ARBV Annual Report 2024-2025

The Architect Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating Victorian architects, approved companies and partnerships. As the State’s regulator of architects, the ARBV is dedicated to achieving the highest professional standards of architectural services and building outcomes throughout Victoria.

The ARBV is an entity within Victoria’s transport and planning portfolio, which is led by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). DTP and its entities share responsibility for Victoria’s transport and planning systems. Our common aim is to create thriving places and connected communities that underpin an inclusive, successful and sustainable state. DTP is an integrated department that brings together transport, planning, land, precinct, and policy functions. It serves four ministers and two parliamentary secretaries. The responsible ministers for the ARBV for the reporting period were the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Minister for Planning and the Hon. Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Housing and Building.

The ARBV and its initiatives are vital contributors to the transport and planning portfolio.

Our vision

A well designed, liveable and safe built environment for Victorians.

Our mission

We will 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.

Our values

The ARBV operates in accordance with the Victorian Public Sector values of:

• responsiveness
• integrity
• impartiality
• accountability
• respect
• leadership
• human rights.

Our Role

The ARBV administers the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) and Architects Regulations 2015.

The Act establishes the framework for the regulation of architects in Victoria and has as its main purposes:

• to provide for the registration of architects
• to provide for the approval of partnerships and companies providing architectural services
• to regulate the professional conduct of architects
• to provide a procedure for handling complaints against architects
• to regulate the use of the terms “architect”, “architectural services”, “architectural design services” and “architectural design”
• to establish the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Our Functions

The ARBV’s statutory functions include:

• assessing and determining applications for registration from individuals and applications for approval from partnerships and companies
• suspending and cancelling registrations or approvals and revoking suspensions where required
• regulating the professional conduct of architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
• preparing guidelines on professional conduct and practice for architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
• publishing information relating to the operation of the ARBV and the Act
• together with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), administering the Architectural Practice Examination (APE), the most common pathway to registration
• accrediting architectural programs of study within Victoria, in accordance with the established Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure in Australia and New Zealand administered by the AACA and in doing so, determining qualifications required for registration under the Act
• investigating and bringing proceedings for offences against the Act
• carrying out any other powers and functions which are given to it by the Act or which are necessary to implement the Act.

Knowledge, capability and excellence

To support architects in the delivery of professional services for the benefit of the community and advancement of the industry.

Community understanding

To build community understanding of the role of architects and the ARBV.

Trusted regulator

To demonstrate ARBVs value as a trusted regulator, supporting the delivery of a high-quality built environment.

Culture and outcomes

To drive positive outcomes for consumers by promoting a professional culture of accountability among architects.

The ARBV strives to ensure the delivery of quality architectural services in Victoria, the protection of consumers of architectural services as well as the broader community, and to instil public confidence in the regulation of the architecture profession by the ARBV. To this end, the ARBV is committed to ensuring that outcomes are at the heart of its regulatory approach and activities.

Regulatory objectives

In overseeing the regulatory framework, the ARBV specifically aims to:

• promote and maintain high standards of professional conduct and practice by architects
• restrict who can represent themselves as architects
• ensure only suitably qualified entities are registered and approved to provide architectural services
• ensure compliance by architects with insurance requirements
• support architects to fulfil their professional obligations to their clients
• encourage and support voluntary compliance
• engender confidence in and respect for the profession.

The ARBV uses all its available regulatory tools to pursue these objectives.

Regulatory strategy

The Regulatory Strategy sets out the ARBV’s risk-based approach. It explains how the ARBV regulates the architecture profession in Victoria using the risks associated with non-compliance that could compromise the achievement of regulatory objectives as a guide for its regulatory activities. In turn, this approach helps to ensure that the ARBV regulates in a manner that is effective, fair, efficient, and consistent.

The Statement of Regulatory Approach published on the ARBV website provides an overview of the Regulatory Strategy. It enables regulated entities (architects, approved companies and partnerships) to understand the ARBV’s regulatory approach and supports them to develop a positive and effective compliance culture.

Regulatory activities

The ARBV uses its registration and approval function to ensure that only those that are eligible under the regulatory framework are permitted to provide architectural services. In addition, the ARBV undertakes proactive and reactive regulatory activity to respectively mitigate the risk of non-compliance with the regulatory framework and address that risk in cases when non-compliance occurs.

Proactive regulatory activity

The ARBV’s proactive strategic plan for FY 23/24 – FY 25/26 helps to ensure that the ARBV’s proactive regulatory activities keep pace with a rapidly changing environment.

Proactive activities include:

• developing educational materials, including fact sheets, updates and webinars, to assist architects to understand and meet their obligations and to help clients to understand their rights
• engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including architects, clients and industry bodies, to discuss compliance issues, encourage voluntary compliance, and gain insights about areas of concern
• carrying out research and analysis to help the ARBV better understand sector-wide issues and concerns
• monitoring regulated entities, gathering intelligence from various sources about compliance risks and analysing information to detect compliance trends and issues.

Reactive regulatory activity

The ARBV undertakes reactive regulatory activity to respond to instances of actual or possible non-compliance. The ARBV’s reactive regulatory activity may include:

• education and engagement
• informal advice about compliance or warning
• referral to the Architects Tribunal where there are concerns about an architect’s fitness to practise and/or professional conduct
• suspending or cancelling registration or approval
• institution of prosecution proceedings.

With more than 7,000 practising architects, approved companies and partnerships and over 300 Architectural Practice Examination candidates undertaking pre-registration requirements, we continue to be extremely proud of our efforts to engage, educate and regulate to ensure high standards of professional conduct and practice and improved built outcomes for Victorians.

This year’s annual report highlights our key successes and progress towards the achievement of the ARBV’s strategic objectives under our Strategic Plan 2022-2026. This work is critical to ensuring high professional standards are upheld and providing protection for consumers and improved confidence in the building industry.

An immensely successful schedule of CPD webinars has been designed and delivered to an ever-increasing audience. These include:

• Deep Dive into Client Architect Relationships and Agreements (529 attendees)
• Roof Drainage for Low Pitched Metal Roofs (1,315 attendees)
• Deep Dive into D&C Procurement (996 attendees)
• Tackling common design issues with the State Building Surveyor (1,433 attendees)
• Deep dive into NCC compliance (1,396 attendees)
• Architects & Compliance – Navigating Professional and Business Responsibilities (1,046 attendees)
• A Close Look at Performance Solutions and the Architects Role in the Performance Solution Process (1273 attendees)
• Deep dive into Disruptive forces (966 attendees)
• Assessing the Suitability of Building Products and Materials under the NCC – what steps should architects take? (921 attendees)

Our presenters included Dr Dariel De Sousa, Frances Hall, Isabel Legge, Rowan Gregory, Mei Yang, Steven Baxas, Anthony Apollini, Paul Viney, Jenine Birney and Prof M. Hank Haeusler to whom we extend our thanks. A number of webinars in the series provided information and guidance to architects about NCC compliance.

Building on the success of our previous systemic risks research reports undertaken with the NSW ARB, the ARBV initiated a third major research project – ‘Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector’. The report completed in June 2025, 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 and outlines strategies that can be implemented by sole practitioners, small firms and large firms to help them discharge their duties and strengthen compliance culture. It additionally calls on all participants in the broader construction sector to work collectively and collaboratively to improve compliance culture across the sector, with architects encouraged to lead by example. This will help to drive positive behavioural change, raise standards and ensure that buildings are compliant, safe and high-quality.

In addition to focusing on compliance culture, we collaborated closely with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to progress legislative and regulatory reforms to strengthen the regulatory oversight of architects.

Changes to the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) were included in the Building Legislation Amendment and Other Matters Act 2024 enacted by Parliament on 13 November 2024. The ARBV collaborated with DTP to progress the changes, which primarily relate to registration renewal obligations that will come into effect in August 2025. The changes mean that registration will no longer continue in perpetuity and will transition to an annual term based on the financial year. The onus will be on architects to meet renewal requirements by 30 June to continue to practise in Victoria. The objective of resetting registration renewal obligations is to ensure that architects are timely in meeting statutory requirements, including payment of fees.

Importantly, the implementation of these changes will help to embed public protection requirements for the benefit of consumers and the public at large.

The changes will also significantly reduce the administrative burden on the ARBV in dealing with high rates of non-compliance at renewal and escalating to a suspension in instances where statutory requirements remain unmet. Those resources can instead be redirected to education and other initiatives that support architects to comply with their regulatory obligations.

The Architects Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) were due to be replaced in April 2025, however, the ARBV worked with the government to extend this timeframe for 12 months. The sunset review of the Regulations provides an opportunity to ensure the regulatory framework remains effective for the next ten years, addressing any gaps and improving the regulations to suit the growing needs of architects, consumers, and the building industry in Victoria. Key areas for review include the Code of Professional Conduct, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the ARBV’s powers under Regulation 8 as well as other priorities identified by key stakeholders, including the ARBV. The 12-month extension will allow time for consultation and analysis of the impact of proposed regulatory amendments. The review will also incorporate changes to the Regulations consequential to amendments to the Act.

We continued to reach out and engage with consumers and the public, taking opportunities to build community understanding of our role and purpose.

The ARBV had a stand at the Melbourne Home Show in August 2024 and our plans to attend the 2025 show are well-advanced. The Melbourne Home Show is Australia’s longest running home improvement expo held over 3 consecutive days. The ARBV decided to exhibit at this event to raise public awareness of the importance of architect registration in Victoria. Staff highlighted the ARBV’s role and the resources available to consumers to ensure architectural services are provided by registered and approved entities. Staff also provided information for consumers about working with an architect and information about pathways to registration for those interested in pursuing a career in the industry.

Our contribution to the Open House Melbourne July weekend 2024 was to host the walking tour The Architecture of Olympic Boulevard. The walk was led by heritage architect and architectural historian Jim Gard’ner, Director of GJM Heritage, along Olympic Boulevard to the Olympic Swimming Pool, Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Park Stadium, AAMI Park, Gosch’s Paddock and the MCG Olympic Stand. Participants also had the pleasure of meeting Peter McIntyre, architect of the 1956 Olympic Swimming and Diving Stadium. Peter delighted attendees with his anecdotes and shared his vast experience and insight into the development of what is the only remaining purpose-built facility from the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

In June 2025, we delivered a live formal CPD webinar at the ArchiBuild Expo. The Expo is the leading event for architects, designers and builders showcasing new and contemporary architectural building products, materials and systems. It also provided an opportunity for architects to attend CPD sessions during the event. The ARBV collaborated with the Australian Institute of Architects to present 'Assessing the suitability of building products and materials under the NCC – what steps should architects take?'. We also presented a consumer-focused panel discussion that shared insights into the architectural design and build process for a project aiming to achieve passivhaus certification.

Proactive monitoring of architects’ compliance with professional indemnity insurance (PII) and CPD obligations continued to be a central focus in 2024-25 for the ARBV. Regular audits of PII records and follow-up by the ARBV has resulted in a significant decrease in the instances of non-compliance by architects, partnerships and companies.

Unfortunately, we have not seen the same reduction in the instances of non-compliance relating to CPD obligations and it will continue to be an area of focus. The introduction of changes to the Act and Regulations and a focus on compliance culture within the profession should help to strengthen rates of compliance going forward.

The ARBV has had a busy year dealing with an increased number of complaints from consumers and matters proactively initiated by the ARBV. Of the 59 new professional conduct matters dealt with by the ARBV in 2024-25, 27 were proactively initiated by the ARBV. The ARBV has focused on strengthening processes and resources to improve case throughput times. In relation to prohibited conduct matters this includes developing guidance to assist architects and non-architects involved in building design and construction from committing offences against the Act and promoting transparency for the end user about the qualifications and registration status of persons carrying out work on their project. In this regard, we continue to monitor the use of terms and wording that may mislead consumers into thinking they are engaging the services of a registered architect or approved company or partnership when this is not the case.

The ARBV has continued to monitor and provide accreditation for five Schools of Architecture in Victorian universities. Working in collaboration with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia and aligning with the decisions of other Architects Registration Boards (ARBs), the ARBV has taken important and nationally consistent decisions that will improve the prerequisite activities of professional practice required to sit the Architectural Practice Examination. We have also continued to work closely with other regulators, including other ARBs through the National Registrars Forum.

In 2024-25, the ARBV welcomed new Board members Sally Brincat (Deputy Chairperson), Michael Leeton, Tim Leslie, Professor Sarah McGann, Lorina Nervegna and Yana Podolskaya who joined Sally Wills and reappointed Board members Dr Giorgio Marfella (Chairperson) and Mark Curry. Collectively the Board brings a breadth of skills, knowledge and experience and is well-equipped to ensure the ARBV maintains momentum in achieving its strategic objectives and developing a new Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

Finally, we extend our appreciation to our small team of dedicated 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

Performance snapshot as at 30 June 2025

• 5,675 Practising architects on the Register
• 283 New architect registrants
• 110 New companies and partnerships
• 1,552 Approved companies and partnerships
• 338 Architectural Practice Examination participants
• 59 Professional conduct assessments and investigations initiated
• 24 professional conduct complaints investigated
• 34 Written advice on compliance (22 CPD and 12 other Code non-compliance)
• 7 Matters referred to Architects Tribunal
• 46 Prohibited conduct assessments initiated
• 9 One hour formal CPD webinars (with 9,800 attendees)
• 88,000 Visits to the ARBV website

The Expert Panel considered Recommendation 12 should be implemented through improvements to the ARBV’s regulatory practice including:

• adoption of systems, resources, intelligence, and processes to meaningfully embed a risk-based approach to regulatory practice; and
• broadening the focus of compliance and enforcement activity and strengthening information sharing with other regulators and agencies.

In addition, the Expert Panel highlighted the need for alignment with the Minister’s 2019 Statement of Expectations and ensuring that the changes recommended have been fully implemented. The changes implemented pursuant to the Minister’s 2019 Statement of Expectations have been reported by the ARBV in previous annual reports. The Expert Panel also identified that the composition of the ARBV Board should be skills based. This has now been implemented with the latest round of Board appointments made in accordance with the amendments to the membership provisions of the Architects Act 1991 that came into operation in 2024.

Where there is an overlap between initiatives and actions in the ARBV’s Strategic Plan and the Minister’s Statement of Expectations this has been italicised. The ARBV’s progress in implementing improvements to its regulatory practices as recommended by the Expert Panel has also been incorporated into this performance report.

A Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (PMEF) has been developed by the ARBV that provides a structured framework and process for evaluating our performance against the strategic objectives we have committed to in the Strategic Plan. Measures that have been drawn from the PMEF have been bolded.

Objective 1: Knowledge, capability, & excellence
To support architects in the delivery of professional services for the benefit of the community and achievement and advancement of the industry.

Objective 2: Community understanding
To build community understanding of the role of architects and the ARBV.

Objective 3: Trusted regulator
To demonstrate the ARBV’s value as a trusted regulator, supporting the delivery of a high-quality built environment.

Objective 4: Culture & Outcomes
To drive positive outcomes for consumers by promoting a professional culture of accountability among architects.

Additional objectives/activities from the Ministers Statement of Expectations
Under the Statement of Expectations (SOE) the ARBV is required to continuously improve systems, resources, intelligence and processes as recommended by the Expert Panel to support efficient and effective delivery of regulatory services.

As evident from the reporting in the table above, the ARBV has continuously improved systems, resources, intelligence and processes to support the efficient and effective delivery of regulatory services. Significant systems such as the Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) have been introduced and are firmly embedded. The CRM supports the ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy, which embodies the risk-based approach to regulation. Important research projects have been undertaken that help inform regulatory activities and uplift understanding about risks and compliance. Work has been undertaken in collaboration with other regulators and information shared to increase accountability and improve outcomes. Procedures and manuals have been developed and are regularly revised.

The SOE also requires the ARBV to maintain a high-performing focused and sustainable organisation and the ARBV’s small, dedicated team implemented activities in accordance with its annual business plan and within the approved budget. The ARBV’s new Enterprise Agreement included a staff adaptability allowance, recognising the ARBV’s need to optimise its resources to improve delivery of regulatory services. The ARBV monitors and maintains an adequate solvency ratio to meet its long-term liabilities and ensure its financial sustainability.

Registration is an important regulatory function as it controls entry to the profession and provides assurance to consumers that architects possess a high standard of education and experience, adhere to prescribed standards of professional practice and hold professional indemnity insurance.

Requirements for registration

Pre-registration pathways

Persons seeking registration as an architect in Victoria must have been engaged for not less than 2 years in practical architectural work and attained a standard of professional practice satisfactory to the ARBV.

The Architects Act 1991 (the Act) makes provision for the main pre-registration pathway being the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) for this purpose, as it allows candidates to be tested on their practical knowledge. The APE has been adopted by all Australian state and territory architects registration boards, providing national consistency in pre-registration examinations.

The APE is the most common pathway to registration and is held twice in each calendar year. The other pathways to registration are administered by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and include:

• the Experienced Practitioner Assessment (EPA) – for both overseas experienced and locally experienced persons;
• overseas mutual recognition – Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation and US architects; and
• the UK mutual recognition pathway – allows for graduates and registered practitioners from the UK to seek registration.

The pathways to registration generally require the completion of a university degree for eligibility to a registration pathway.

Fit and Proper Person (FPP) requirement

The FPP requirements for registration require registrants to answer probity questions related to their fitness to practise.

These probity questions relate to any convictions or findings of guilt for offences involving fraud, dishonesty, drug trafficking or violence punishable by imprisonment for six months or more, within the past 10 years; suspension or cancellation of registration, licence, approval or other authorisation within the past 10 years; being subject to an order from a court or Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that has not been complied with; disciplinary action taken under the Building Act 1993; and insolvency (bankruptcy) within the past 10 years.

The ARBV also administers an enduring declaration at renewal for registrants to provide details of changes in their registration related to the FPP requirements contained in section 10A of the Act.

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) requirements

Section 8B and 8C of the Act require practising architects to be covered by PII that complies with the requirements set out in the Architects Insurance Ministerial Order of February 2020. The Board audits compliance with this requirement. The ARBV’s Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) enables efficient auditing of compliance with insurance obligations.

The ARBV conducts routine audits to ensure compliance with PII requirements and statutory requirements are being met by architects.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements

Under the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct, architects must maintain their skills and knowledge. The ARBV recommends that this is achieved by complying with the National CPD framework.

The framework requires architects in the practising class to complete a set number of hours of CPD activities throughout the registration year. The CPD activities undertaken must reflect the performance criteria in the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).

The ARBV monitors CPD compliance through an annual audit conducted after the renewal period to ensure CPD requirements are met.

In the reporting period, the ARBV provided Regulation 8 advice to 22 architects in relation to non-compliance with their CPD obligations. This is recorded as disciplinary action on an architect's registration record.

Approval requirements for companies and partnerships

Under the Act, there are requirements for companies and partnerships providing architectural services to be appropriately approved.

The ARBV monitors all entities providing architectural services to ensure they comply with the requirements of the Act. This includes ensuring that where an architect is trading through a company (e.g. as reflected by their PII policy), that the company is appropriately approved.

There are also requirements that the registered director/partner is responsible for the carrying out of the services, and that the services are carried out by or under the supervision of a registered architect.

This is an area that is increasingly being monitored by the ARBV to ensure compliance.

Registration renewal

The ARBV actively communicates the annual renewal process and the requirement to meet the 1 July date for payment of prescribed annual fees.

The portal and the CRM has streamlined the overall renewal process and allowed registrants to be more actively engaged with renewal and their broader compliance obligations.

If a regulated entity fails to pay their registration renewal by the due date (which may be extended in agreed circumstances, e.g. through the Financial Hardship Policy) the ARBV may initiate steps to suspend registration. In the reporting period the ARBV suspended 30 registrants for non-payment of fees, representing 0.42% of registrants.

Other registration activities

The registration function continues to deliver a range of services, including:

• Overseeing the accreditation processes administered by the AACA
• Embedding the NSCA into pre- registration programs
• Delivering training to the ARBV’s Panel of APE Examiners
• Collaborating with the AACA and other architects registration boards to implement improvements to relevant registration and examination procedures and processes
• Working to increase registrations, particularly among persons who meet registration requirements but are not registered as architects
• Improving communications regarding registration processes and ensuring that all relevant details are available on the website
• Contributing content for the ARBV Update (newsletter) provided quarterly to registrants.

Registration and Architectural Practice Examination statistics

Note: Due to changes in recent years in how we record Non-Practising registrants on the Register of Architects, the total in 2020-21 appears greater.

Spotlight on Complaints and Investigation

The Complaints and Investigation function is responsible for administering compliance obligations set out in the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) and Architect Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) to maintain the standards and integrity of the profession of architecture, protect consumer interests, and reinforce the importance of holding registration.

There are two key areas of regulatory activity undertaken by Complaints and Investigation:

• regulating the professional conduct of architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
• investigating and bringing proceedings for offences against the Act (known as ‘prohibited conduct’).

Regulating the professional conduct of architects and prohibited conduct is discussed in more detail below.

Risk-based approach and efficient and effective regulation

The ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy, which sets out a risk-based approach to regulation, helps guide the delivery of these functions and drive fair, consistent and robust decision-making. The risk-based approach contributes to the ARBV’s compliance and enforcement activity by:

• assisting in the triaging of complaints and referrals when they are first received so that they can be prioritised based on the relative risk of non-compliance
• assisting in the assessment of the risk associated with specific non-compliance under investigation to guide the appropriate regulatory response among those available for a particular instance of non-compliance with the regulatory framework.

The ARBV is also guided by the Minister’s Statement of Expectations, which requires the ARBV to improve efficiency and effectiveness in its regulation of architects.

Key focus areas in 2024-25

Having fully implemented case management and process refinements in 2023-24, a key focus for the Complaints and Investigation function in 2024-25 has been on enhancing case management to reduce backlogs and achieve timely throughput of cases. Very good progress has been made, especially considering an increased caseload.

The ARBV continued to focus on design compliance and worked closely and shared data with other building regulators including the Victorian Building Authority and Cladding Safety Victoria. Through referrals received, the ARBV was able to initiate 27 professional conduct cases on its own motion during the reporting period.

The Complaints and Investigation function supported the ARBV’s proactive regulatory activities. This included working on a revised Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct (the Code) for consideration as part of the sunsetting of the Regulations. It also included identifying complaint trends and emerging issues to help inform educative initiatives and the development of information and guidance to support voluntary compliance.

Professional conduct of architects

Under the regulatory framework architects must be competent, demonstrate professional standards and avoid engaging in unprofessional conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, fulfilling the compliance obligations detailed in the Code contained within the Regulations.

The Code sets out requirements architects must comply with relating to:

• standards of conduct
• skills and knowledge
• approval of documents
• contracts and agreements with clients administering a building contract for a client
• professional fees and costs
• provision of information to clients
• retaining documents and records
• maintaining confidentiality of client information
• disclosing conflicts of interest, referrals, and endorsements
• engendering confidence in and respect for the profession
• maintaining standards and integrity of the profession.

Upon receiving a complaint, the ARBV assesses the complaint to determine whether it is within the ARBV’s jurisdiction, namely whether it is about an architect’s professional conduct and/or fitness to practise, whether there is sufficient information to conduct an assessment and, if so, whether the conduct concerns a compliance obligation imposed on the architect under the regulatory framework. If the complaint is within the ARBV’s jurisdiction and there is sufficient information to assess the complaint, the ARBV may progress the complaint for investigation.

An investigation into an architect’s professional conduct and/or fitness to practise is undertaken for the ARBV to determine whether or not to refer the matter to the Architects Tribunal for inquiry, or to determine that another regulatory action may be more appropriate in the circumstances. Such action may include the issuing of educative guidance, a formal written warning or written advice on compliance under regulation 8 of the Regulations. It is also possible that the ARBV may determine that no regulatory action is warranted.

Further information about the Architects Tribunal can be found below.

In 2024-25, the ARBV’s complaint data indicates that the highest incidence of complaints about professional conduct related to the following complaint issues:

• Careless or incompetent design
• Undue delay in provision of services
• Failure to perform with due skill, care or diligence
• Copyright or licensing issues
• False statements
• Unfair billing practices
• Wrong or misleading information.

Prohibited Conduct

The Act makes it an offence in Victoria for an unregistered person or unapproved business (company or partnership) to represent themselves as an architect or to allow someone else to represent them as an architect. It is also an offence for an unregistered person or body to use the expressions “architectural services”, “architectural design services” or “architectural design” in relation to the design of buildings or the preparation of plans, drawings or specifications for buildings.

To represent oneself or be represented as an architect in Victoria, a person must be registered with the ARBV. The education and experience required for registration, coupled with the professional conduct obligations and CPD and PII requirements, contribute towards maintaining the standards and integrity of the profession and providing consumer protection.

If a person or body is not registered with the ARBV, they are not an architect in Victoria and are in breach of the Act’s prohibited conduct provisions if they represent themselves or allow themselves to be represented as an architect.

When deciding whether published information may offend against the Act, the ARBV considers what overall impression is being created by that information. If, taking the circumstances and context into account, the information creates an overall impression that the person or business is an architect and/or provides the services of an architect when they are not a registered architect, this is likely to offend against the Act.

While breaches of the Act’s prohibited conduct provisions may be prosecuted by the ARBV, the ARBV continues to experience significant success by engaging those involved in prohibited conduct to provide them with an opportunity to voluntarily take action to address the conduct.

In 2024-25, 100% of cases where prohibited conduct was identified were closed after the conduct was voluntarily addressed.

Complaint and Investigation Statistics

*7 assessments and 18 investigations were ongoing at the end of the reporting period.

Note: Where no values are shown this indicates the category was not previously reported.

Note: Where no values are shown this indicates the category was not previously reported.

Inquiries into the professional conduct and/or fitness to practise of architects are conducted by a tribunal constituted, as required from time to time, from a panel of suitably qualified people appointed by the Minister (Architects Tribunal). The Architects Tribunal constituted for an inquiry must comprise:

• one panel member who is a practising architect
• one panel member who is not an architect
• one panel member who is a representative of consumer interests.

At least one member of a Tribunal is to be a person with legal experience and knowledge.

The Architects Tribunal is independent of the ARBV. While the ARBV provides administrative assistance to the Architects Tribunal after a matter has been referred for inquiry, the ARBV is not a party to the inquiry. It is the Architects Tribunal’s role to consider the available evidence to determine any allegations that are to be put to the architect, to hold the inquiry and ultimately decide whether any grounds for disciplinary action under the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) has been made out, including whether:

• the architect has been careless or incompetent in their practice
• the professional standards of the architect are demonstrably lower than the standards which a competent architect should meet
• the architect is guilty of unprofessional conduct
• the architect has breached or failed to comply with any provision of the Act.

See section 32 of the Act for the complete list of grounds for disciplinary action.

If the Tribunal finds that a ground for disciplinary action has been proven, it may make determinations against the architect that include:

• caution
• reprimand
• require the architect to undertake further education of a kind, to be completed within a period stated
• impose a condition or limitation on the architect’s registration that relates to their practice
• impose a financial penalty
• suspend the architect’s registration
• cancel the architect’s registration.

The ARBV is responsible for enforcing determinations made by the Tribunal.

An architect may apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a review of an Architects Tribunal determination concerning them.

In 2024-25, seven matters were referred to the Architects Tribunal. In addition, there were 7 matters already before the Architects Tribunal from previous reporting periods. A total of 5 matters were finalised in the financial year. Of the inquiries that were able to proceed to a hearing, the grounds found to be proven by the Architects Tribunal in these inquiries included:

• unprofessional conduct in that the architect provided architectural services without having entered into a written agreement with their client, in breach of clause 4(1) of the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.
• unprofessional conduct in that the architect continued to provide architectural services to their client where to do so would result in a conflict of interest between the interests of the architect and that client (who was an adjoining owner to a property owned in part by the architect), in breach of clause 12(3) of the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.
• unprofessional conduct in that the architect failed to act with reasonable care in the provision of architectural services by designing a building that encroached into the airspace above an adjoining property to their client’s property, in breach of clause 1(a) of the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.

Notices of the determinations made against the architects are recorded in the ARBV’s Register of Disciplinary Action after the relevant appeal timeframe has expired.

At 30 June 2025, there were 11 matters with the Tribunal which had not yet progressed through to hearing and 3 matters awaiting a determination to be made.

Spotlight on Proactive Regulatory Program

Proactive regulatory program
The ARBV has completed year two of a three-year Proactive Strategic Plan by implementing a range of proactive activities to:

• encourage voluntary compliance: through education and engagement
• detect non-compliance: through monitoring, intelligence-gathering and data mining and analysis
• anticipate and prevent non-compliance: through intelligence-gathering and data mining and analysis supplemented with thought leadership and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders to identify systemic risks and to prevent non-compliance from occurring.
  

The ARBV’s Proactive Strategic Plan for FY 23/24-FY25/26 is structured around 9 categories with actions planned for each year and directed to recognising the role of stakeholders such as government and regulatory bodies, clients and users of architectural services, in addition to architects and future architects.

Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector

This research examines compliance culture in the architecture sector and reinforces the significance of the overarching duties and culture that define professionalism among architects. 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 is accompanied by a high-level summary and booklet containing practical guidance to support architects and architectural firms to strengthen compliance culture.

See the high-level summary of the report:

ARBV Service Charter

The ARBV Service Charter sets out the standard of service people can expect to receive from the ARBV, including:

• how to contact us
• what you should do if you wish to make a complaint or provide feedback about your dealings with us
• how you can help us to help you
• our expected time frames for services provided.

Our service commitments

Responsiveness

• We will respond promptly to your enquiries through our phone and email service.
• We aim to respond to phone enquiries and emails within 3 business days and written correspondence within 10 working days.
• We will provide accurate and up to date information in response to enquiries.
• We will manage all registration applications efficiently and finalise complete and routine applications for registration within 6 weeks.
• We will keep complainants informed about the progress of their complaint and the expected timeframe for finalisation.
• We will acknowledge complaints about the ARBV within 3 days and respond to those complaints within 4 weeks.

Transparency

• We will be open and transparent about our processes.
• We will provide consistent and clear information across our communication channels.
• Our staff and Board will disclose conflicts of interest and comply with the VPS codes of conduct.
• We will give you access to your personal information if you request it.
• We will publish clear and current information on our website.

Quality service

• We will give you clear and straightforward information about the ARBV, including information on how to register as an architect in Victoria, make an enquiry or complaint, or respond to a complaint.
• We will keep an up-to-date Register of Architects in Victoria.
• We will handle all complaints about the conduct of architects fairly and efficiently.
• We will keep you informed about the progress of your enquiry, application, or complaint.
• We will tailor our response to your accessibility needs where possible. We will provide linkages and referral to other government information relevant to your needs where reasonably practicable.

Confidentiality

• We will have systems in place to protect your confidential information.
• We will treat all information received in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Professionalism and Respect

• Our dealings with you will be conducted with integrity, honesty and respect.
• Our staff will be informative and helpful and responsive to feedback you may wish to provide.
• When you contact us, the person who responds to your enquiry will give you their name.
• We will be inclusive and treat every member of the public equally.
• We will endeavour to ensure we are accessible for those with disabilities and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Service Charter reporting

Approximately 10,000 enquiries were received and responded to in the 2024-25 financial year.

The ARBV has processes in place to track performance against service commitments.

The ARBV collects feedback from architects and consumers of architectural services throughout the year, and the data is reviewed to inform systems and process enhancements. It also provides valuable insights into key trends and issues to inform and guide the ARBV's Regulatory Strategy.

Enquiries were responded to in accordance with the timelines set out in the ARBV Service Charter.

Spotlight on Financial Management

The information presented in the table below provides a financial summary for the ARBV’s financial performance over a 5-year period.

* Expenses from sponsorships and awards are included in the net result for the period.

Net result
The ARBV achieved a net surplus of $153,937 (2024: $127,684). This was an increase of $26,253 compared to 2023-24. The surplus for the current year compared to the budgeted surplus of $22,835 was principally due to savings in employee expenses (changed staffing arrangements) and contractor expenses.

Sustaining an operating surplus is a critical financial strategy for the longer-term health of the organisation. Net assets have risen to $1.78 million (2024: $1.63 million) and underpins the organisation’s financial viability and provides capacity to address emerging issues, new opportunities and asset replacements.

Income
Total income from transactions for 2024-25 was $3.73 million, an increase of $0.13 million (2024: $3.60 million) and included an additional $0.15 million from annual registration fees. This was primarily due to an increase in the applicable fees for registered architects, companies and partnerships for the period commencing 1 July 2024.

A breakdown of the major income sources is shown below. This highlights the ARBV’s reliance on registration fees to support the funding of services and other business activities.

Expenses
Total expenditure from transactions for 2024-25 was $3.57 million, an increase of $0.06 million from the previous year (2024: $3.51 million). A breakdown of expenditure by the ARBV is shown below.

Financial position – Balance Sheet
The ARBV’s financial position is demonstrated by net assets which increased in 2024-25 by the reported net result of $0.15 million to $1.78 million (2024: $1.63 million). Total assets at 30 June 2025 were $5.07 million, including $4.84 million in cash and deposits and $0.18 million in non-financial assets. Total assets were partially offset by $2.92 million in payables (includes $2.56 million unearned income for 2024-25 registration fees) and $0.37 million in other liabilities.

Capital expenditure
There was no capital expenditure exceeding $5,000 for the year (2024: $63,301 intangible assets – CRM software enhancements). Minor asset purchases amounted to $14,639. In line with the ARBV policy, minor asset purchases under $5,000 are expensed in the year of purchase.

Significant changes or factors affecting performance
There were no significant changes or factors affecting the ARBV’s performance during the reporting period.

Subsequent events
As at the date of signing the annual Financial Statements there were no subsequent events requiring disclosure.

Board and Committee Meeting Attendances

Number of meetings attended/eligible to attend in 2024-25

ARBV Chairpersons and Registrars since 1923

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) allows the public a right of access to documents held by the ARBV, including documents created by the ARBV or supplied to the ARBV by an external organisation or individual

Information about the type of material produced by the ARBV is available on the ARBV’s website under its Part II Information Statement.

The Act allows the ARBV to refuse access, either fully or partially, to certain documents or information.

Examples of documents that may not be accessed include but are not limited to cabinet documents; some internal working documents; law enforcement documents; documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice; personal information about other people; and information provided to the ARBV in-confidence.

Under the Act, the FOI processing time for requests is 30 days. However, when external consultation is required under subsections 29, 29A, 31, 31A. 33, 34 or 35, the processing time is 45 days. Processing time may also be extended by periods of 30 days, in consultation with the applicant. With the applicant’s agreement this may occur any number of times.

However, obtaining an applicant’s agreement for an extension cannot occur after the expiry of the timeframe for deciding a request.

If an applicant is not satisfied with a decision made by the ARBV, under section 49A of the Act, they have the right to seek a review by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) within 28 days of receiving a decision letter.

During 2024-25, the ARBV received 1 FOI application, and finalised another matter received in 2023-24.

Making a request

FOI requests can be lodged in writing to the ARBV via email or post. An application fee of $33.60 applies (as of 1 July 2025). Access charges may also be payable if the document pool is large, and the search for material, time-consuming.

Access to documents can also be obtained through a written request to the ARBV as detailed in section 17 of the Act.

Requests for documents in the possession of the ARBV should be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer Architects Registration Board of Victoria

Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000 or registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au

Further information

Further information regarding the operation and scope of FOI can be obtained from the Act; regulations made under the Act; and ovic.vic.gov.au. The ARBV’s Part II statement can be found on our website.

Competitive Neutrality Policy

Competitive neutrality requires government businesses to ensure where services compete, or potentially compete with the private sector, any advantage arising solely from their government ownership is removed if it is not in the public interest. Government businesses are required to cost and price these services as if they were privately owned. Competitive neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation. This policy does not override other policy objectives of government and focuses on efficiency in the provision of service.

The ARBV continues to comply with the requirements on competitive neutrality reporting as required under the Competition Principles Agreement and Competition and Infrastructure Reform Agreement.

Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012

The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (PID Act) encourages and assists people in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The PID Act provides protection to people who make disclosures in accordance with the PID Act and establishes a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and rectifying action to be taken.

The ARBV recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports making disclosures that reveal improper conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment. It does not tolerate improper conduct by the organisation, its employees, officers or board members, or taking detrimental action in reprisal against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.

The ARBV will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure to the extent it is legally possible.

Reporting procedures

The ARBV is not able to receive public interest disclosures.

A disclosure under the PID Act about improper conduct of, or detrimental action, taken in reprisal for a public interest disclosure by, the ARBV or its Board members, officers or employees should be made in writing to:

Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)

Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000

Mail: IBAC, GPO Box 24234, Melbourne Victoria 3001

Phone: 1300 735 135

Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au

Email: See the website above for the secure email disclosure process, which also provides for anonymous disclosures.

Building Act 1993

The ARBV does not own or control any government buildings and consequently is exempt from notifying its compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993.

Disability Act 2006

The Disability Act 2006 under Section 38 requires that public sector bodies prepare and implement Disability Action Plans to reduce barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities and reduce barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment.

The ARBV is committed to making reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability to ensure an inclusive and disability equitable workplace and accessible services.

The ARBV’s Service Charter provides that the ARBV will be accessible for those with disabilities and will tailor communications to accessibility needs where possible.

Web content can be difficult for users with a disability to navigate and process. The ARBV follows the accessibility standards for vic.gov.au in relation to content on the ARBV website. The ARBV also provides multiple channels of communication to assist with access to and delivery of services.

These measures help to ensure people with disabilities have the same access to information and services as others in the community.

Office-based environmental impacts

The ARBV is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting awareness and participation amongst its employees. The emphasis on electronic document management and a “paperlite” approach is reducing paper and storage. Board papers are produced and distributed electronically via a dedicated portal and the end-to-end registration process is completely online via the ARBV Portal.

Disclosure of Emergency Procurement

In 2024-25 the ARBV was not required to activate any Emergency Procurement resulting in Nil spending on emergency procurement.

Disclosure of procurement complaints

Under the Governance Policy of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB), the ARBV must disclose any formal complaints relating to the procurement of goods and services received through its procurement complaints management system. The ARBV did not receive any formal complaints relating to procurement.

Additional information available on request

In compliance with the requirements of the Standing Directions 2018 of the Minister for Finance, details in respect of the items listed below, where applicable to the ARBV, have been retained and are available on request, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982:

• details of publications produced by the ARBV about itself, and how these can be obtained
• details of major research undertaken by the ARBV
• details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the ARBV to develop community awareness of the entity and its services
• details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged
• a statement on industrial relations within the ARBV
• details of all consultancies and contractors, including consultants/contractors engaged, services provided, and expenditure committed for each engagement.

The information is available on request from: Registrar, ARBV

Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000 or registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au

Statement of availability of other information available on request

Details of the following items have been included in the ARBV’s annual report, on the pages indicated below:

• a list of the ARBV’s major committees, the purposes of each committee, and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved (see Governance and Organisational structure)
• assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees (see Workforce data).

Information that is not applicable to the ARBV

The following information is not relevant to the ARBV for the reasons set out below:

• declaration of shares held by senior officers (no shares have ever been issued in the ARBV)
• details of overseas visits undertaken (no ARBV members or senior executives took overseas work-related trips)
• details of any major external reviews carried out on the ARBV (no major external reviews undertaken)
• details of major development activities undertaken by the ARBV (no major development activities undertaken).

DataVIC Access Policy

The ARBV discloses information online and via printed publications. It also provides information services in person and/or by phone, annual report and website.

The attached financial statements for the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) have been prepared in accordance with Direction 5.2 of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards including Interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

Financial management compliance attestation statement

Financial statement

Appendix 2: Disclosure Index

Appendix 3: Acronyms