What's the difference between an architect and a designer in NZ?
Short answer
An 'Architect' is a registered title under the Registered Architects Act 2005 — held by people who've completed a recognised degree, internship, and registration exam. A 'Designer' or 'Draftsperson' is any other person who designs buildings — often an LBP Design. Both can design houses; the architect title carries higher fees and a formal complaints regime, but a quality LBP Design can produce comparable work for many residential builds.
Key facts
- 'Architect' is a registered title — protected by law
- Registered Architects NZ (NZRAB) holds the register
- 'Designer' / 'Draftsperson' / 'Architectural Designer' — unregistered titles
- LBP Design (AOP 1/2/3) — the practical licence for residential design
- Architect fees typically 8-15% of build cost; designer 4-8%
When the architect title matters
Complex builds where design risk is high — multi-storey, unusual sites, heritage zones, premium spec. The architect carries professional indemnity insurance and a formal complaints regime under the NZRAB.
For a standard single-storey house, an LBP Design AOP 1 or 2 can often deliver equivalent work for less. The decider is the specific designer's skill and portfolio, not the title.
Verifying credentials
Architects: check the NZRAB register at architects.org.nz/find-an-architect.
LBP Designers: check the LBP register at lbp.govt.nz with the AOP class.
Both registers are free, instant, and authoritative.
What to ask either
Three recent completed houses with addresses (drive past, look). Realistic timeline from brief to consented plans. Their relationship with builders — do they have preferred contractors. Their PI insurance certificate. Whether they're a member of NZIA (architects) or ADNZ (designers).
Knowing the rules is half the job. The other half is knowing who you're hiring — check any NZ builder's court action, insolvency history, director track record and AI risk score in minutes.
Planning the project? See the costs
Related questions
Sources: Registered Architects Act 2005; NZRAB — architects.org.nz; Architectural Designers NZ — adnz.org.nz. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice — building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.