Architects (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (No. 1)
Architectural work is now banded by qualification: a bachelor of architectural studies may design up to double storey and 400 square metres, a diploma up to 300, a certificate single storey up to 200.
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, in consultation with the Architects Council, has amended the Second Schedule to the Architects Act to add new categories of person who may carry out limited architectural work, each tied to a qualification and a ceiling on the structures they may design.
A holder of a bachelor of architectural studies or equivalent from an accredited tertiary institution is limited to double-storey structures not exceeding 400 square metres, farm buildings up to 500 square metres, and residential complexes of at most four units.
A holder of a bachelor of technology, diploma or equivalent is limited to double-storey structures up to 300 square metres, farm buildings up to 350 square metres, mining structures up to 350 square metres, and residential complexes of at most two units.
A certificate holder from an accredited institution is limited to single-storey structures not exceeding 200 square metres, farm buildings up to 200 square metres, mining structures up to 250 square metres, and residential structures for one family.
Two specialist categories are added: a person holding a degree in interior architecture or at least a diploma in interior design, limited to interior design work; and a person holding at least a diploma in landscape design, limited to landscape design work.
The effect is to open a regulated tier of practice below full registration as an architect, with the size, height and use of the structure setting the boundary of what each qualification permits.
What changed
- Bachelor of architectural studies holders limited to double storey up to 400 sqm, farm buildings 500 sqm, four residential units
- Bachelor of technology or diploma holders limited to double storey up to 300 sqm, farm and mining structures 350 sqm, two units
- Certificate holders limited to single storey up to 200 sqm, farm buildings 200 sqm, mining structures 250 sqm, one family home
- Interior design practice recognised for holders of a degree in interior architecture or a diploma in interior design
- Landscape design practice recognised for holders of at least a diploma in landscape design
Who this affects
- Architectural technicians, technologists and draughtspersons
- Interior and landscape designers
- Clients commissioning small buildings, farm sheds and mining structures
- Local authority building plan approvers
- The Architects Council of Zimbabwe
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.