As we present the Architects Registration Board of Victoria’s 2025–26 Annual Report, we do so in the knowledge that the Victorian Government has committed to a significant regulatory shift – to form a Business and Professions Regulator by expanding the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) to cover architects, surveyors and veterinarians – professionals who are currently regulated respectively by the ARBV, Surveyors
Registration Board of Victoria and the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria. Engineers are already regulated by the BLA.
Following the Victorian Government’s announcement in December 2025, the ARBV commissioned a comparative analysis of the regulatory frameworks that currently govern architects, veterinarians, surveyors and engineers to assess the possible legal and practical implications of regulatory consolidation. The analysis has been provided to the Victorian Government and architect membership bodies as part of the ARBV’s commitment to work constructively to ensure that the coherence and integrity of the regulatory regime for architects is maintained, and risks of disruption to regulatory functions and effectiveness are minimised.
Currently the ARBV is closely aligned to the regulators of architects in the other states and territories, which provides uniformity in approach to the education and regulation of architects. This is notable because it provides a national benchmark by which to identify an architect who has met the competency standards that precondition registration in each jurisdiction and supports mutual recognition arrangements. Consumers in any jurisdiction can easily understand the qualifications and competencies of registered architects, no matter where the architects are based or providing services. For both consumers and architects, it is critically important that national alignment and mutual recognition arrangements are maintained.
We will continue to engage with the Victorian Government regarding reform priorities including the need to maintain the integrity of the national framework, a strong focus on consumer and public protection, and the involvement of profession-specific expertise as a feature of the regulatory oversight of architects. We are also committed to a smooth and well-managed transition that supports the effective regulation of Victorian architects and the ongoing delivery of regulatory initiatives and programs without interruption.
During the year changes to the legislative framework for Victorian architects came into effect with amendments to the Architects Act 1991(the Act), effective from 13 August 2025, resetting several requirements relating to the renewal of registration and approvals. Further, following a sunset review led by the Department of Transport and Planning, the Architects Regulations 2026 (the Regulations) came into operation on 25 April 2026. The review ensures that the Regulations remain fit for purpose in a changing building and construction environment, address ongoing risks associated with professional competency, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance and building quality, strengthen consumer protection, and are aligned with the amendments made to the Act. Changes introduced include prescribing existing CPD requirements in the Regulations and some amendments to the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.
Significant effort and resources were expended internally to operationalise the changes, ensure systems readiness and support architects to transition to the new requirements. A webinar was delivered and a comprehensive suite of guidance materials produced. Information about the changes were communicated to architects via telephone, email, newsletter updates, and on the ARBV website. It was a great effort by staff to operationalise the changes and support architects to transition to the new requirements, and the professionalism and resilience of the staff is a credit to them.
As this year’s annual report highlights our key successes and progress towards the achievement of the ARBV’s strategic objectives under the final year of our Strategic Plan 2022-2026, we have prepared a high-level summary of our major achievements over the last 4 years (on pages 12-14). Significantly, we have continuously improved and uplifted regulatory activities and embedded them as the ARBV’s business-as-usual activities. This was all done with a focus on ensuring high professional standards are upheld, providing protection for consumers, and improving confidence in the building industry.
As outlined above, and in subsequent sections of this report, 2025-26 has been a very busy year for the ARBV. In addition to the activities already outlined, other important activities undertaken include:
- revising the ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy and Statement of Regulatory Approach
- working on the ARBV’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 for ministerial approval
- continuation of the ARBV’s immensely successful CPD webinar program
- participation in consumer-focused public events such as the Open House Melbourne July Weekend Walking Tour, the Melbourne Home Show, and the Melbourne Big Build Expo
- publication of an educational video series for architects about client communications
- publication of a summary and booklet in support of the ARBV’s Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector research report
- scoping a new research project to commence in 2026-2027 in partnership with RMIT University focusing on the implications of the emergence of artificial intelligence on the sector
- collaborating on activities of mutual interest with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, other state and territory Architects Registration Boards, and industry regulators and agencies in Victoria
- regulating more than 8,800 practising architects, approved companies and partnerships
- managing over 280 Architectural Practice Examination candidates undertaking pre-registration requirements.
We sincerely thank our Board members and dedicated staff. This includes Board member, Prof. Sarah McGann, who resigned from the Board in March 2026 to take up appointment as Dean and Head of School at the University of Western Australia School of Design. We are grateful to Prof. McGann for her expertise and thoughtful insights and guidance during her term on the Board. Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding the future of the ARBV, the Board and staff have continued to commit their time, energy, and shared vision to make this past year a huge success.
Dr Giorgio Marfella, ARBV Chairperson
Dr Glenice Fox, ARBV CEO/Registrar
Updated