Appendix B: Focus group and survey questions

A. Focus group questions

Focus group participants were asked the following questions to establish their respective views about compliance culture within the architecture and/or construction sectors and to identify how they think culture could be strengthened:

  • What is your perception of how well architects understand the regulatory framework that governs their practice? Are there significant gaps, grey areas or misunderstandings that exist across the profession?
  • Do you feel that compliance with professional standards is treated as a core value within the architecture sector and the broader construction sector? Why or why not?
  • Do you feel that an architects’ status as a professional imposes a greater level of responsibility and accountability for compliance compared to other participants in the construction sector that do not have the same status? Why or why not?
  • How would you describe the overall compliance culture within the architecture and/or construction sectors and what are the main factors leading to your assessment?
  • What factors, if any, do you think undermine a strong compliance culture?
  • Have you noticed any shifts in compliance culture in recent times? If so, what has changed and why?
  • How do you think compliance culture could be improved?

B. Survey questions

Architects registered by the ARBV and architectural firms approved by the ARBV were sent a survey containing the following questions:

Question 1: What does being a “professional” mean to you in the context of architectural practice?

(Select all that apply)

☐ Understanding and complying with the Code of Professional Conduct and all relevant laws

☐ Commitment to maintain skills and knowledge

☐ Exercising independent professional judgment

☐ Prioritising the interests of the client above all else

☐ Acting in the public interest

☐ Ensuring quality and safety in building design

☐ Maintaining clear ethical boundaries

Question 2: How confident are you that you understand your professional obligations as an architect?

☐ Very confident

☐ Somewhat confident

☐ Neutral

☐ Not very confident

☐ Not confident at all

Question 3: To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “Current practices in the construction sector can undermine architects’ ability to comply with their professional obligations.”

☐ Strongly agree

☐ Agree

☐ Neutral

☐ Disagree

☐ Strongly disagree

Question 4: In your experience, what practical issues can compromise your ability to act professionally and comply with professional obligations?

(Select all that apply)

☐ Complex regulatory obligations

☐ Inadequate education and guidance

☐ Inadequate practical experience

☐ Inadequate resources

☐ Commercial pressures from clients or builders

☐ Unclear roles and responsibilities on projects

☐ Unrealistic project timelines

☐ Limited time or capacity to meet all obligations

☐ Restricted or costly access to Australian standards or material certification

Question 5: If you work in a firm, how would you rate the support provided to you to comply with your professional obligations by the firm?

☐ Poor

☐ Fair

☐ Good

☐ Very good

☐ Excellent

Question 6: What changes would most help you to act professionally in all contexts and maintain a strong compliance culture?

(Select all that apply)

☐ More guidance from ARBV and other regulatory bodies about professional expectations

☐ More support and guidance from my firm about how to ensure compliance

☐ Better education for clients and builders about architects’ professional roles and responsibilities

☐ More support for handling commercial or legal pressures

☐ Industry-wide standards for professional behaviour

☐ Stronger peer networks and mentoring

☐ Simplified and/or clarified regulatory requirements

☐ More practical training on compliance and risk management

Question 7: What type of support or guidance from the ARBV would be most helpful to you in meeting your professional obligations?

(Select all that apply)

☐ Webinars

☐ Practice notes or case studies

☐ Online checklists

☐ None of the above


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