March 2009: NSW Architects Registration Board

March 2009	eNEWSLETTER

31 March closing date for annual renewal of registration

A final reminder that the closing date for annual renewal of registration is fast approaching. Late registration may attract a re-registration fee as well as the annual renewal fee of $180. Please contact the Board if you have any questions about registration or your CPD obligations.

Changes in Board membership

The Board has welcomed Ingrid Pearson and Peter Sarlos as the elected architect representatives until January 2011. Ingrid begins her third term in this role while Peter has won the position previously held by Louise Cox, now the President of the International Union of Architects. Dr Peter Armstrong from the University of Sydney has joined the Board as the academic representative until January 2011, replacing Graham Bell from the University of NSW. Dr Deborah Dearing has joined the Board in the ex-officio role of immediate Past President of the Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) replacing Caroline Pidcock. The Board Member representing the views of Local Government has yet to be appointed by the Minister.

The Board is very appreciative of the contribution of outgoing Board members, all of whom have shown great commitment to the work of the Board. In particular, the Board notes the contribution of Caroline Pidcock who filled a number of roles in her ten years of service to the Board including that of the Ministerial appointed architect position under the 1921 Act, and since 2005 the role of the immediate Past President of the Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter). For more information see About the Board.

Architects listing in Yellow Pages Online

The Board is undertaking the annual monitoring of listings in the Yellow Pages Online. The results so far indicate few incorrect listings. However, a significant number of architects’ websites linked to the Yellow Pages listing do not include the architect’s registration number or, in the case of corporations and firms, the name and registration number/s of the nominated architect/s. Architects are reminded that they are required by the Act and the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct to include these details on all advertising and business correspondence relating to their provision of architectural services.

Board meeting in Orange in June 2009

Since 2007, the Board has met in a regional city; this year the Board will meet in Orange in June. Following the Board meeting, the Board will present a forum in partnership with Orange City Council focussed on sustainable development in regional areas. Speakers at the Forum will include Peter Mould, NSW Government Architect; Dylan Gower a Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship winner who has conducted a project on sustainable development in regional contexts; and Council representatives who will discuss specific issues of concern in their region. There will also be opportunity for audience participation. The Board will also take the opportunity to invite local architects to meet and discuss a range of issues relating to the regulatory regime of the Board, including issues relating to the review of the Architects Act.

2009 Sydney Architecture Festival

The Sydney Architecture Festival is a joint venture between the Australian Architecture Association, Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) and the NSW Architects Registration Board. Our organisations all have common ground in our efforts to create a better understanding of architecture. We are currently in the planning stages for the 2009 Festival which will occur on Monday 5 October. As well as events focussed on the Customs House precinct, the MCA and the Museum of Sydney will participate in the Festival this year, and we are finalising the Headline Talk to be held at the Sydney Opera House. The Festival website will be updated as details of the programme are finalised www.sydneyarchitecturefestival.org.

NSW Housing Code

The NSW Government, as part of its ongoing planning reforms, has released the first stage of the NSW Housing Code. To view information relating to the Code visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/housingcode.

March 2009

eNEWSLETTER