This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
CONSULT Australia, Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Architects have developed a design guide as major legislative and regulatory reforms are introduced in NSW.
The Guide for Design Practitioners and Engineers is a resource to help the peak bodies members respond to the NSW Building Confidence reforms for increased building quality and safety.
“We are determined to continue driving quality and safety improvements in our built environment,” said Laura Cockburn, president of Australian Institute of Architects, NSW Chapter.
The guide outlines key issues which will be relevant to contracts and professional indemnity insurance for design practitioners, engineers and building practitioners.
“This new legislative framework is an important step in that process that will also rebuild consumer confidence and augment the safeguards detailed design documentation brings to any project, but particularly projects at scale,” added Cockburn.
The three bodies have developed the guide after working with the NSW government and authorities to enable better compliance with the Building Code of Australia, to reduce and rectify problems that have impacted consumers and practitioners.
“The interplay between contractual obligations and PI insurance policies is a critical issue for our members that must be considered before signing any contract,” said Nicola Grayson, CEO of Consult Australia.
“This guide helps design practitioners and engineers understand this interplay in the context of the latest NSW reforms.”
With all states across the country bringing various reforms to safety concerns in the sector, obtaining professional indemnity insurance without a ‘cladding exclusion’ has become am increasingly confused process.
“The building reform agenda in NSW encapsulated by the D&BP Act and Regulations will help to ensure buildings are built to the high standard expected by our communities. This guide will assist design practitioners and engineers with their role and obligations in the new regulatory environment,” Jane MacMaster, chief engineer at Engineers Australia.
The guide is supported by the office of the building commissioner, praising the Australian Institute of Architects, Consult Australia and Engineers Australia for displaying industry leadership.
The implementation of the Design and Building Practitioner Act creates new roles, responsibilities and liabilities for many players. It’s so important that these are reflected in contracts to make sure clients, designers and engineers are on the same page and we minimise disputes,” said Matt Press, director at the Office of the Building Commissioner.
