Dear Members

In the few weeks since taking on the role of NSW President, two things have become very clear to me:

1. The Institute takes on a vast range of activities, from contracts to the effective committee system and everything in between;
2. Because of this range, and in view of the limited resources the Institute has at its disposal, we need to form and continue good working relationships with like-minded organisations to achieve our broad aims as a professional association.

Revised ABIC Contracts
In regard to the first point, I am pleased to report that, following some minor but necessary amendments to bring the simple works and major works housing contracts into alignment with the amended Home Building Act, the new contracts can now be ordered by contacting the Chapter office at nsw@architecture.com.au. You can also exchange unused old contracts for new ones for no fee.

The main differences between the old and new contracts are:

• the checklist for owners is now 14 items instead of 12
• the deposit is now a maximum of 10% (previously a maximum 5% if over $20,000)
• there is a qualifier on page 2 about termination rights, and a statement that the major works contract is not to be used for single dwellings.

For further information, please go to the Fair Trading website.

Apartment Design Quality
SEPP65 is currently under review, and the former Residential Flat Design Code has morphed into the Apartment Design Guide. The Chapter made a spirited submission last year and is looking forward to continuing that conversation with the Department of Planning & Environment.

As the only statutory document in Australia specifically focused on design quality and requiring the use of architects in the design of apartment buildings, the SEPP has been a source of pride for NSW architects. The quality of our apartment buildings is the envy of other states; at the national level the Institute is actively encouraging the adoption of the SEPP’s design principles by other jurisdictions.

These gains for design quality can only be guaranteed, however, if the profession is vigilant in defending and arguing for them. We cannot assume there will not be attempts in future years to dilute the SEPP, particularly through a relaxation of the metrics governing ceiling height, building depth, solar access and other factors that are fundamental to its effectiveness.

What has become clear to me recently through our close contacts with the design excellence staff at the City of Sydney is that there appears to be a dearth of quantitative and qualitative research supporting the case for the retention and enhancement of the SEPP. We need hard data supported by “real” stories demonstrating why apartments are now the dominant housing choice in NSW and the reasons why new owners are making that choice.

I am pleased to report that, following a discussion with the Built Environment Committee, I am convening a workshop later this month with universities, other research organisations and the professions to determine the extent of existing research in this area, and also the shape of the future research we need. We intend to form partnerships with other organisations and skilled researchers and find sources for the funding of this work.

I will report to you on the progress on this important task as it proceeds.

Shaun Carter
NSW President