Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Q: If I could apply under multiple pathways, which one should I use?

    A: We suggest you choose the pathway that best matches your career stage and effort to submit your application. Consider who your Sponsor Two will be, as this may differ if you have a choice between say Pathway 1 or 3.  

  • Q: Will I need to renew my registration, and if so, how often?

    A: Yes, registration will require renewal every year on the 1st July through payment of the annual UDA registered urban designer membership fee (currently $260). You will not have to prove your experience again or do another interview, but you may be asked to demonstrate evidence of your continuing professional development (CPD).

  • Q: How much does it cost to apply for registration?

    A: The fee is paid in two stages:

    1. An application fee of $150 is payable upon lodgement of the application.

    2. If you progress to the interview stage, a fee of $300 is payable.

  • Q: What happens if my application is not successful?

    A: If your application does not meet the criteria, you will receive feedback on areas you may like to reconsider for any future applications. . You may re-apply after gaining further experience or meeting specific requirements outlined in the feedback. The application fee  is non-refundable.

  • Q: Do I have to show continuing professional development through CPD points to retain my registration?

    A: A commitment to continuing professional development is an integral part of being a UDA Registered Urban Designer. A CPD system is in development. Until that system is operating, your own records of CPD activities will be satisfactory.

Experience

  • Q: What if my role in a project was as part of a team? Can I still include it?

    A: Yes, but make sure to clearly outline your specific contributions to the project. Describe your responsibilities and how your input shaped the design or outcomes, especially in applying urban design principles or solving design challenges.

  • Q: How is my experience verified during the application process?

    A: Your experience is verified through the quality of your own account on the application form, your sponsors’ declarations and the interview process. The interview panel may recommend to the UDA Committee that further information be requested to complete the process.

  • Q: Can I count any experience that I gained while I was still studying?

    A: No, experience gained  through the education process is not counted as work experience.  However, if you were working part-time during a part-time course, say a part-time Master’s degree, then urban design work experience may be counted.

  • Q: Do I have to show continuing professional development through CPD points to retain my registration?

    A: A commitment to continuing professional development is an integral part of being a UDA Registered Urban Designer. A CPD system is in development. Until that system is operating, your own records of CPD activities will be satisfactory.

  • Q: What does full time equivalent experience mean?

    A: To determine your eligible experience, use the Full-Time Equivalent measure. This means the total time worked may need to be prorated if you take extended leave and/or work part time. The application form helps you multiply the percentage of time you’ve dedicated to urban design by the total time worked.

     For example, if you worked part-time (3 days a week) on urban design projects , then you can count 60% of that calendar time towards your registration. If you worked full time say in an architecture or landscape architecture consultancy, but spent roughly half your time working as an urban designer on urban design projects, then you can count 50% of that calendar time towards registration. If you worked for three years as an urban designer 3 days a week this would be equivalent to 1.8 years of full time experience.

  • Q: Does academic experience count toward registration?

    A: Unfortunately, academic experience (eg researching, teaching or tutoring) does not count toward registration. This is because the purpose of registration is to help the broader industry identify highly experienced urban design practitioners. While academic capabilities are important,those capabilities are not part of the practice of urban design, and therefore it does not count towards work experience for registration.

  • Q: What if I’ve been on a career break? How does that impact my application?

    A: Career breaks are acknowledged in the application process. You may still apply if your overall full-time equivalent work experience meets the minimum requirements for registration, excluding any time spent on a break.

  • Q: Does overseas experience count towards registration?

    A: Yes, however you must also have a strong understanding of relevant Australian practices, standards and regulations    and have practiced urban design in Australia for at least two years.

Sponsors

  • Q: What are the criteria for sponsors?

    A: For all pathways, you need two sponsors.  Your Sponsor One must be a UDA Registered Urban Designer

    If you are applying under pathways 1 or 2, your Sponsor Two must have at least 10 years experience as an urban designer and must have supervised your work for at least 1 year. This sponsor does not have to be registered by the UDA or a current member of the UDA.  If you are applying under pathways 3 or 4, your Sponsor Two may be a former employer or senior urban designer familiar with your urban design work.

  • Q: Can both sponsors be from the same company?

    A: Your sponsors must be currently working at different companies or organisations.

  • Q: Must both sponsors be UDA members?

    A: No, only one of your sponsors must be a UDA Registered Urban Designer member Your Sponsor Two does not have to be a UDA member.

  • Q: Do I need to be a member to apply for registration?

    A: No but if your application process is successful, you are required to become and maintain paid membership of the UDA to use the title of a UDA Registered Urban Designer.

Qualification

  • Q: For pathway one requiring 4.5+ years of study, do I need two design degrees? My bachelor architecture degree in the 1980/90’s was 6 full time years of study.

    A: No, the application process recognises there have been many models of tertiary study over the years.  Provided your study was the equivalent of at least 4.5 years of full time, built environment design degree with a major design studio component, this will be satisfactory.

  • Q: For pathway one requiring 4.5+ years of study, must a ‘degree’ only be a Bachelor or Masters? One of my qualifications is a Diploma.

     A: A built environment design Diploma or Certificate from a tertiary institution is satisfactory, provided you can demonstrate the design studio component.

  • Q: In my bachelor degree I attended lectures about urban design and tutorials in placemaking and sustainable cities, but no studios. Does this count as a qualification for pathway 1?

     A: No.  This sounds like good information and knowledge in urbanism, but not a studio-based design qualification.  Pathway 2 is more appropriate for you.