Intersect, August 2018

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Contents COVER STORY – BUILDING DESIGN OF THE YEAR

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AWA R D W I N N E R S

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

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INTER VIE W: INGRID HORNUNG

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MEMBER RECOGNITION

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PLANNING TOPICS

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T E C H N O LO G Y 34 INDUSTRY NEWS

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INDUSTRY PRAC TICE

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MARKE TING TOPICS

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JOB MARKET

48 DISCLAIMER Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not infer that the BDAV agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, the BDAV does not accept responsiblity for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of the BDAV. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at info@bdav.org.au.

Cover Story – No Two The Same

COVER STORY – BUILDING DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2018

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N O T W O T H E S A M E: LU X U RY R I C H M O N D TO W N H O U S E S W I N S B U I L D I N G D E S I G N O F T H E YE A R S E V E N S TA R R AT E D T O W N H O U S E S F O L L O W S T R O N G C O N T E X T U A L R E S P O N S E R E D U C I N G I N T E R N A L F L O O R S PA C E M A K E S WAY F O R A N I N T E R N A L C O U R T YA R D

Imagine walking down a Richmond laneway and then WOW! It strikes you: a stunning, beautiful façade of elegant boxes, clad with battened timber and laser cut screens, whilst respecting the beautiful renovated heritage building opposite.

This is the achievement of the BDAV’s 2018 Building Design of the Year.

The planning response, the design of the layout, the interior design, the design execution, the thoughtful and respectful use of materials, this really is the end result of all these design elements coming together.

Further, in a project that fully challenged the resolve of the building designer, Melbourne Design Studios have exceeded expectations.

This contemporary, highly-crafted design reflects the craftsmanship associated with the area’s industrial past, sitting comfortably within the surrounding urban fabric. A minimalist, but warm and welcoming house design, both the natural and urban environments blend seamlessly together.

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“ A minimalist, but warm and welcoming house design, both the natural and urban environments blend seamlessly together. An outstanding design for this year’s Building Design of Year. ” DARREN COLE-SINCLAIR J U D G I N G PA N E L

Located in an historic and tightly-held pocket of inner-city Melbourne, this recently completed townhouse development features six bespoke urban residences, along with the award-winning transformation of a derelict Victorian heritage dwelling also located on site. The development balances a heritage setting with contemporary design, redefining typical urban townhouse design to hero connection with the landscape and surrounds.

Marking a departure from conventional townhouse typology, each dwelling offers multi-functional and spacious living in an otherwise tightly built-up urban area. Boasting a rare combination of light-filled internal spaces gathered around multiple outdoor spaces and rooftop terrace with city skyline views, each townhouse has over 20% more outdoor space than a typical solution.

A row-house design and strong contextual architectural response blends the Continued page 9.....

C over S tory – N o T wo T he S ame

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development with its gritty inner-urban location; inside, the blurred indoor-outdoor zones achieve a private oasis tucked away in an urban setting, offering a vital connection to nature to facilitate well-being.

The project works hard to achieve a lot for a small and difficult site.

Each residence sits on approximately 230 square metres of land, and comprises three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms across multiple levels with a range of 200 to 230 square metres of internal space and approximately 100 to 120 square metres (including courtyards, decking and roof terrace) of outdoor space in each townhouse.

Set opposite a converted shoe factory, the design reflects the craftspersonship associated with the area’s industrial past. Situated three kilometres east of central Melbourne, Richmond has been known as a manufacturing hub since the mid-19th century. Gentrification has given way to a mix of Victorian architecture and warehouse conversions with industrial landmarks turned into luxury apartments and residential zones. The individualised façades, row-like form, choice of materials and scale are a clever response to the site. The design complements the shoe factory, helping the residences become part of the urban fabric and sit comfortably within the typical proportions and heights of the area.

The sustainable brief and inspiration for the 10 star NatHERS rating provided the opportunity for innovative solutions and departures from the standard townhouse architecture. The drive for natural light and ventilation led to the design of an internal courtyard which provides a further solution to the challenges of providing quality private open space in small urban sites.

Designed in response to the Melbourne climate, each townhouse offers a holistic and contemporary approach to sustainable design and passive solar design principles. The concept design won the 2013 BDAV 10 Star Challenge in the Multi-Residential category (Sustainable Inner City Living) and achieved an average 7 Star NatHERS Rating across all townhouses.

This project also won awards for Multi Residential Design, Excellence in Use of Timber, Past Presidents’ Award for Best Response to a Design Brief, and also received Commendations for Residential Interior Design and Excellence in Use of Timber.

DESIGNER

Melbourne Design Studios www.melbournedesignstudios.com.au

BUILDER

H Daniel Constructions

PHOTOGRAPHY

Peter Clarke Photography

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C over S tory – N o T wo T he S ame

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“ One of the ambitions for this project was to seamlessly integrate the sustainability measures into the high-level design so they don’t appear as superfluous ‘green’ add-ons. ” —M — ARC BERNSTEIN, MELBOURNE DESIGN STUDIOS

Award Winners

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2 0 1 8 AWA R D W I N N E R S

The winners of the BDAV 2018 Building Design Awards Winners are: Building Design of the Year 2018 Winner: Melbourne Design Studios Pty Ltd for No Two the Same Residential Design New House $300K-600K Winner: Design Unity Pty Ltd for Merricks Beach House Commendation: Beaumont Concepts for CORE 9 Residential Design New House $600K-$1M Winner: Arki Design Studio for Martha’s Peak Commendation: Mt Martha Drafting & Design for Barkly Street House Residential Design New House over $1M Winner: Tina Lindner Building Design for SSO Project Commendation: Rachcoff Vella Architecture Pty Ltd for Wildcoast Multi Residential Design Melbourne Design Studios Pty Ltd for No Two the Same Residential Best Small Lot Design Winner: JFK Design for Project Napier Commendation: placeformspace for Chronicles of Hewhill Residential Design Alterations & Additions up to $250K Winner: Tina Lindner Building Design for Charles Project Residential Design Alterations & Additions $250K-$500K Winner: Luke Fry Pty Ltd for Chaddesley Avenue Commendation: JFK Design for Project Napier Residential Design Alterations & Additions $500K-$1M Winner: EME Design Pty Ltd for Courtyard House Residential Design Alterations & Additions over $1M Winner: Project Now (Vic) Pty Ltd for Neill Street Non-Residential Design New Project Winner: Crosier Scott & Associates P/L for Ego Pharmaceuticals HQ Commendation: Project Now (Vic) P/L for Integrated Medical Centre Non-Residential Design Alterations & Additions Winner: Form & Function Building Design for St Joseph’s Parish Project Residential Heritage Design Joint Winner: Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd for Werai Joint Winner: EME Design Pty Ltd for Courtyard House Non-Residential Heritage Design Winner: Form & Function Building Design for St Joseph’s Parish Project

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Best Energy Efficient Design-Residential Winner: Beaumont Concepts for CORE 9 Commendation: Maxa Design Pty Ltd for Kallista Best Environmentally Sustainable Design-Residential Winner: Beaumont Concepts for CORE 9 Commendation: EME Design Pty Ltd for Passive Butterfly Residential Restoration Winner: Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd for Werai Non-Residential Restoration Winner: Form & Function Building Design for St Joseph’s Parish Project Residential Interior Design Winner: Luke Fry Pty Ltd for Chaddesley Avenue Commendation: Melbourne Design Studios P/L for No Two the Same Commendation: Rachcoff Vella Architecture Pty Ltd for Wildcoast Non-Residential Interior Design Winner: Crosier Scott & Associates P/L for Ego Pharmaceuticals HQ Commendation: Sync Design for Gigil Café Most Innovative Small Works Project Winner: Form & Function Building Design for Koala Childcare North Campus Past Presidents’ Award for Best Response to a Design Brief Winner: Melbourne Design Studios Pty Ltd for No Two the Same People’s Choice Award Winner: Little Brick Studio for Mitchell Street Project Most Innovative Kitchen Design Winner: Luke Fry Pty Ltd for Chaddesley Avenue Commendation: More Detail Pty Ltd for Long Island Point Kitchen Most Innovative Bathroom Design Winner: Design Unity Pty Ltd for Switchback Residence Commendation: Melbourne Design Studios P/L for No Two the Same Commendation: Rachcoff Vella Architecture Pty Ltd for Wildcoast Excellence in Use of Steel Winner: Luke Fry Pty Ltd for Chaddesley Avenue Commendation: Maxa Design Pty Ltd for Kallista Excellence in Use of Timber Winner: Melbourne Design Studios Pty Ltd for No Two the Same Commendation: Quin Wyatt Building Designers for Clipper Quay Commendation: Sync Design for Gigil Café

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2 0 1 8 AWA R D W I N N E R S (CONTINUED) Excellence in Use of Glass Winner: Vibe Design Group Pty Ltd for Morell Street Excellence in Use of Masonry Winner: Form & Function Building Design for Koala Childcare North Campus Commendation: Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd for Werai Excellence in Use of Concrete Winner: Rachcoff Vella Architecture Pty Ltd for Wildcoast Commendation: Arki Design Studio for Martha’s Peak Excellence in Use of Lightweight Materials Winner: Project Now (Vic) Pty Ltd for Integrated Medical Centre Excellence in Use of Recycled Materials Winner: Quin Wyatt Building Designers for Clipper Quay Commendation: Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd for Western Best Response to a Design Brief by a Student Winner: Heidi Stoll, Bendigo TAFE Best Digital Presentation by a Student Winner: Soroush Maghsoudi, Box Hill Institute Drafting Excellence by a Student Winner: Soroush Maghsoudi, Box Hill Institute Commendation: Xuan On Phan, Holmesglen Best Interior Design by a Student Winner: Yuanita Kuswara, Holmesglen (Interiors) Our thanks to the Judges, and all involved in relation to the BDAV’s 2018 Building Design Awards.

The 2018 Awards were proudly sponsored

by COLORBOND® steel, WoodSolutions, and Webber Insurance Services

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Workplaces: Wellness + Wood = Productivity

“Until recently, we’ve really not had a whole lot of evidence to support that common hypothesis that having things like wooden surfaces in the office would be good for your wellbeing.”*

“What I found and got really excited about was that there’s a really strong association between the presence of wood and wellbeing. I’ve rarely seen a data set or a study which has shown such a clear link.”*

“If you’re a worker and you could see no wooden surfaces at all from your workplace, 53% of that type of worker was satisfied with what was going on in their workplace.

When you move that up to having eight or more wooden surfaces - we’re talking things here like wooden chairs, wooden panelling on the walls, wooden floorboards, even quite small wooden items- but if you get to eight or more, then 82% of people were satisfied with their work.”*

“Having wooden surfaces in your workplace is strongly associated with: improved worker wellbeing, workplace satisfaction, and with all the positive things that can flow from that like improved productivity.”* N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU

Download the free report - Workplaces: Wellness + Wood = Productivity at woodsolutions.com.au/ wood-at-work

*Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer, Health and Wellbeing Researcher, University of Canberra

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From the President

BDAV Study Tour South America 5-20 May 2019 Bookings Now Open Join us to explore the culture, attractions and architecture of Argentina and Brazil

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T H E B L U R R E D L I N E S O F AT T R I B U T I O N BDAV President, Lindsay Douglas, discusses when it is appropriate to give credit to individual team members - or other designers involved in your project - for their work.

IDesigning as a team is an integral part of making a design project come to life. A team environment fosters a sense of togetherness and allows professionals from different disciplines to collectively build ideas from the ground up, challenge each other and lean on individual’s expertise. However, when we are working collaboratively in a team with other professionals such as fellow designers, interior designers and landscape architects, when is it appropriate to give individual team members credit?

As building designers, we are bound by law to give our co-designers credit but it should also be our individual obligation to find constructive ways to attribute credit to all parties involved in a project, and shine a light on the talents of the entire project team be they builders, architects or interior designers.

So, what is attribution? Attribution is a moral, ethical and professional imperative - an unspoken code of conduct. It is simply giving credit to the creator. It is acknowledging authorship - when sharing a photo to social media, for example, we always credit the photographer. The same goes in building design.

It is not just our moral obligation to our fellow designers, it’s also the right business practice to support our colleagues in the industry.

Designers must consider a few key things before working on a joint venture or a project with multiple designers. According to The Moral Rights Act, design must be attributed whenever reproduced - whether in plans, models, buildings or photography - when published online or on display. Your design team should be aware of these regulations, as copyright is automatic when taking material form. Under the Copyright Act, the author (building designer) of a work (plans or drawings) has a right of attribution of authorship in respect of his or her work.

My advice is to sit down and talk openly and honestly at the beginning of the project about how you will work together, and how you will give credit to each other when the work is complete. The best time to clearly outline how you will make attributions is when you are first defining the scope of work, fees and responsibilities.

In my experience, discussing how you are going to recognise the contribution of others is one of the most important conversations in your initial design meetings. Unless it is a design area you individually create, all parties should agree on how to credit others.

And working collaboratively is not only about how you carve up the tasks and take ownership within a design project. You should view it as a learning opportunity – to meet new clients, network and have industry professionals challenge your way of thinking.

We become dependent on each other for success, and success is important. Successful projects and pleased clients translate to referrals and new business opportunities. Success that could not be reached without designers challenging your thinking and building on your ideas – so give them a little credit.

More information on morals rights and copyrighting including the BDAV Moral Rights Practice Note, BDAV Copyright Practice Note and Copyright Council Fact Sheets can be found on the BDAV website at www.bdav.org.au.

Here are a few suggestions on how to respectfully - and legally credit a co-designer: 1. Tagging a co-designer when you share images of your work on social media (which not only credits their design but increases your own exposure).

2. Crediting a co-designer on your website, with a link to their website.

3. When discussing examples of your past work with new clients, give credit to your co-designer’s contributions to the project.

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“ Discussing how you are going to recognise the contribution of others is one of the most important conversations in your initial design meetings ” L I N D S AY D O U G L A S

F rom the P resident

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InterVIEW

INTERVIEW

This month we profile Ingrid Hornung, the BDAV’s current Treasurer. Ingrid is a building designer, and has been running Designs for You since 2002. She has served on the BDAV’s Committee of Management since October 2012.

We asked Ingrid: Q: What is/are your favourite project/s that you have worked on, and why?

Q: Outside of work, I am passionate about?

A: That’s like asking me to choose a favourite child! The most rewarding aspect of the projects I work on is making a positive difference in clients’ lives.

A: Family, friends, coffee, reading…..

Q: To date, my biggest business/design challenge has been?

A: Walking the tight rope of growing a business that will last –there is always more to learn!

Q: At the moment I am reading?

A: I’m rediscovering The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie.

Q: My favourite finish is?

A: Timber – I can’t go past its beauty and versatility.

Q: My life in four words?

A: Only four!? – Okay:

Q: The architectural style of the home I grew up in?

Caring, fortunate, design, laughter….

A: Brick veneer (it wasn’t as interesting as Howard Arkley made them look!)

Q: I joined the BDAV because?

A: As a sole trader embarking on my own business, I was looking for a professional organisation of designers to network with.

Q: My favourite Australian building is?

A: Here are two buildings that I find inspiring: Glenn Murcutt’s Australian Islamic Centre in Newport….. and Pholiota – an original (?) tiny house, that Marion Mahoney and Walter Burley Griffin built for themselves, in Eaglemont in 1920.

Q: My favourite international building is?

A: During my student years, I fell in love with Pierre Chareau’s Maison de Verre. It’s still hard to beat, for me.

Q: My words of wisdom for a student building designer are?

A: It will be worth everything you put into it (in other words, it’s up to you!)

Q: When I was a child I wanted to be?

A: A writer.

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I nter V I E W

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Member Recognition

MEMBERS RECOGNISED FOR LONG-SER VICE

At the 2018 BDAV Annual Dinner, recognition was made to a number of long-serving Members who have been Members for 25 or more years. These Members are (in alphabetical order):

Sean Hamilton

Colin Mellett

Member Number 71 Date Joined: 19/8/1993

Member Number 40 Date Joined: 13/5/1986

Roy Hodgson

Ronald Pickford

Member Number 64 Date Joined: 10/12/1992

Member Number 5 Date Joined: 17/3/1983

Brian Huntley

Paul Shaw

Member Number 16 Date Joined: 10/3/1983

Member Number 12 Date Joined: 17/3/1983

Tony Iseppi

Ken Sibley

Member Number 42 Date Joined: 16/12/1986

Member Number 58 Date Joined: 14/2/1991

Peter Jackson

Kevin Slater

Member Number 63 Date Joined: 10/12/1992

Member Number 13 Date Joined: 11/3/1983

Peter Lombardozzi

Malcolm Trompf

Member Number 67 Date Joined: 25/3/1993

Member Number 7 Date Joined: 15/3/1983

Enzo Madafferi

Ray Watts

Member Number 51 Date Joined: 1/1/1989

Member Number 11 Date Joined: 17/3/1983

Michael Manias Member Number 43 Date Joined: 16/12/1986

Susan Marriott Member Number 70 Date Joined: 29/7/1993

Christopher McArdle Member Number 54 Date Joined: 8/3/1990

Robert McLauchlan Member Number 61 Date Joined: 25/7/1991

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M ember R ecognition

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MEMBERS RECOGNISED

SER VICE EXCELLENCE RECOGNISED

The recipient of this year’s Ronald Pickford Award for Service Excellence 2018 is Tim Adams, FBDAV. The award was presented

by Ron Pickford at the BDAV’s 2018 Annual Dinner.

LIFE MEMBER At the BDAV’s 2018 Annual Dinner, Robert McLauchland was elevated to the status of Life Member in recognition of his significant contribution to the BDAV over many years.

Tim has been a BDAV Member since 1999, and it is fair to say he has been a very active Member. He served as BDAV President from 2010 to 2012. In 2014, he was elevated to Fellow in recognition of this contribution to the Association over the years.

B R I A N M O R I S O N AWA R D F O R MOST PROMISING STUDENT 2018

Tim served on the BDAV’s Committee of Management from 2003 to 2014. He has been the Chair of the BDAV’s Energy & Sustainability Hub Advisory Board since 2010. He also chairs the BDAV’s Thermal Performance Assessor Technical Advisory Committee, another role he has held since 2010.

At the BDAV’s 2018 Annual Dinner, Lindsay Fischer was presented with the Brian Morison Award for Most Promising Student 2018. She is a student from Melbourne Polytechnic, and clearly has a solid career ahead of her in the design profession.

Tim has provided editorial contributions to the BDAV’s monthly journal since 2009, and serves on the Editorial Committee. He also provides content and feedback for BDAV submissions whenever called upon.

The judges said that Lindsay’s folio presentation displayed a cohesive amalgam of capabilities in both design documentation and in working drawing requirements, underpinned by a contemporary residential design using timber cladding and incorporating strong environmental design principles.

Tim was the founder and initiator of the BDAV’s 10 Star Sustainable Design Challenge in 2011, a program that has successfully profiled the sustainable design skills of BDAV Members.

Lindsay received $4,000 from the BDAV to further her career in our profession.

He was also responsible for BDAV becoming a NatHERS Assessor Accrediting Organisation in 2011, a role the BDAV continues to have.

He also facilitates the BDAV Energy Rater Help Desk, which receives queries from Members on almost a daily basis.

Tim prepares and deliveries BDAV CPD sessions in both metropolitan and regional areas when called upon.

He regularly attends numerous meetings each year in the sustainability space on behalf of BDAV. He also participates in the Geelong Sustainability Group, given his commitment and passion for all things sustainable.

All in all – a worthy recipient of this Award.

F E L L O W A L A S TA I R

This Award recognises the outstanding contribution made by Brian Morison to the BDAV during 18 years of exemplary service as BDAV’s Executive Officer. Brian retired from the workforce at the end of June 2012 and, during that time, was an outstanding ambassador for the Association in all his dealings with the relevant stakeholders with whom the BDAV interacts. Brian has always been passionate about encouraging young people along their chosen career path. Therefore, the BDAV views this Award as due and fitting accolade for his commitment to nurture students to progress their career in building design.

STUDENT GRANT WINNERS 2018 The following Student Members each won a grant of $500 from the BDAV to assist them to further their career in the building design profession. They also received a 12-month subscription to Sanctuary magazine, donated by the Alternative Technology Association. The winners were announced at the BDAV’s 2018 Annual Dinner: Aron Babington Steve Pettitt

At the BDAV’s 2018 Annual Dinner, Alastair McDonald was elevated to the status of Fellow in recognition of his contribution to the BDAV.

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M ember R ecognition

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Planning Topics

PLANNING TIDBITS

Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes

STONNINGTON BARKING UP THE TREES Clause 1 Planning has recently received multiple letters from the City of Stonnington that indicate Council intends to more fiercely enforce their tree protection and management procedures.

We suspect that all recent permit applicants in the City of Stonnington would have received the same correspondence.

The letter states that, “Council has adopted a zero tolerance approach to dealing with any breach of vegetation related controls contained in a planning permit.“ It goes on to say “in the event of a breach the landowner, developer and any other relevant persons (such as subconsultants) will be liable to prosecution.”

Although Council has always had the power to enforce tree management and protection requirements, this correspondence makes it clear that permit applicants and their clients have been put on notice.

This is a mandatory requirement that cannot be varied by a report and consent.

DELWP ONLINE RESOURCE LIBRARY Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has created a new online resource library. The DELWP website notes: You can now search for current and archived planning documents.

With the new tool anybody can search for and find a wide range of planning publications and resources published by the Planning Group within DELWP. With future enhancements already planned, the resource library will prove to be a valuable tool for the planning community.

At the time of writing there were 153 resources available including (but not limited to):

• Clause 1 encourages all practitioners to ensure they understand when trees can be removed without a planning permit and the implications • of a planning permit condition that requires vegetation to be protected, planted or pruned in a prescribed manner. Applicants • should also be aware that more and more Councils are including permit conditions that require an arborist (or suitable qualified person) to undertake canopy and root pruning, where permitted.

• B U I L D I N G R E G U L AT I O N S F O R G A R D E N A R E A R E Q U I R E M E N T S

We reported recently on the new definition for “Garden Area” now contained in Victoria’s Planning Schemes. Applicants will be aware that, where applicable, these garden areas are mandatory requirements in the Neighbourhood and General Residential zones.

The concept of a ‘garden area’ was originally introduced to Planning Schemes in 2017 but did not expressly provide for the construction of single dwellings on larger lots which were exempt from planning permit requirements.

To bring the Building Regulations into line with the planning permit requirements, the Building Amendment (Garden Area and Siting Requirements) Regulations 2018 were enacted on 10 July 2018 and inserted a new regulation. Regulation 76A requires the consideration of a minimum garden area for the construction of a single dwelling in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone and General Residential Zone.

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Templates for planning-related agreements; Planning permit activity reports - monthly, quarterly and annually; Standard forms for local government and other authority procedures; Planning issues, papers and land use studies;

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Research results;

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Applicant guides to VicSmart;

•

Fact sheets, technical guides and practice notes for planning;

•

Policies and guidelines including State-level strategic planning documents;

•

Consultation documents on State-level planning matters;

•

Population bulletins;

•

Localised planning statements and regional growth statements;

•

Green wedge management plans.

The library provides a useful “go-to” resource for practitioners, particularly in preparing reports associated with planning permit applications where state or local policy refers to or incorporates the types of documents included in the list above.

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PLANNING TIDBITS

These tidbits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause:1 Planning to Intersect. For more information visit www.clause1.com.au

N O T I C E O F D E C I S I O N – F R O M 2 1 T O 2 8 D AY S The Planning and Environment Amendment (Objectors Review Timing) Regulations 2018 came into effect on 1 July 2018. This amendment standardises the time in which an objector to a planning permit application can apply for review to VCAT (i.e. appeal) against Council’s intention (NOD) to grant a permit.

The date of the notice of the decision is the point that the counting of the days starts. The number of days has been increased from 21 days to 28 days to take into account the new starting point and the changes to delivery times by Australia Post. These changes provide greater certainty over the date at which the appeal period finishes and a permit may issue (if no objector appeals are made).

Our previous experience is that there has been uncertainty over the date at which the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) would acknowledge the ‘end date’ for the lodging of appeals by objectors, due to the additional lee-way given to postal delivery. Hopefully, this change will provide some certainty.

WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T & R E C Y C L I N G I N M U LT I - U N I T D E V E L O P M E N T S Sustainability Victoria has recently revised the 2010 guide - Best Practice for Waste Management in Multi-unit Developments (Revised 2017). The draft Guide to Better Practice of Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments was open for consultation until 13 July 2018. The draft Guide usefully provides standard waste generation rates and a Waste Management Plan Template for use in planning permit applications. The Guide also provides standard waste management requirements for the following classes of development:

•

Two of more residential dwellings on a lot;

•

Low rise or walk-up apartments (up to 4 storeys);

•

Mid to high-rise developments/apartments (≥ 4 storeys);

•

Mixed use developments;

•

Precinct scale developments.

The Guide is thorough, practical and requires applicants to consider waste management as part of the design process, including bin storage, collection methods, commercial/specialised waste, hard waste and organics, as well as the various types of collection vehicles and their manoeuvring requirements.

The draft document can be found in the following link: https://engage.vic.gov.au/better-practice-guidewaste-management-multi-unit-developments.

Clause 1 envisages the main benefits of the Guide are to provide a consistent approach to assessing waste management design in planning permit applications, across the state, and the provision of much of the necessary waste management information requirements within the one document.

We will keep readers updated on its progress and final release. .

Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au

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PLANNING TOPICS

Victorian Planning Scheme Reforms

On 31 July 2018, Amendment VC148 was gazetted into the Planning Scheme under the series of Smart Planning Reforms implemented into the Scheme in recent times.

Keen Planning have provided the following summary about the Reforms, which is a good snapshot about the changes: One of the wonderful aspects of this amendment is that it has recognised that the complexity of the Planning Scheme is cumbersome and makes it difficult to use, so the key to this amendment is to provide a simplified, user friendly format.

There are also many changes that remove redundant details and controls. It is clearly a step in the right direction and we can see that the industry will have less time dealing with trivial applications that clog up the planning system and leave planners wondering if this is what they signed up for!

Some of the more important changes to the Planning Scheme that we have identified are as follows: • Heritage Overlays are now required to have Statements of Significance attached to each Schedule to provide greater transparency as to the reasons for the overlay. Councils have been given three months to add these statements.

• Clause 52.06 (Car Parking) has been amended to exempt a dispensation being required for up to 10 car parking spaces, when a new use is proposed in an existing building in a Commercial 1 or 2 Zone or the Activity Centre Zone, there is no net increase in floor area and no financial contributions are required for a dispensation under a car parking overlay.

• Clause 52.29 (Land Adjacent to a Road Zone 1, Category 1 or a Public Acquisition Overlay for a Category 1 Road) now provides clarity on permit exemptions (although it is noted that the description of altered access has not been redefined, despite several VCAT decisions covering this area).

• Clause 52.05 (Signage) has been amended and further expands the number of advertising signs that do not require a Planning Permit. The changes also introduce a Schedule to this Clause to exempt more applications from public notice requirements.

• Following on an expansion of VicSmart provisions earlier in the Smart Planning reforms, these provisions have now been embedded in the relevant Zones / Overlays rather than located in a separate part to the Scheme. This will make the provisions clearer and easier to identify.

• We are hopeful that these changes are just the tip of the iceberg and are a sign of further changes that will improve and streamline the planning system.

The details of the changes can be read at planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au.

• There are a range of changes under the heading of supporting business by removing unnecessary regulation. This is a promising title and some clear benefits are provided including the removal of outdated provisions related to uses including Car Wash, Service Station and Motor Vehicle, Boat and Caravan Sales. In addition, several uses have been identified as having low impacts and will no longer require planning approval – including Convenience Shop and Take Away Food Premises in the Industrial 1 Zone and Service Industry and Take Away Food Premises in the Industrial 3 Zone.

• It has been recognised that there has been a great deal of time and expense on gaining approvals for certain parking dispensations. The Principal Public Transport Network (PPTN) Maps have been introduced into the planning scheme and reduces the rate of car parking required in locations within 400 metres of a railway station, tram route or high quality bus route. One of the benefits of this change is the deletion of the visitor car parking requirement for 5 or more dwellings within this area and recognising visitors can utilise on street car parking.

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BUILDING A SMARTER PLANNING SYSTEM FOR ALL VIC TORIANS

The Victorian State Government is making it quicker and easier to lodge and track planning amendments through a suite of digital planning tools launched late last month.

Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, announced the Amendment Tracking System (ATS) – a centralised system that stores Victoria’s 82 planning schemes online.

“This ground-breaking system will make it quicker and easier to lodge, track and comment on planning applications – slashing red tape and saving money,” said Minister Wynne.

The system allows councils and developers to lodge, pay for and track planning scheme amendment requests online, as well as enabling residents and developers to comment electronically on exhibited amendments.

The initiative will slash red tape and is part of the Labor Government’s ground-breaking Smart Planning reforms, which are expected to save industry $35 million every year.

The Government has also released an online resource library with search tools on the Planning website for the discovery of current and archived planning documents.

MINISTERIAL PERMITS ONLINE The Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning advises that, from 13 August 2018, the way users interact with Ministerial Permits will change.

“That’s because we’re implementing a new online, state permit system for lodgement, management and end-to-end tracking of applications. The new system will replace Greenlight and will help users work more efficiently by cutting assessment, decision-making and processing times. Additionally, the rollout will provide transparency on the status of an application or permit for external users and provide transparency on the application process through automated status updates. “ Additionally, the rollout will provide transparency on the status of an application or permit for external users and provide transparency on the application process through automated status updates.

Users will soon receive a communication with more detail on how they will be trained and supported to use the new system, and what the changes will mean.

Since it was last reformed 23 years ago, planning provisions and schemes have expanded significantly. The library now includes a massive 75,000 pages across 7,000 documents, with an extra 15,000 maps.

The provision of this information in a readily accessible format will help communities, councils and developers better understand the planning requirements in their area.

The Government will also deliver a new Planning Policy Framework (PPF) that integrates state and local planning policies, slashing duplication and reducing conflicting policy.

The integrated PPF will strengthen planning policy, create a framework that is easier to navigate, ensure consistency, and simplify updates.

Local councils will be supported to integrate their local planning policies into the PPF over the next 12-18 months.

The online resource library is available now at planning.vic.gov.au.

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Technology

TODD’S APPS

A monthly review of must have, worthy of looking or just plain interesting apps that are relevant to the design industry. Compiled by Todd Pearce, MBDAV.

GOOGLE HOME MINI

M I C R O S O F T T R A N S L AT O R

CITY MAPPER

Google home mini – is more or less an internet connected speaker with a mini computer.

Imagine it sort of like googles version of Siri but intertwined with home kit. A surprisingly good quality speaker which is simply plug into the wall, some very easy wifi connection and you’re off. Just Say “Hey google” and ask it anything you like. From what’s the weather going to be, play a song of your choice or even turn on any smart connected lights you may have. Actually a very handy little device to have in the office, kitchen or bedside – to give you voice command or dictated answers to pretty much anything you can search on google without having to have your phone. Do you need it – probably not. Is it handy – absolutely.

Microsoft translator is an app which could possibly save your life! What a gem. Download the app – then the best thing to do is to download offline languages that you need.

From there you can either type or speak into your phone and the app will translate what you’ve said and read it out load as well. Quite frankly it’s amazing. You can even have 2 way conversations with the translator language user on the opposite side of the phone talking their way and you yours and the app will translate both ways. Having recently been on 2 overseas trips to 2 Asian countries myself – I found it an absolute life saver…well maybe not a life saver but certainly saved me hassle and confusion. Perfect for the next BDAV study tour!

City Mapper is another great little travel app.

Its sole purpose in life is to get you when you need to go. The app will know where you are then simply plug in where you want to go and it will run up all the options for you. Everything from Uber to walking to public transport. It has most of the time tables available so can show you the relative times it will take using different routes and modes of transport, what the bus or tram number is and where to get on and off. An absolute must have both for your own city and whilst travelling.

If any other members use or know any new or interesting websites, tech or apps, please feel free to drop me a line and I’ll share it with the other members.

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T echnology

35

Graduates Get designs on your future.

If you’re a Graduate of Building Design or Interior Design, why not consider a Graduate Membership of the Building Designers Association of Victoria. It’s a great pathway to ensure your future career plan or vision comes true.

Amongst other benefits – including free job listings – BDAV Graduate Membership enables you to network with practitioners running their own design practice – who could be your future employers.

To see what your future holds, go to www.bdav.org.au or contact the BDAV at info@bdav.org.au

Industry News

V I C T O R I A ’ S B U I L D I N G L A W S C H A N G E D O N 1 J U LY 2 0 1 8

Changes to Victoria’s building laws came into effect on Sunday, 1 July 2018.

The reforms affect all building practitioners in Victoria, as well as some plumbing contractors and suppliers.

The new reforms are designed to achieve compliance and transparency in the building industry, as well as increased consumer protection, so that anyone engaging a building practitioner can do so with confidence.

The Victorian Building Authority is responsible for implementing these reforms through amendments to the Building Act, the Regulations and other relevant legislation.

The reforms are part of the State Government’s ongoing building industry reforms program, which started in July 2016 and will end in July 2019.

The wide-ranging reforms include:

– Changes to the appointment of

Municipal Building Surveyors; and

– New registration requirements for

building companies;

– Changes preventing unregistered or

unlicensed plumbers from profiting under contracts.

– An ongoing transition to time-limited

registration;

The VBA’s acting chief executive Mark Rossiter said the July 2018 reforms would benefit the entire building industry.

– A new three-month deadline for

registration renewals; – Additional limitations on the issuing

of a building permit; – Clear demarcation over who has respons-

ibility and control over a building project; – New notification requirements for

owners, builders and building surveyors; – Changes to the suspension of building

permits; – New data reporting requirements for

“These reforms will enhance the reputation of building practitioners, increase protection for consumers and build confidence in the industry,” he said.

Fact sheets, frequently asked questions and other resources explaining the July building industry reforms are available from vba.vic.gov.au/reforms.

building permits and monthly levy returns;

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HELPING REMOVE DANGEROUS CLADDING AND BOOSTING POOL SAFETY

The Victorian State Government is introducing new reforms to reduce the cost of removing dangerous combustible cladding and boost pool safety.

Planning Minister, Richard Wynne, announced changes to the Local Government Act late last month that will create Cladding Rectification Agreements (CRA).

The arrangement will be between owners (or owners corporations), lenders and local councils – providing long-term, low-interest loans to pay for building work to rectify cladding.

Minister Wynne also introduced the Building Amendment (Registration of Trades and other matters) Bill 2018 – the next step in better protecting children from the dangers of unprotected pools and spas.

Owners would be charged via their rates over a minimum period of ten years, with costs transferred with the property if sold.

In a Victorian first, the reforms include a mandatory pool and spa register, administered by councils, to improve information about the location and safety standards of pools.

Such an arrangement was a key recommendation of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce established last year and chaired by former Premier Ted Baillieu and former Deputy Premier John Thwaites.

“This scheme is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and offers owners the cheapest and most efficient way of removing dangerous cladding from their buildings,” said Minister Wynne.

CRAs will be similar to existing Environmental Upgrade Agreements, which enable owners to upgrade their homes to make them more environmentally friendly and pay it off via their council rates.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has almost completed its audit of 1,369 planning and building permits, and has issued more than 100 building orders to residents.

Preparations are already underway within the Victorian Building Authority to create a voluntary swimming pool register and online pool barrier compliance self-assessment tool in time for the 2018-19 summer period.

“We’re doing more to protect children and families from the tragedy of backyard drownings,” said the Minister.

The State Government will also introduce legislation to establish a register of swimming pools with new mandatory inspections to keep Victorians safe.

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A D D I N G VA LU E

by Jai Cheswick Good landscape design can take a residential project to a whole new level by adding value and speeding up either client acceptance or unit sales, explains landscape architect Jai Cheswick.

It is the vision of a fully realised landscape architect that transforms the house into a home. The landscape frames the house often acting as a foil to clean lines, often disguising neighbouring properties, often providing balance in the work-life arena.

Several years ago high end developers realised the importance of the good landscape design and landscaping to complement a luxury new build. Using professional landscape design for boutique developments has had a powerful effect and by adding some well-designed landscapes to their houses, prices have increased.

This approach has gradually been dripping down to larger developments where the big house builders have recognised that well designed landscapes in all of their properties, not just the sales homes, can not only add value, but achieve quicker sales.

The earlier a landscape architect is involved the better.

Unfortunately I often see a lack of consideration for the potential in a landscape at the point when a house is designed. This results in a missed opportunity to take a good house and transform it into a great house. It may be the curve of the drive, the views from the house, or any number of small variables that can affect the final result, but the sooner attention is paid to the landscape the better.

You can create a magnificent landscape without a house, but you cannot have a show stopping house without considering the ground on which it sits, revealing the

landscape’s importance to the finished project.

In Melbourne there are landscape conditions attached to all new house builds and it is worth the effort to create a scheme that satisfies the planning department and engages the owners.

There is more thought being given to landscapes than when I began designing 25yrs ago, and the value of a garden that matches the house in proportion, design and ambition is now more widely seen. However, there is still some progress to be made to impress upon building designers, architects and developers the need to avoid the flat row of bluestone steppers and turf finish.

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I M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T P R O F E S S I O N A L I N D E M N I T Y I N S U R A N C E

IThe Victorian Building Authority has noted that some practitioners are experiencing difficulties obtaining the required professional indemnity insurance (PII).

The current legislative framework means that relevant practitioners must be covered by PII meeting the requirements of the Building Practitioners’ Insurance Ministerial Order in order to maintain their registration and carry out their functions as a practitioner in Victoria.

PII policies that exclude coverage of liability arising from the use of products may not meet the requirements of the Ministerial Order and may mean that practitioners do not hold the required insurance. The consequences of not being covered by the required insurance can include suspension of registration.

The acting chief executive of the VBA Mark Rossiter said the issue was affecting multiple states across Australia.

“The VBA is already working with government policymakers and the building industry to understand the changes in the insurance market that are affecting the building sector,” Mr Rossiter said.

N E W R E Q U I R E M E N T S F O R B U I L D I N G R E G I S T R AT I O N

All Victorian building companies (Pty Ltd only) must be registered with the VBA from 1 July 2018 to enter into major domestic building contracts or be named as the builder on a building permit for building work costing more than (in most cases) $10,000.

The move gives consumers greater certainty by allowing them to check the integrity of a company they intend to engage on a project. It also offers greater protection by ensuring the builder named on a contract or permit matches the name listed on the certificate of insurance.

The VBA also reminds practitioners whose individual and company registration expires in July, August or September to complete the registration renewal process and annual fee and insurance check as soon as possible.

Visit the VBA website to renew your individual registration or download the Company Registration Renewal Form.

The VBA will continue to keep all practitioners up to date with the latest information on the complicated issues around professional indemnity insurance.

If you have any questions about this issue, please contact the VBA by emailing insurance@vba.vic.gov.au.

D E S I G N I N G C E I L I N G I N S TA L L AT I O N S F O R E A R T H Q U A K E A C T I O N The VBA is aware that ceilings in buildings may not be designed to meet the requirements of AS 1170.4 – 2007 Structural design actions Part 4: Earthquake actions in Australia.

Volume One, Clause B1.2 (c) (ii) and Volume Two, Clause 3.11.3 (c) (iv) of the National Construction Code require buildings to be designed to resist seismic loads calculated to AS 1170.4 - 2007 Structural design actions Part 4: Earthquake actions in Australia as appropriate.

Section 8 of the Standard requires ceilings to be designed to resist earthquake forces, except where they are located within domestic structures less than 8.5m tall and “Importance Level One” structures. The Standard also applies to walls, partitions and other non-structural elements.

Designers, contractors, installers, builders and building surveyors are reminded that the requirements of AS 1170.4 – 2007 need to be considered when designing ceilings, walls, partitions and other non-structural elements within a building.

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A U S T R A L I A ’ S B U I L D I N G S M U S T B E B U I LT F O R A Z E R O C A R B O N F U T U R E

Energy standards in Australia’s National Construction Code must be urgently upgraded if new buildings are to be fit for a zero carbon future, according to a new report released last month.

Although there are upfront costs associated with these improvements, these are small (less than 4% for detached homes) relative to overall construction costs and land prices.

Built to Perform, prepared by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and ClimateWorks Australia, shows setting stronger energy standards for new buildings in the Code could, between now and 2050, reduce energy bills by up to $27 billion, cut energy network costs by up to $7 billion and deliver at least 78 million tonnes of cumulative emissions savings.

“While the Code is important, it can only take us part way to net zero,” said Ms Toumbourou. “Improving compliance and enforcement with Code requirements is paramount, as well as improving appliance energy standards, retrofitting existing buildings, providing building owners and occupants with better information, and driving faster decarbonisation of the electricity grid. The Code should be seen as one part of an integrated strategy to deliver a zero carbon building sector by 2050.”

“Australia needs to transition to a net zero emissions economy by 2050 to meet our commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.

But new analysis by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy shows Australia scores the lowest in energy efficiency amongst all developing countries. Although market-leading Australian companies are demonstrating world-class commitment to a sustainable built environment, the market alone cannot fix this problem,” said ASBEC Executive Director Suzanne Toumbourou.

“Delaying action will mean that many of these opportunities are lost,” said Mr Li. “A three-year delay in further upgrades to building energy performance standards could lead to a further $2.6 billion in wasted energy expenditure and lock in an additional 9 million tonnes of emissions by 2030, increasing to 22 million tonnes by 2050.”

ABOUT THE REPORT

“All of the buildings being built today will still be operating in 2050, at a time when we will need to be at or near net zero emissions.

Our Building Code needs to be ‘zero carbon ready’, ensuring that today’s new builds are prepared to operate in a zero carbon future.”

Built to Perform: An Industry Led Pathway to a Zero Carbon Ready Building Code can be downloaded here.

“We welcome proposed improvements to the 2019 National Construction Code to advance energy performance in commercial buildings and adjust the requirements for residential buildings,” said Ms Toumbourou. “However, to meet the full potential of the Code, we need to shift away from ad-hoc, periodic updates. Governments must agree to a longer-term plan with targets and a clear, regulated and transparent process for Code updates out to 2030, starting with a step-change in residential standards in 2022.”

This report presents the results of the Building Code Energy Performance Trajectory project, which quantifies the opportunities of establishing a clear, consistent and ambitious long-term plan for the energy requirements in the National Construction Code. The report modelled eight different building types across four climate zones. It investigated the costs and benefits to society of simple energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy opportunities. The analysis assessed upfront costs associated with improvements, as well as benefits from reduced energy bills, downsizing of heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, and reduced network costs.

“If developers and manufacturers know how the Code requirements will evolve over the next 15 years, this will provide the regulatory certainty industry needs to plan and invest in new technologies, delivering higher building energy performance at lower cost.” said Professor Tony Arnel, Chair of ASBEC’s Building Code Task Group and President of the Energy Efficiency Council.

This report was produced with the generous support of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, the RACV and dozens of building industry and government partners. The project has been delivered in partnership with CSIRO, Energy Action (EA), Strategy. Policy. Research. (SPR) and the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre at the University of Wollongong (UOW).

“Even this conservative analysis shows that, by 2030, improvement in Code energy requirements could reduce energy consumption of new buildings by up to 56 per cent. This could be achieved through simple, cost-effective energy efficiency measures such as improved air tightness, double glazed windows, increased insulation, outdoor shading, and more efficient air conditioners, hot water systems and lighting,” said ClimateWorks Project Manager Michael Li. “With the costs of solar PV and battery storage rapidly reducing, adding on-site renewable energy into the Code could deliver significant additional gains.”

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Industry Practice

E N G A G I N G C O N S U LTA N T S

by Evelyn Morraitis

W H AT I S T H E S O L U T I O N ?

The risks you take by engaging consultants yourself.

It is imperative that whatever contract you are using, outlines the relationship that stands between the client, you and any other consultant. The BDAV Engagement Agreement for example, eliminates all risk for you as the designer/architect and allows you to deal with either or situation; allowing the client engage the consultant or allowing you to act as the agent.

We all have that one builder who we can trust, that building surveyor that we can call on when we have a planning or permit issue and that structural engineer that we know we can rely on. All and all, designers and architects have their preferred project consultants, those who we have developed working relationships with. Even with the influence that social media has had on the world, referral marketing to this day, is still one of the easiest and cost effective ways to attract business. It is also a wonderful tool to maintain and strengthen your working relationship; if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!

Of course, as designers and architects, we have seen the best of both worlds- the client coming to you and already having all their consultants chosen or are happy to select them themselves, and then the client who will need some guidance and recommendations from you.

Naturally, you provide your client with the details of those consultants that you have developed these working relationships with and know you can trust. Whether or not that consultant is available or willing to engage with the client and the project is a different story! But let’s say the client asks you to engage the consultant/s that you recommend, it is important that you enter into the contract/s as an agent on behalf of the client. Unfortunately, the reality of it is, by entering into the agreement yourself, you are putting you and your business at risk.

What are the risks of having your own name in the contract with the consultant?

W H AT I S T H E B D AV E N G A G E M E N T A G R E E M E N T ?

The BDAV Engagement Agreement has been in place for over 20 years and has been developed in collaboration with Webber Insurance and BDAV’s lawyers. The BDAV Engagement Agreement is available to all practicing members and is a basic yet effective contract that safeguards your relationship with your client, and sets out the expectations and deliverables for the project.

AC T I N G A S T H E AG E N T F O R YO U R C L I E N T In particular, the BDAV Engagement Agreement has a section that is dedicated to ‘nominated consultants.’ In this section, the contract stipulates whether the client will directly engage with other consultants or whether the designer/architect will act as an agent on behalf of the client. Furthermore, the agreement goes on to state that the client will be responsible for all payments with all consultants. For those of you who are using the BDAV Engagement Agreement, please refer to Part 5, point 11 and 12.

•

You are left with the bill

•

Your professional indemnity and insurances are at risk

NOT USING THE ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT?

•

You are accountable for the actions and performance of the consultants

•

If you continue to work for the client, there is tension and pressure between the two parties

For those of you who are not utilising the BDAV Engagement Agreement, you can purchase a reusable copy from the BDAV webshop after logging in to the Members Portal https://www. bdav.org.au/shop. Those who are clients of Webber Insurance receive the BDAV Engagement Agreement at no cost.

Gain the skills you need to become a NatHERS accredited assessor CPP41212 Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment - Available ONLINE Fee For Service $3,650 | Funded $1,825 | Concession $365 www.wodongatafe.edu.au | info@wodongatafe.edu.au | 1300 MY TAFE (1300 69 8233) All courses that are not marked with an asterix (*), lead to an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification or statement of attainment.

Training may be delivered with funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments upon individual application, assessment and approval. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. RTO 3097

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Marketing Tips

DO I NEED A LINKEDIN PROFILE?

Verity Campbell demystifies LinkedIn We often get asked by clients whether it’s worthwhile having a LinkedIn profile. With social media, we generally advise to start small. Get the hang of one platform before you add another. But LinkedIn is one platform worth utilising. At last count, LinkedIn had over 500 million, and by some reports, it also powers 50% of the world’s professional hires.

LinkedIn isn’t a tool that brings you face to face with prospective clients on a daily basis. It’s not a B2C (business to consumer) marketing tool. Instead, it brings you into contact with other businesses, business owners and peers. LinkedIn amplifies opportunities to connect with other professionals, which can have many benefits to your business.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

One of the primary ways professionals use LinkedIn is to share information, start discussions and connect with like-minded people. You can join one of the many groups possibly relevant to your business such as Building Design/BD, with over 12,000 members, or smaller, more specialist groups such as Green Building.

Or, you could start your own group. According to LinkedIn, group participants get four times the number of profile views.

On LinkedIn you can also follow professionals or companies you’re interested in learning more about. Their posts will show up in your news feed. LinkedIn’s Pulse includes ‘Influencers’ such as Bill Gates, Arianna Huffington and Richard Branson.

Apart from connecting with peers, you can also research clients before meeting them to increase the chances of hitting it off.

Remember, they’re probably using LinkedIn to assess you, too.

H I R E S TA F F, F I N D J O B S

LinkedIn is the place to advertise for professional staff and to job hunt. With a reported average of 10 million active job posts, if you’re job hunting you can follow businesses you’re interested in. Their job openings will pop straight into your newsfeed; you apply through LinkedIn. Job hunters also get a feed of jobs tailored to the skills listed on their profile. This means if you’ve got building design skills, jobs seeking building design skills in your region will automatically come into your feed.

This also makes finding the right applicants easier. LinkedIn automatically selects candidates with the right skills for you.

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R E F E R R A L S & R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S

LinkedIn fosters word of mouth. We’re betting a large part of your business still comes through referrals. You can search through your connections to see who you know, or who could refer you to someone they’d recommend for your business needs. You can also recommend people if you see someone looking for the skills you know a contact has. In turn, people may find and refer you.

On LinkedIn you can also post recommendations and give and receive endorsements. This means you could post a glowing review of a customer you designed a home for.

B O O S T I N G YO U R W E B S I T E

Last, but certainly not least, your profile must link to your website and social media. This helps people find your business and generates traffic to your website, boosting your page rank and making you easier to find on Google.

Will it bring you business? Short answer: Yes. Clients have certainly come to us through LinkedIn. And remember just one small job will repay the time you invest many times over.

Next month, we’ll take a look at some steps to help you build a better LinkedIn profile.

Writing, marketing and communications for design and related businesses. Join our weekly newsletter for new ideas, tips and advice. Sign up at www.veritycampbell.com.au/newsletter

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Job Market

JOB MARKET

DRAFTSPERSON REQUIRED

Spacemaker Home Extensions, one of Melbourne’s most highly regarded and award winning builders is seeking a Draftsperson.

You must be able to produce concept plans, town planning drawings, 3D presentation work and be able to produce high quality working drawings for extensions and renovations. Enquiries to tim@spacemaker.com.au.

A T R E E C H A N G E H A S N E V E R LO O K E D S O G O O D. . . B U I L D I N G D E S I G N E R / C O N T R A C T A D M I N I S T R AT O R ; F U L L T I M E P O S I T I O N

Are you looking to live in a place where housing is affordable and lifestyle is paramount? Located in the thriving tourist town of Echuca, Ecotecture Design Group is seeking a highly motivated Building Designer/ Contract Administrator to join the passionate design team. This senior role involves leading the team in unique projects with a strong focus on sustainable design. Based in regional Victoria, we service clients all over the state.

The successful candidate will possess a minimum 2 years’ experience in building design or architecture, as well as being a competent Revit operator. Contract administration or project management will be advantageous, further training will be provided. Do you have the passion, flair and drive to join our team.

Salary negotiable. Contact admin@edg.space.

CONTRAC T ARCHITEC TURAL DRAFTSPERSON

A Contract Architectural Draftsperson is required for a small design & building company located in the Waverley area. Must be proficient in Revit and possess a minimum of 2 years’ Architectural Drafting experience.

The work will be varied; generally within the residential sector, for extensions, refurbishments, unit development, town planning applications, new homes, and apartments.

File management, including liaison with all relevant stakeholders, will also be required.

Working three days per week with flexible hours (open for discussion), from our Mt. Waverley Office will be required initially.

Please contact Tony on 0416 015 393 or via email at tony@lagreca.com.au to discuss.

CONTRAC T BUILDING DESIGNER/ DRAFTSPERSON REQUIRED

This opportunity would allow you to work from your own home unsupervised, and provide you with flexible hours to fit into your own schedule. You will need your own version of Revit 2016 or 18 to be compatible with our systems. I am looking for flexible and skilled staff that can offer potentially 1 to 2 days work a week on a contract basis, with the potential for growth. Ideally you would have excellent Revit knowledge and technical skills for town planning/building permit documentation. Written applications to Jason Gloz at admin@rnbdesign.com.au.

BUILDING DESIGNER/DRAFTSPERSON

We are a small design-focused firm based in Melbourne’s inner south-east. We are looking for a self-motivated draftsperson/architect who shares our passion for design and takes great pride in their work. Experience in both residential and commercial building is preferred, but not critical. A good general understanding of planning schemes and the Building Codes is also preferred. A background in Vectorworks or at least some BIM experience would be required. This position is currently on contact basis, with the potential to become permanent in the very near future.

Please email applications to info@in-2.com.au

BUILDING DESIGNER/ DRAFTSPERSON REQUIRED

Full-time position to join our team at Designers by Nature. Required to work at least one day in our Warrnambool office, while the other days can be worked from home/remotely. Minimum skill-set required includes 3-5 years’ experience in ArchiCad 19 or above; site measure; ability to liaise with all consultants; excellent communication skills; experience with commercial and residential designs. Please email applications to dechlan@designersbynature.com.au.

with minimum 7 years of experience. Candidates must have extensive knowledge in dealing with various Victorian Council planning departments, ResCode and new planning requirements, high proficiency in AutoCAD, Sketchup and Photoshop, and demonstrate an eye for detail, design and presentation. Please email your resume to enquiries@sketchbuildingdesign.com.au M AT U R E - A G E D S T U D E N T S E E K S PA R T TIME WORK

Student member in final year of Advanced Diploma Building Design seeks part-time work (available Mondays and Tuesdays). A previous Degree in Interior Design and five years in the design industry, with sound knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit and Photoshop. Preferred location - innernorth Melbourne. Contact Chloe via email to chloe.l.sherwood@gmail.com.

Continued page 50....

Industry recruitment specialists for Architects, Building Designers, Property Developers and Interior Designers Remuneration advice, market updates, expert knowledge, permanent, temporary and contract recruitment.

ARCHITECT/BUILDING DESIGNER REQUIRED

Boutique residential building design firm located in Melbourne’s inner-south-east are seeking an Architect/Building Designer

Phone 03 9349 1055 www/bloomfieldtremayne.com.au

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JOB MARKET (CONTINUED)

G R A D U AT E B U I L D I N G D E S I G N E R S E E K S W O R K

Seeking Architectural Drafting work: Contract/Casual/ Part-time. Use Revit and SketchUp. Please contact Thai on 0413 966 395 or thai1105@outlook.com.

Q UA L I F I E D D R A F TS P E R S O N/ACC R E D I T E D E N E R G Y R AT E R S E E K S W O R K

An accredited Energy Rater/Draftsperson who has experience working with a builder and building surveyor seeks work.

Has 6 years’ experience in the industry, and thorough knowledge of building construction, ResCode and NCC. Advanced knowledge of some software including AutoCad, ArchiCad and Adobe Acrobat. Currently enrolled in Advanced Diploma in Building Design. All-rounder with ability to work unsupervised at times on town planning, working drawings, documentation work involved in getting planning permits and building permits. Please contact Sadia at sadiasaad888@gmail.com.

Q U A L I F I E D N AT H E R S A S S E S S O R S E E K S W O R K : F U L L - T I M E O R PA R T - T I M E

Accredited NatHERS assessor VIC/BDAV/15/1677 and Basix. Works remotely. Trained in FirstRate5, Section J, Deemedto-Satisfy section 3.12. Have been working part-time for three years with energy ratings. Contact Bernie at exactea14@gmail. com.

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For more information on BDAV News, Events, CPD Courses and Awards, visit news.bdav.org.au.

BUILDING DESIGNERS A S S O C AT I O N O F V I C T O R I A

PO Box 174 Carlton South Vic 3053

PHONE

(03) 9416 0227

WEB

www.bdav.org.au

EMAIL

info@bdav.org.au

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BDAV membership is the ultimate designers ‘must have’.

Membership Benefits include: • Belong to a true non-profit Association • Discounts on industry and business tools/services • Monthly Journal: BDAV News • Weekly eNews • Annual Awarded Magazine • Member updates • Continuing Professional Development: comprehensive program of seminars, workshops, webinars, and regional meetings • Documents for building projects: – project specifications – engagement agreements – indemnity documents – standard form contracts for residential and non-residential projects • Reference material, including a great suite of Practice Notes, Advisory Notes, and much more • Free* advice on matters including copyright, contracts, wages and conditions, legislative and regulatory requirements, etc • Access to Professional Indemnity Insurance through our preferred insurance agent • Accreditation for Thermal Performance Assessors • Lobbying and Representation • Annual Building Design Awards to promote your skills as a designer • Annual 10 Star Sustainable Design Challenge to promote knowledge of energy efficiency principles • Free website listing to generate referrals for your business in Find a Building Designer/Energy Rater

One look inside tells you that being a Member of the Building Designers Association of Victoria entitles you to many member benefits. Advantages such as important information to help you to promote your business, advice* for greater efficiencies, and especially our comprehensive Continuing Professional Development program, will assist you to reap the rewards.

• Free Job Listings for Members seeking staff or Members looking for work

Being a BDAV Member is a sound investment for your business – especially for sole-practitioners, who often work ‘in a vacuum’ and value peer support for advice and guidance.

• Help Desk

Phone: (03) 9416 0227 Fax: (03) 9416 0115 Email: info@bdav.org.au www.bdav.org.au *Advice is of an elementary nature. Anything significantly complex should be referred to an appropriate professional advisor.

BDAV is an approved CPD Provider for the Victorian building industry, as administered by Victoria’s Building Commission.

• Student Scholarships/Grants/ Awards

• Online Member Forum • Access to latest information from the nation’s leading suppliers • Networking • Use of BDAV logo: provides recognition on your website and business stationery and much more!

designing amazing spaces

Building Designers can offer an incredible range of design skills to your project To get in touch with a BDAV building designer, go to www.bdav.org.au