To support architects in the delivery of professional services for the benefit of the community and advancement of the industry.
Engagement with architectural students
Ongoing engagement with Victorian Universities, to provide information and resources to ensure architectural students are aware of the regulatory framework applicable to architects and the pathway to become registered.Impact: Early engagement with future architects increasing their awareness about the requirements for registration and the value of becoming registered for the benefit of the public and the profession.
Resources and guidance
Delivered monthly free webinars on a broad range of topics to enhance understanding and compliance with regulatory requirements. Developed and updated resources and guidance on the ARBV website about a broad variety of compliance obligations and issues.Impact: Support architects to maintain their skills and knowledge and meet their compliance obligations including continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
Updates on sectoral developments
ARBV’s Update quarterly newsletter provides regular information about a range of regulatory and compliance issues affecting the architecture sector.Impact: Assist architects to stay informed of developments in the architecture sector, regulatory focus areas, and resources and guidance available.
To build community understanding of the role of architects and the ARBV.
Consumer-focused outreach activities
Participation in a range of outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the role of an architect, consumers’ rights and obligations, and the ARBV including:- Annual participation at the Melbourne Home Show, engaging with consumers and distributing associated consumer-focused collateral for the event.
- OHM partnership program incl. Walking Tour, Stroll the City guided audio tour, Naked Architect series, ARBV centenary event, engaging with consumers and distributing associated consumer-focused collateral for events.
- Annual participation at the Melbourne Build Expo, engaging with consumers and distributing associated consumer-focused collateral for the event.
Impact: Direct engagement with potential consumers of architectural services and increased awareness of the ARBV and its role to regulate architects.
Guidance about consumer rights and obligations
Published consumer-focused information on the ARBV website to assist consumers to understand their rights and obligations, including a consumer checklist for clients about working with an architect.Impact: Increased consumer-focused resources and information about the provision of architectural services is available to educate and help protect consumers.
To demonstrate ARBV’s value as a trusted regulator, supporting the delivery of a high-quality built environment.
Amendments to Act, Regulations and Code of Professional Conduct
Worked with Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) during 2022-2026 to introduce changes to the legislative framework including uplifting fees (2023), transitioning to a skills-based Board appointment process (2023), strengthening registration renewal processes (2025) and updating the Architects Regulations and the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct (2026).Impact: Increased revenue facilitated the implementation of programs of proactive and educational activities to pre-empt and prevent non-compliance. Changes to the legislative framework strengthened the regulatory oversight of architects.
Updated Regulatory Strategy and Statement of Regulatory Approach
Updated ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy and the public-facing Statement of Regulatory Approach to reflect amendments to the regulatory framework and changes to the risk profile of the architecture profession.Impact: Risk-based and evidence-led approach embedded, supporting robust and consistent decision-making. Ensures regulatory responses are calibrated to current risk environment and prevailing harms.
Collaboration with co-regulators
Collaborated with key co-regulators, particularly DTP, the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) and other Architects Registration Boards, to enhance regulatory outcomes across the building and construction sector.Impact: In conjunction with DTP progressed important changes to the legislative framework and optimised existing powers. Information sharing with and referrals from BPC and CSV enabling increased oversight of potential noncompliances by architects. Important regulatory initiatives progressed with co-regulators. For example, the Design Documentation Practice Guide for Class 2 residential buildings (BPC 2024) and systemic risks research reports (NSW ARB 2022, 2024).
Service delivery
Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) embedded and enhanced including the self-service portal. Transitioned to a semi-independent website, updating content and improving functionality. ARBV Service Charter implemented and monitored. Improvements made to the case management of complaints and investigations have led to an increased throughput of cases and referrals to the Architects Tribunal.Impact: Strengthened service delivery and enhanced user experience, increased automation and regulatory responsiveness allowing resources to be redirected to other regulatory priorities.
To drive positive outcomes for consumers by promoting a professional culture of accountability among architects.
Major research activities undertaken
Produced Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector research report (2022) and Deep Dive Report into Systemic Risks in the Architecture Sector research report (2024) in collaboration with NSW ARB. Produced Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector research report (2025) and collateral resources. Undertaking collaborative research with RMIT about Futures 2: Artificial Intelligence and Future Practice (2026 – 2027).Impact: Inform the profession and the sector more broadly about sectoral risks, opportunities and emerging issues and their implications, including in relation to meeting compliance obligations. Highlighting 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.
Formal CPD webinar program
Delivered annual webinar programs on current and emerging compliance issues and on the findings from research activities undertaken, with the recorded webinars and accompanying transcripts published on the ARBV webinar following the event.Impact: Regularly providing information and practical guidance to assist architects to maintain their skills and knowledge, raising awareness of compliance issues and supporting architects to voluntarily comply with their obligations. Strong attendance and engagement by architects in the annual webinar programs.
Monitoring activities
Ongoing audit programs to monitor and ensure continuing professional development (CPD) and professional indemnity insurance (PII) compliance.Impact: Ensuring increased awareness and compliance with CPD and PII compliance obligations to support consumer protection.
Enhancements to Complaints and Investigation function
A dedicated compliance and enforcement manual developed, the risk-tool has been embedded, data capture in the CRM has been enhanced to identify compliance issues, track trends and inform regulatory activities.Impact: Targeted compliance activities, increased timeliness and the implementation of consistent and rigorous processes have led to more robust and defensible regulatory outcomes. Early and effective engagement in prohibited conduct (e.g. misuse of title) has resulted in very high levels of voluntary compliance.
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