In May 2015, new regulations under the Victorian Architects Act introduced a mandatory Architects Code of Professional Conduct for all Victorian architects.
The code defines the standard of professional conduct and practice for architects registered in Victoria. The Architects Registration Board of Victoria enforces this code under the Architects Act 1991 (Vic), and can also prepare and publish guidelines on professional conduct and practice.
Bear in mind, the standards of professional conduct are in addition to and complement the standards defined in the Australian Institute of Architects Code of Professional Conduct. If you are an architect registered in Victoria and an Institute member, you should be familiar with the standards in both codes.
To download a copy of the Victorian code, refer to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.
Client Agreements and the Victorian code
The Victorian code prohibits architects from providing architectural services unless you to enter into a written agreement with the client (Rule 4 of the code). You must enter into a written agreement before you begin architectural services.
To assist architects, the Institute publishes a standard form client and architect agreement which is compliant with the Victorian code and helps architects meet their obligations in the Victorian code to have a written agreement. See the Institute’s client and architect agreement here.
CPD and the Victorian code
Under the Architects Act and the Victorian code, CPD is currently not mandatory in Victoria. The code does obligate architects to maintain suitable skills, knowledge and experience. Both the Institute and the registration board agree that attending regular, annual CPD is the best way to meet the standard of skill, knowledge and experience expected under the Victorian code.
The Institute encourages all practising architect members to obtain a minimum of 20 CPD points per year (10 formal and 10 informal).
The registration board, Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the Institute also promoted a National Model for CPD in Victoria.
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