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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