to corporations.  As part of the registration process, the Board accredits architectural courses from Western Australian universities and conducts the Architectural Practice Examination.

The Board also monitors the correct use of the word “architect” (and associated words) and investigates any contraventions of the Architects Act 2004.  The Board has a role in disciplining architects if they have acted unprofessionally or breached the Act.  It also has a public awareness role that complements its consumer protection functions.

The Board meets once a month, excluding January. In addition to monthly Board meetings, members also participate on sub-committees as required. Board members are paid sitting fees as determined by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The Board members currently in office are:

• David Ashton
  Re-appointed by the Minister as a consumer representative in 2023.
• Alison Devellerez
  Chair of the Board. Re-elected by architects in 2022.
• Karen Dill-Macky
  Re-appointed by the Minister as a consumer representative in 2022.
• David Gulland
  Deputy chair of the Board. Re-elected by architects in 2022.
• Judith Hogben
  Re-appointed by the Minister as a consumer representative in 2023.
• Dr Sharon Ivey
  Re-appointed by the Minister as a consumer representative in 2022.
• Tanya Jones
  Re-elected by architects in 2023.
• Dr Francesco Mancini
  Re-appointed by the Minister on the nomination of a prescribed body in 2022.
• Joshua Mangan
  Elected by architects in 2023. 
• Fiona Hogg
  Appointed by the Minister on the nomination of a prescribed body in 2023. 

The Board is supported by the following staff:

• Lisa Edwards
  Registrar
• Olivia Merredew
  Registration Co-ordinator

The Architects Act 2004 was proclaimed on 15 November 2005 and replaces the Architects Act 1921.

Please click here to view the Architects Act 2004.

Please click here to view the Architects Regulations 2005.

Please click here to view the Board’s Annual Report for 2022/23.

Please click here to view the Board’s Annual Report for 2020/21.

Please click here to view the Board’s Annual Report for 2019/20.

Please click here to view the Board’s Annual Report for 2018/19.

Please click here to view the Board’s Annual Report for 2017/18.

The Board’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2024 re-affirms the Board’s role to protect consumers of architectural and related services in WA by:

• administering the registration scheme established under the Architects Act 2004;
• accrediting architectural education courses;
• ensuring that only properly qualified and competent persons are identified as architects;
• regulating the practice of architecture by architects; and
• monitoring the continuing education of architects to ensure they maintain appropriate levels of knowledge, skill and competence.

The Board’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024 can be viewed here.

Goals and key strategies have been adopted for each of the 5 strategic priorities outlined in the Plan, with measures and milestones incorporated into the Board’s annual calendar.