This year, in support of our key strategic objectives, the ARBV significantly upscaled its proactive regulatory activities in line with our mission to engage, educate and regulate to ensure architectural services are delivered according to high professional standards and contribute to improved building outcomes for the benefit of the community.
In 2023, the ARBV celebrated 100 years as the regulatory steward for Victorian architects. The ARBV commenced celebrations in July 2023 by joining with Open House Melbourne to conduct a walking tour of the Melbourne CBD to explore the city’s changing architecture, and later hosted an expert live panel discussion highlighting the importance of the ARBV’s regulatory work since it was established. The live panel discussion was followed by a centenary celebration, with an opening address provided by the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Minister for Planning.
The ARBV also commissioned 10 articles by Professor Julie Willis, Dean of Architecture at the University of Melbourne which focus on “firsts” in the Victorian architecture sector, including the first registered architect and company, the first female architect and one of the earliest known registered Indigenous architects, which are published on the ARBV website.
A major undertaking during the current Board’s term saw the ARBV and NSW ARB conduct a joint research project to identify current, emerging and future systemic compliance issues and associated risks affecting the regulation of architects in both Victoria and New South Wales. The valuable findings of the “Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector” project were published in 2022 and the findings have since been used to inform the proactive regulatory strategies adopted by the ARBV to mitigate harm caused by systemic risks.
After the “Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector” project, the ARBV collaborated once more with the NSW ARB by engaging with focus groups in Spring 2023 to undertake “deep dives” into some of the main thematic areas of risk identified in the project. This included Client-Architect Relationships, Design & Construct Procurement, Compliance with the National Construction Code and Disruptive Change. The “Deep Dive Report into Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector” was released in June 2024 and can be found on the ARBV website.
Proactive activities undertaken to support architects to maintain high professional standards include the regular webinar series offered by the ARBV. Recordings of earlier webinars have been made freely available on the ARBV website and we have seen a significant increase in the attendance of these webinars by architects. The ARBV is looking to increase the number of webinars offered throughout the coming year.
The ARBV has expanded the number of Architect Guidelines published, with new guidelines issued about professional indemnity insurance and supervision of unregistered employees. Written guidance reminding all Victorian architects that a strong architecture profession requires a culture of compliance with all relevant laws has also been published.
The ARBV has continued to collaborate with the Victorian Building Authority and other stakeholders as part of the Design Standards Working Group to develop a design documentation practice guide for Class 2 residential buildings, which is expected to be published in August 2024.
Increased proactive monitoring has also been a focus in 2023-24, with targeted monitoring of architects’ compliance with professional indemnity insurance and continuing professional development obligations. The ARBV has also been monitoring the use of terms and wording that may mislead consumers into thinking they are engaging the services of a registered architect when this is not the case, which is prohibited conduct under the Architects Act 1991. The ARBV will continue its efforts in the coming year to implement strategies to promote transparency for the end user about whether work is being carried out by a registered architect or under the supervision of a registered architect.
The ARBV has also undertaken proactive activities aimed at reaching out to consumers and the public more broadly. This includes activities undertaken in partnership with Open House Melbourne, such as the annual walking tour referred to above and the relaunch of the Naked Architect series. Plans have also been endorsed in 2023-24 for the ARBV to participate in Melbourne’s Home Show to engage with an even wider public audience.
As always, the ARBV worked closely with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia on matters related to the standard of architecture education and the practice of architecture in Australia, in furtherance of the ARBV’s responsibility to provide and monitor accreditation for Schools of Architecture in Victorian universities. The ARBV also continued to work closely with other regulators, including through the National Registrars Forum for regulators of the architecture profession throughout Australia.
In 2023-24, the ARBV collaborated with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) on progressing initiatives for legislative reforms and strengthening the regulatory oversight of architects. With the Architects Regulations 2015 due to be replaced in May 2025, the ARBV have been mindful of the opportunity to revise and refresh the regulations, including the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.
Significant comparative analysis has been undertaken in relation to codes of conduct operating in other jurisdictions and consideration of enhancements that may potentially be introduced.
In conjunction with DTP, the ARBV consulted with key industry stakeholders including the Australian Institute of Architects, Association of Consulting Architects and ArchiTeam in relation to potential legislative amendments and will continue to consult on any further proposed changes.
Business as usual saw regulatory oversight of more than 7,700 practising architects and approved companies and partnerships, over 300 Architectural Practice Examinations held, and approximately 10,000 enquiries received and responded to. Seven matters were referred to the Architects Tribunal. An application made to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of a determination made by the ARBV was withdrawn by the applicant.
With registration fees reset for 2023-24, the ARBV has been able to upscale its proactive regulatory activities and continue to progress reactive regulatory activities, including multiple inquiries by the Architects Tribunal, while still maintaining a sound financial position.
During the reporting year, the term of office of 6 Board members expired and at the close of 2023-24, several appointments were still pending. The ARBV would like to express our gratitude to the members of the Board, Deputy Chairperson Sophie Cleland, Bruce Allen, Mark Curry, Richard Drew, Stefan Preuss, and Sally Wills for their ongoing support, strategic advice and commitment to promoting higher standards of professional conduct among architects in Victoria.
Finally, the ARBV extends our appreciation to the ARBV staff for their continuous support and to Victorian architects for the valuable services they offer to their clients and the Victorian community.
Dr Giorgio Marfella, ARBV Chairperson
Dr Glenice Fox, ARBV CEO/Registrar
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