ARBV Update

Edition 10, September 2022

National Construction Code 2022

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) confirmed on Friday 26 August that NCC 2022 will now be made available from 1 October 2022 and will commence on 1 May 2023, with a transition period to 1 October 2023.

There will also be transition periods for specific requirements. These include:

New liveable housing requirements, new energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements – 1 October 2023
New low lead in plumbing product requirements – 1 September 2025.

A preview of the new energy efficiency and condensation requirements is available to download as a pdf from ncc.abcb.gov.au.

For more information head to the ABCB website.

ARBV's new Service Charter is now online

This service charter outlines what you can expect from us, our expected timeframes for services provided and how you con contact us.

For more information on the standard of service you can expect to receive from the ARBV visit our website: www.arbv.vic.gov.au

Architects Tribunal begins three new professional conduct inquiries

Following recent investigation of three separate complaints, the Architects Registration Board Victoria (ARBV) has referred three architects to the Architects Tribunal for an inquiry relating to their professional conduct. The complaints related to a number of issues, including deficient client architect agreements, failure to perform services with due skill, care or diligence and inappropriate billing practices. In each case, a former client submitted a complaint to the ARBV setting out problems they encountered while working with their architect.

If the Tribunal makes findings against an architect at an inquiry it may make a range of determinations, including (but not limited to) cautioning or reprimanding an architect or suspending or cancelling an architect’s registration.

The ARBV’s mission is to engage, educate and regulate to ensure architectural services in Victoria are delivered according to high professional standards and contribute to improved building outcomes for the benefit of the community.

The Architects Tribunal is independent from the ARBV.

Research Project on Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector

The Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) and the New South Wales Architects Registration Board (NSW ARB) are jointly undertaking a research project to identify current, emerging and future systemic compliance issues and associated risks affecting the regulation of architects in Victoria and New South Wales.

The research project draws on resources from Australia as well as jurisdictions around the world. The findings from the research project will be used to inform the proactive regulatory strategies employed by the ARBV and NSW ARB respectively in order to mitigate harm caused by systemic risks. The research project is expected to be completed in the final quarter of 2022 and the results will be made publicly available on the ARBV’s and NSW ARB’s websites.

Planning your Continuing Professional Development activities

There are many types of CPD activities you can participate in throughout the year, including conferences, training and workshops. The AIA, ACA and Archi-team offer a range of CPD activities that can be completed either online or in-person depending on your needs.

ARBV's CPD framework outlines how many CPD activities you must complete during the year and the required mix of formal and informal learning. Within this framework, you can create your own CPD plan based on your individual needs. For more information about CPD requirements visit https://www.vic.gov.au/continuing-professional-development-architect

Australian Institute of Architects

Association of Consulting Architects

Archi-team

Shaping future architects

Practical experience is a requirement for anyone seeking to register for the first time as an architect in Victoria. As a registered architect you may be asked to supervise graduates from time to time, and, when doing so it is important to ensure that their practical experience is based on the 15 performance criteria outlined in the National Standard of Competency for Architects.

The Architectural Practice Examination (APE) assesses applicants’ knowledge and understanding of the practice of architecture in Australia as well as their capacity to exercise the professional skills required to be an architect.

APE applicants must submit a concise statement outlining their practical experience, the scope of work undertaken, and key projects that demonstrate their experience as well as a summary of the architects who have supervised their architectural experience. Valuable, varied practical experience prior to registration helps ensure the quality and safety of Victoria's built environment and protects the reputation of the architectural profession.

We saw a drop in the number of APE applicants during 2020 and 2021, likely due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the architectural profession and its activities, but numbers are now starting to increase again. 201 applications were received for session 2 this year.