Overview
Research activities in 2005 consisted of two streams:
- the continuation of the quantitative research programme, and
- the undertaking of a range of policy and industry analysis concerning key issues affecting the architectural profession, and the building and construction industry in general.
Highlights
Quantitative Research Programme:
- The RAIA’s Architectural Offices Staff Levels Survey was conducted twice during the year, examining current and future employment intentions of architectural firms in all states and territories.
- The development and preparation of the RAIA/Archicentre Development Assessment Survey no. 2, which longitudinally examined architects perceptions of building approval performance by local councils across the country.
- The commencement of a study concerning client retention and marketing practices followed by sole practitioners and small architectural firms.
- Technical assistance was provided to RAIA committees and university-based quantitative studies on various aspects of the architectural profession.
- Work commenced with The Centre for Health Assets Australia involving assessing the range and scope of design and operational issues experienced by architects and firms with regards to health facility design.
- Ongoing participation on the Construction Forecasting Council’s Experts Committee, which prepares short and long term forecasts for residential and non-residential construction activity.
Policy and Industry Analysis
- Submissions were prepared concerning free trade agreements with China, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Japan.
- Follow up research and advice was provided to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on the issues arising from free trade agreements with the United States and Thailand.
- Information and comments were supplied to DFAT concerning two World Trade Organisation revised services offers the Government received from Japan and Korea.
- Activity was undertaken to review, rewrite and prepare a range of Practice Advisory Notes on topics including the Goods and Services Tax, building and construction economic issues, and project feasibility studies.
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