DM WEEKLY ROUNDUP ISSUE 14

ISSUE #14

The Weekly Roundup

DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL 15 May 2025

ESSENTIAL UPDATES This week's industry focus examines leadership changes at the ABCB, regulatory updates affecting cladding compliance, sustainability initiatives in architecture, and the rising costs of building construction. Judith Blake steps into the role of interim CEO at the ABCB, bringing 30 years of public service experience to the position. Industry bodies are adjusting to the implications of NCC 2022 Amendment 1 for cladding compliance, while architects are advocating for higher standards to achieve a decarbonised built environment. Meanwhile, record high costs in new home construction and mixed signals in building approvals data present ongoing challenges to Australia's housing targets. Victoria extends stamp duty discounts for off-the-plan purchases, and the Productivity Commission revisits national occupational licensing to improve trade mobility across states.

UPDATED PRACTICE NOTES NOW AVAILABLE Design Matters National has recently updated our practice notes. This collation of materials for members gathers all the webinars and support resources to help members become familiar and proficient when it comes to compliance with the new Energy Efficiency Standards and associated building design principles. The resource will be updated as more materials become available.

Members can access the complete collection through the Members Resource Portal. We encourage you to review these updated materials to support your professional practice.

INDUSTRY & REGULATION: LEADERSHIP & LICENSING UPDATES The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has appointed Judith Blake as interim CEO of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) from 12 May 2025.

Judith brings 30 years of public service experience across industry and innovation roles, and will lead the ABCB through this transition while a permanent CEO is recruited..

Read more about her appointment here.

In Victoria, building industry groups are calling for a Parliamentary review of the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections), which aims to bolster consumer protections in the construction sector. Builders argue some proposed measures could adversely impact business, whereas consumer advocates insist the reforms are critical and should be passed without delay. (This debate echoes long-running concerns in the industry about balancing consumer rights and regulatory burden.)

Nationally, Australia’s Productivity Commission is revisiting the idea of a uniform occupational licensing scheme for trades, to improve worker mobility across states. The commission has put national licensing back on the table and is seeking public feedback on how a harmonised system could help address skills shortages and simplify interstate practice for professionals.

N.B.: These developments highlight the evolving regulatory landscape. For insights on what such reforms mean for practitioners, DMN is hosting a webinar on the Government Reform Agenda on 3 June (see Events below).

BUILDING MARKET TRENS: COSTS, APPROVALS & POLICY The cost of building a new house in Australia has just hit a record high, and experts warn there’s little chance of prices easing. Labour and materials costs surged during the pandemic and have not reverted, contributing to persistently elevated construction expenses. At the same time, the latest ABS data shows the number of dwellings approved fell by 8.8% in March (seasonally adjusted), with approvals for private houses down 4.5% and other dwellings down 15.1%. This one-two punch of soaring costs and sliding approvals suggests ongoing pressure on housing supply – a concern previously noted in Issue #13, which reported some home builders abandoning projects amid rising costs and delays.

TIn response to housing affordability concerns, the Victorian government has extended its stamp duty discount for new builds by another year. Buyers of off-the-plan apartments, townhouses and units will continue to receive stamp duty concessions, as the Allan government seeks to stimulate demand for new housing construction. This move is intended to keep buyer interest high in the face of those record construction costs, and to help boost the pipeline of new homes in Victoria’s market. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if the incentive translates into an uptick in projects (and we will report on any outcomes in future issues).

Sustainability & Climate: Architects Lead on Decarbonisation Australia’s architects are ramping up efforts to drive a decarbonised future in the built environment.

The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has launched its Architecture Industry Decarbonisation Plan 2025–2050 at the recent national conference in Sydney, outlining a collaborative roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions across the built environment. At the same time, architects are calling for stronger government action – including updates to the NCC to mandate embodied carbon measurement (via NABERS), requirements for allelectric and highly efficient buildings, and a 40% reduction in upfront carbon by 2030. AIA leaders describe this moment as a critical turning point for the industry, noting that with the right design and regulatory measures, the building sector (responsible for over a quarter of Australia’s carbon emissions) can reach net-zero while delivering healthier, betterperforming places.

(This builds on our Issue #13 coverage of emerging sustainability training and initiatives, reflecting a growing momentum towards greener design.)

Meanwhile, Melbourne’s urban growth patterns are coming under an international spotlight. At the prestigious Triennale Milano design exhibition (running 13 May – 9 November in Italy), an Australian-led installation will reveal the environmental toll of Melbourne’s urban sprawl. The exhibit aims to highlight how decades of unchecked suburban expansion have impacted ecosystems and city livability. By showcasing Melbourne’s challenges on a world stage, the curators hope to spark global conversations about sustainable urban planning and inspire more compact, climate-responsive development back home.

(For those interested in sustainable design discourse, DMN is hosting a special Melbourne Design Week event on 22 May exploring “Homes of the Future” – see Events.)

Technology & Innovation: AI in Design Practice A new global survey has revealed that nearly one-third of Australian engineers, architects, and urban planners are now using artificial intelligence (AI) tools on a daily basis. In fact, 32% of Australian respondents report incorporating AI into their work every day, and 85% at least every week – closely mirroring the global average.

Commissioned by sustainable development consultancy Arup, the research highlights how advanced AI technologies are being leveraged far beyond basic chatbots, from generative design software to data-driven city management platforms.

Industry leaders note that this rapid uptake of AI is streamlining design processes and could lead to smarter, more efficient buildings and infrastructure. To keep pace with these trends, building professionals are looking to upskill in digital tools and workflows.

(If you’re keen on cutting-edge construction tech, consider joining the Future of Construction tour in Perth on 21 May, which will showcase innovative design technologies in action – see Events below.)

Major Projects: Housing Supply Expansions in Sydney & Brisbane In western Sydney, an already significant development near Penrith Station – the “Mayfair on Penrith” complex – is slated to grow even larger. Plans have been lodged to add four extra storeys and 144 apartments to the project’s tower, a move aimed at bolstering housing supply in what has been touted as a litmus test for solving the local housing crisis. This expansion would further increase the density around the transit node, delivering much-needed new dwellings in the area.

2025 DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL BUILDING DESIGN AWARDS This year marks a significant milestone for the Design Matters National Building Design Awards as it will be the 30th running of this fantastic event.

The 2025 Awards will be particularly special as we remember Giselle Grynbaum, who singlehandedly launched the very first BDAs back in 1996. With Giselle's recent passing, this year's event will hold profound significance as we reflect on her legacy and the immense contribution she made to our community. We invite our whole DMN community to share in this special occasion with us.

Award entries close on June 20—so if you haven’t started your submission, now is the time! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your best work.

We invite you to join us for the Scotchman’s View Home Tour. As the 2024 National Winning Project by Design by AD, this tour will take you through all the details of the stunning project, set against a picturesque backdrop, followed by a relaxing lunch at a nearby pub. Register for the tour here.

UPCOMING EVENTS MAY Ask an Assessor: Windows and Glazing in an Energy Assessment Date: May 20 Time: 2:00PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenters: Matthew Graham and Russell Harris BONDOR Factory Tour Date: May 21 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Bondor Vic - Truganina Future of Construction Tour DAte: 21 May Time: 09:00AM Location: Curtin Universty | Engineering Building, Perth Performance Solutions: Livable Housing Design Requirements, Condensation Management, Drainage, and Roof Design Date: May 22 Time: 2:00-3:00PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Paul Mulholland Melbourne Design Week Date: May 22 Time: 6:00PM Location: 23-27 Cardigan St, Carlton Presenters: Jeremy Spencer, Greg Sparrius, Pip Sparrius, Uta Green, Ben Walsham Swimming Pool Barriers Updates to AS1926.1 - 2024: What you need to Know Date: May 27 Time: 2:00PM AEST Location: ONLINE Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients Date: May 26 Time: 6:00PM (AEST) Location: ONLINE Presenter: Britta Siggelkow

Ask a Planner: Navigating the new townhouse and low-rise code Part 2 Date: May 28 Time: 10:00-11:30AM AEST Location: Online Presenter: Ashley Thompson and Mel Ryan Home Tour: 2024 BDA Winner 'Scotchman's View' Date: May 29 Time: 10:30AM AEST Location: Drysdale, VIC Women of DMN Lunch - Northside Date: 30 May Time: 12:30PM Location: Ascot Vale Hotel

JUNE Government Reform Agenda: What does this mean for building designers?

Date: 3 June Time: 2PM-3PM Location: ONLINE Presenter: Stevebn Baxas

Women of DMN Catch Up at NEXT DOOR 2 Date: Jun 6 Time: 12:30 PM Location: Next Door At Omar & the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Melbourne VIC 3185 Upskill for Whole of Home Masterclass Date: Jun 10 Time: 04:00PM AEST Location: Online Presenter: Matthew Graham Ask and Interior Designer | The Strategic Value of Interior Designers in Project Planning Date: Jun 11 Time: 02:00 PM Location: ONLINE Upskill Now Masterclass (THERMAL) Date: Jun 19 Time: 04:00PM AEST Location: Online Presenter: Matthew Graham

FirstRate5 LIVE: Model Class 2 Multi-Dwellings (v3.2) Date: Jun 20 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Online (AEST) Contract Administration Workshop Date: Jun 28 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

JULY Hempcrete: Major inroads in the Australian hemp construction industry Date: Jul 02 Time: 12:00PM AEST Location: Online Presenter: Klara Marosszeky Protecting your bottom line: Debt recover strategies for design professionals Date: 24 July Time: 4:00PM (AEST) Location: ONLINE Presenters: Drew Laing and Caitlyn Hoey

AUGUST Ask an Interior Designer: Designing from the inside out - The power of early interior planning Date: 21 August Time: 2Pm-3PM Location: ONLINE Presenter: Dominique Hunter

SEPTEMBER DMN Member Dinner - Hobart Date: 3 Sep Time: 5:30PM Location: 140 Cascade Rd, South Hobart Tassie Member Breakfast - Hobart Date: 4 Sep Time: 8:00AM Location: Brickworks Hobart Design Studio Presenter: Wayne Gorman DMN Member Dinner - Launceston Date: Sep 4 Time: 6:00 PM Location: 140 Cascade Rd, Hobart Building Practitioner Pre-Registration Course for VBA Date: Sep 17 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare Contract Administration Workshop Date: Sep 27 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

SOURCES IN THIS ISSUE Australian Building Codes Board – “Meet our interim CEO, Judith Blake” Architecture & Design – “NCC 2022 Amendment 1: What you need to know about cladding compliance” Architecture & Design – “Environmental toll of Melbourne’s urban sprawl to be revealed at Triennale Milano” The Sydney Morning Herald – “How the cost of building a new house just hit a record high” The Age – “Stamp duty discounts for apartments extended by a year” Sourceable – “Builders call for Victorian legislation review” The Fifth Estate – “Architects call for government to raise standards for a decarbonised built environment” HVAC&R News – “National occupation licensing back on the table” Australian Bureau of Statistics – “Dwelling approvals fall in March” Build Australia – “Australian engineers rapidly integrate AI in design” Penrith Press (Daily Telegraph) – “Plans to add four storeys, 144 apartments to tower complex” The Urban Developer – “Deluca Adds Apartments to Carseldine Village Heart”

Stay connected with Design Matters National – visit our Events Calendar for all upcoming events, explore our CPD Resources for on-demand training, and check out the Design Matters National website for the latest news and member information.

Thank you for reading!