This report is the outcome of research funded by the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), with the objective of reinforcing the significance of the overarching duties and culture that define professionalism among architects.
It originates from the proactive regulatory efforts of the ARBV, which, consistent with its 2022-26 Strategic Plan and Ministerial Statement of Expectations, aim to prevent unprofessional conduct through industry-wide intelligence gathering, guidance, and education for architects, clients, and end-users. This research also builds upon prior studies conducted by the ARBV in collaboration with the NSW Architects Registration Board, which culminated in the release of the Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture Sector report in 2022 and its follow-up Deep Dive into Systemic Risks in the Architecture Sector report in 2024.
This research was conducted by the ARBV with a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides insights that will guide us in our role as regulator to prevent and mitigate instances of non-compliance among Victorian architects. Secondly, it aims to directly assist architects in fostering a professional mindset that is rooted in a culture of regulatory compliance reflected in their day-to-day practice.
While the study originates in Victoria and primarily focuses on it, its implications extend beyond regional boundaries to national and international contexts. Architects across Australia are regulated under a consistent framework, with Victoria as the jurisdiction with the highest number of registered architects – many of whom deliver services nationwide from Victoria. Moreover, the report’s reflections on professionalism are holistic and grounded in long-standing common law principles that apply not only to architects as globally mobile professionals, but also inform broader notions of professionalism across other fields.
Consistent with prior research conducted by the ARBV, this study is evidence-based, drawing in this case from a desktop review of academic literature, data available to the ARBV through its regulatory activity, and fieldwork comprising a survey of Victorian architects as well as consultation with industry experts, stakeholders and representatives of other Victorian regulatory authorities.
At the heart of this study is the demonstration of how a commitment to compliance with certain “overarching duties” is fundamental to fostering a strong compliance culture within the architecture profession. This commitment, in turn, supports an ethical mindset in the provision of architectural services that is critical for delivering public value and protecting the public interest in a highly complex built environment context.
Among the many interpretations of the term “culture”, this study adopts a view that culture is not an abstract idea, but the convergence of values, attitudes, habits, assumptions, expectations, and aspirations that surface in daily behaviour. In this context, culture forms the foundation of practice, and a culture of compliance is essential for fulfilling the duties of professional conduct in architecture.
The report is structured into seven discrete chapters, which examine aspects of professional culture, regulatory obligations and compliance, and compliance tools from various angles of inquiry, ranging from general considerations that define professionalism as a concept underpinned by overarching duties, to specific applications for architectural practice. These chapters are supplemented by some conclusions about the key themes emerging from the research and their significance for the architecture profession and the broader construction sector.
To reinforce the practical implications of a compliance-oriented culture, a series of case studies illustrates how overarching duties are applicable to architects in everyday situations and at different project scales. While fictional in nature, these case studies are informed by realistic scenarios, grounded in the regulator’s first-hand understanding of common non-compliance risks and incidents.
This report is the product of collaborative work facilitated by Dart Legal and Consulting, with contributions from a working group of ARBV staff and Board members. A warm note of gratitude is owed to Dr Dariel De Sousa for leading the effort, including fieldwork, and coordinating inputs over several workshops and drafts. A special note of appreciation is extended to the ARBV CEO and Registrar Dr Glenice Fox, Deputy Registrar Fiona Gjoni and Manager of Strategy, Governance and Projects Shane Pearse for their inputs as well as management of the project, and to Board members Mark Curry, Michael Leeton, Sally Brincat and Tim Leslie for sharing their expertise, knowledge, and input in the shaping of the report and all Board members of the ARBV for their support in establishing and funding the research.
The ARBV is especially grateful to Bronwyn Weir for contributing to this report with a foreword that emphasises the importance of the proactive role that regulators, like the ARBV, and architects play by contributing to broader discussions on raising confidence in the Australian building industry.
Finally, sincere thanks to the participants of the focus group and to the more than 500 Victorian architects who took the time to complete the survey that informed several findings of this study. Their perspectives reflect a professional care that has been invaluable in developing this report and will continue to inform the ARBV’s regulatory commitment to protecting the Victorian public and supporting the profession to maintain high standards of professional conduct and practice.
Giorgio Marfella | Chairperson ARBV
Updated