MEMBERSHIP

Eligibility

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​To become a Registered Urban Designer, you must:

• Hold a Master of Urban Design degree obtained in Aotearoa New Zealand, or an equivalent urban design qualification.

• Have at least six years of professional experience, including a minimum of two years focused on urban design practice in New Zealand.

• Demonstrate competency in urban design through a portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and contributions to projects.

 

Fees

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• Application Fee: NZD 750 (non-refundable, payable upon receipt of application for processing)

• Annual Membership Fee: NZD $750 (due upon approval, pro rata, and annually thereafter by 1 July)

 

Application Process

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Prepare Your Application

• You will need to provide the following:

• A completed application form (download here)

• A curriculum vitae (max. 4 x A4 pages) outlining your qualifications, professional affiliations, and urban design experience

• A written statement (max. 1,000 words with up to 4 A4 pages of illustrations if required) addressing the core competencies and at least two professional practice areas (see Appendix A in the Membership Requirements PDF)

• Five project examples (max. 15 x A3 pages total) demonstrating your capabilities and urban design influence in the Aotearoa New Zealand context

• A record of urban design work covering a minimum of six years within the last 10 years, detailing project names, clients, dates, types, and your role in each project

• If your qualification was obtained overseas, provide evidence of its equivalence to MUrbDes from the University of Auckland

• A UDIA Registered Urban Designer sponsor who has known you professionally for at least two years and can verify your experience and integrity (If you need assistance finding a sponsor, email: info@udia.org.nz)
   

Note: Senior practitioners with over 15 years of post-qualification experience may apply without a sponsor until 17 July 2026.

 

Submit Your Application

Send your completed application and proof of payment to: info@udia.org.nz

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Application Review

• Your application will be assessed by the UDIA Membership Assessment Panel.

• If further information is required, you may receive a request. You can then submit your information within three months without incurring an additional fee.

• An online interview will be conducted (unless exempt as a Senior Practitioner) to evaluate your professional understanding and experience of urban design in Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

Approval and Registration

Once approved by the UDIA Council, you’ll be notified of your registration and invoiced for the annual membership fee. Your name will then be added to the public list of Registered Urban Designers. 



 

Membership also carries an ongoing responsibility to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in respect to urban design. An annual record of CPD completed will be required of a member of the UDIA to retain membership.

 

Ready to Apply?

 

Download the detailed Membership Requirements PDF and check out the Application Process Flowchart PDF for complete guidance. For inquiries or to find a sponsor, contact us at info@udia.org.nz.

 

We look forward to welcoming you to UDIA!