Opinion: Why we need registration in Western Australia by By Douglas Paton, D4 Designs, Shenton Park, WA

Nuts&Bolts

By Douglas Patton, D4 Designs, Shenton Park, WA.

Opinion

Why we need registration in Western Australia

We have registration for builders, architects, engineers, accountants, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, painters, even your dog! But anyone can design a house or a skyscraper, in Western Australia (WA). Our current understanding is that the government bodies in WA receive few, if any complaints about ‘building designers’, so why the need for change?

Registration, licensing or accreditation has been on and off the table of discussion for over 20 years. In 2014, the WA Planning Commission’s ‘Design Skills Discussion Paper’ proposed that higher density projects be limited to “registered architects or licensed design professionals”. The fact that in WA a licensed design professional does not exist, would essentially exclude any building designer from designing certain projects.

During the 2016 public comment, the Building Designers Association of WA (at the time, now DMN) strongly opposed this component, via an official submission and meetings with the WAPC. In addition to a letter from, Ernie Samec a registered architect and planning lawyer. Ernie’s letter to the Commission stated a legal position that a Planning Approval attaches to the land, and the application is made irrespective of the applicant. Therefore, planning legislation does not currently allow a control to be placed on the applicant or designer.

The WA Residential Design Codes, both Volume 1 – Low and Medium Density (Nov 2020 Draft) or the Volume 2 – Apartments (Gazetted on 24 May 2019) make no reference to the qualifications of the applicant, but rather implement sound design principles and encourage design review by peers.

Design Matters National has formed an informal subcommittee with WA Members to reignite the passion and support for the introduction of a registration system for building designers in WA. We view registration as a key means to regulate the industry and protect those practitioners who already operate at the highest standards. Similarly, we are supportive of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) for building designers which will help to ensure that practitioners maintain and develop their competence in building design throughout their professional career.

Where do Australian states and territories currently stand on the registration of building designers?

State Registration?

Victoria Yes. Registration: Building Design (Architectural) Building Design (Interior) Building Design (Services)

Queensland Licensed: Building Design Low rise Building Design Medium rise Building Design Open

Tasmania Licensed: Restricted Limited Domestic

New South Wales No. Registration changes coming 1/7/21

South Australia No

Australian Capital Territory No

Northern Territory No

Western Australia No