2014 is shaping as a year of opportunities for our Institute and profession.

For much of 2013 South Australia’s Expert Panel on Planning Reform has been busy formulating a new statutory framework for development in this State. While the panel’s work is expected to be concluded in October this year, our Chapter Council has been focusing its attention on getting registered architects incorporated more meaningfully into the statutes. At the moment the only statute applying directly to architects is the one that allows registered architects to call themselves an ‘architect’ (the Architects Practice Act 2009).

Our Chapter holds the view that now is the time to more fully imbed the role of architects and good design in the development process. We will be continue to discuss, debate and hopefully convince the abovementioned Expert Panel of the value of this. And given that the March 15th State Election is looming (larger than expected) the SA Chapter is formally asking each of the major parties to formally respond to questions such as will your party legislate the role of architects in buildings?

Other countries certainly recognise the importance of the role of architects. For instance, in France the law states that a request for a building permit (Permis de construire) cannot be investigated unless a qualified registered architect has “established the architectural project”, that is, prepared the plans and written documents, shown site plans, volume and layout, sections, and elevation treatment, as well as choice of materials.

Ultimately the SA Chapter believes that all buildings and structures requiring certification under the Building Act should involve the services of a registered architect – just as in France.