The word “architect” is the easiest place to start, because it’s protected by law. Under section 7 of the Registered Architects Act 2005, only a registered architect can use the title while designing buildings, preparing plans or supervising construction.

The New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), which keeps the register, says titles like architectural designer, building designer and draftsman are all lawful for everyone else. Using “architect” without registration is an offence with a fine of up to $10,000.

The register listed 2,449 registered architects on 6 October 2026. You can search it by name at nzrab.nz.

What the law actually checks

For most renovations, the title matters less than the licence. The Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) scheme, run by MBIE, covers restricted building work. That’s design or building work on a house, or a small to medium apartment building under 10 metres, that affects the primary structure, the weathertightness or, in multi-unit buildings, fire safety design.

Only three groups can design or supervise that work. They’re LBPs in the design class, registered architects and chartered professional engineers.

The design licence has three areas of practice tied to building categories. Category 1 is a single household home with a low or medium risk envelope, a score of 12 or less on the E2/AS1 risk matrix. Category 2 covers higher-risk homes and other buildings under 10 metres. Category 3 is everything 10 metres or taller except houses.

An LBP can take on any work within their licence class, but the scheme says they must only do work they’re competent to do.

Whoever designs the restricted work gives you a certificate of work, sometimes called an RBW design memorandum, to lodge with your consent application. It carries the designer’s LBP or registration number, and an individual must sign it. A company name doesn’t count.

From 15 January 2026, small standalone homes up to 70 square metres, often called granny flats, can be built without a building consent. The LBP scheme says some of that work is still restricted building work and needs a licensed practitioner.

Matching the job to the person

Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), the architects’ professional body, says most architects offer one-off consultations, which can test an idea before you commit to a full design. It says fees are charged on total project cost, a fixed lump sum or time, depending on the project.

NZIA gives its members an Agreement for Architect’s Services for smaller projects, and recommends agreeing the scope and cost in writing before work starts.

Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ), based in Riccarton, Christchurch, represents both qualified architectural designers and registered architects. It says its professional members are skills-assessed and must keep up continuing professional development.

“Choosing an architect or architectural designer comes down to preference and budget,” ADNZ says in its guide to choosing a designer. It recommends asking for the designer’s terms and a written contract covering price and timelines.

A draughtsperson draws up plans, and the title is lawful for anyone. If those plans include restricted building work, a design LBP, architect or engineer has to do or supervise that part and sign the certificate.

Interior designers have their own professional body. Toi Manahau Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ) grew partly out of the New Zealand Association of Interior Designers, founded in 1968, and now calls the discipline spatial design.

The restricted building work rules cover structure, weathertightness and fire safety, so interior work that leaves those alone falls outside them. Moving a load-bearing wall or a window can bring a licensed designer in.

Kitchen designers sit in the same position. The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) runs a Find a Designer directory and the New Zealand Diploma in Kitchen Design.

Your builder needs licensing too. Before restricted building work starts under a consent, the owner must give the council the name of every LBP doing or supervising it, unless the council has granted an owner-builder exemption. The LBP scheme warns that breaking these rules can bring a fine of up to $50,000.

Before you sign with anyone, check their name on the NZRAB register or the LBP public register, and ask which licence number will go on your certificate of work.