ARBV Update

Special Edition, August 2025

Release of Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector Report

The ARBV is excited to announce the release of our report on “Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector”.

The report highlights the critical role of compliance culture within the architecture profession, explaining why it matters, what it looks like in practice, and how it can be strengthened. The report draws on insights from architects, industry leaders, regulators, educators, and insurers to evaluate compliance culture within the Victorian architecture sector.

The report is accompanied by a high-level summary and booklet containing practical guidance to support architects and architectural firms to strengthen compliance culture. The ARBV is also planning to provide a series of CPD webinars on the research.

Read our media release for more information about the report.

Legislative Amendments

On 13 August 2025, amendments to the Architects Act 1991 will come into effect. The changes primarily relate to registration renewal obligations. As these obligations will not come into effect until after the current year’s registration renewal has been finalised most architects will not encounter the changes until they renew their registration next year.

At a high level the changes mean that -

• at renewal the following requirements must be completed by 30 June:
  • payment of renewal fees (previously due on 1 July)
  • architects, companies and partnerships must provide the ARBV with proof of required professional indemnity insurance coverage until 30 June the following year
  • architects must also provide the ARBV with proof of compliance with continuing professional development requirements and a declaration that they are a fit and proper person to continue practising as an architect.
• a late payment fee is payable if renewal requirements are not completed by 30 June
• registration or approval automatically expires after 1 month if renewal requirements remain unmet and architect details will be removed from the Register of Architects
• architects, companies and partnerships with expired registration or approval can apply to reinstate their registration or approval within 2 months
• reinstatement after 2 months is at the discretion of the ARBV
• where an application for reinstatement is made, a reinstatement fee will apply in addition to renewal fees.

Read our media release about the legislative amendments.