Architecture Graduate Progression to Practice in New Zealand: 1987-2018

This study has completed a longitudinal research exploring the progression of architecture graduates from The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington and Unitec over a 32-year period. An initial Survey tracked graduates from 1987 to 1999 and a Second Survey extended the tracking to 2008. This Third Survey in the series takes the analysis to 2018.

The research seeks to understand how New Zealand architecture graduates progress into the architecture profession in New Zealand, indicated by registration as architects and/or membership of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). In addition, the report explores gender balance among graduates and within the profession, analysing challenges, barriers and expectations of women among architecture graduates and in the practice of architecture in New Zealand.

Graduate lists were gathered from The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington and Unitec, all offering accredited architecture programmes in New Zealand. Data were then compared with the public list of the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) and the various individual membership categories of the NZIA. Additional information on women graduates was gathered through two focus groups held in Auckland and Wellington in late 2019.

The research, funded through the Faculty Research Development Fund, provides an evidence-based account for use by the Schools of Architecture, the NZRAB and the NZIA and, beyond, to all architecture practices in New Zealand.