RAIA Chapter E-News Bulletin - August 29, 2006
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From the President’s Desk
Resignation
It is with regret that I must commence my report with the sad news that after three years service with the RAIA, Janine Saunders has tendered her resignation as Chapter Manager with effect from Friday September 29, 2006. Janine is resigning for personal reasons and will be assisting her husband Terry in his furniture importing business.
Janine’s commitment to ensure the well-being of the Chapter has been inspirational, with her management skills contributing significantly to the vitality of the Chapter in our new location.
Her outstanding efforts have been highly regarded by RAIA staff across the nation with her initiatives in promotion, representation, corporate relations, continuing education, financial management and a myriad of other areas providing a significant benefit to members across the state.
Janine’s ability to cajole high levels of activity from our younger members and time-poor architects will be sorely missed. Significantly though, her strategies for staff development have helped put us in a great position to move forward with every confidence.
On a personal note, it has been a pleasure working with closely with Janine to help steer the Chapter forward over the past two years. Always one step ahead of me, Janine has helped keep the completion of Presidential duties from impinging too much on office time!
We wish Janine and Terry the very best for the future.
The Chapter Manager position will be advertised in this Saturday’s Mercury and Age newspapers. If you know of any suitable candidates, please refer them to the Positions Available section of the RAIA website, where shortly they can download the position description, or refer them to Greg Hughes from the National Office on 02 6121 2000.
We will keep you informed of developments in finding a new manager.
Inquiries into TCC and Minister Bryan Green
The RAIA has made written and verbal presentations to the KPMG audit on the operations of the TCC, and a written submission to the Legislative Council Select Committee on the Accreditation of Practitioners and Administration of the Building Act 2000. The hearing before the Select Committee is today at 5.00 pm. Our thanks to the RAIA’s General Counsel, Rick Barton, who put together the submission and will be coming to the hearing. We will keep you informed as we hear any further developments.
Congratulations
· To Scott and Fiona Balmforth, and family on the birth of their son Henry on July 26.
· To Cath Hall and Ken Kingston, and family on the birth of their daughter Erin on July 28.
· In mid August the UTAS Learning Hubs, Morris Miller Library and Newnham Campus Library received the Overall Design Excellence Award as part of the Sykes 06 Design Awards program presented by The Laminex Group. The projects were a result of a collaboration between Crawford Shurman Architects, Karryn Irwin (Interior Designer) and Futago (Graphic Design) with SEMF undertaking the mechanical and electrical engineering. The award includes a trip for two to the Cologne Furniture Fair in Germany. John Padas (CSPA) and Karryn Irwin will be enjoying this incredible prize in January 2007. The recipients would like to express their thanks to The Laminex Group and especially to Tina Crofts for this award. Congratulations to all involved in the project.
Correction
In the July 2006 E-News we mentioned that Tim Penny had received a Churchill Fellowship. We mentioned other architects who had been former recipients, Barry McNeill and Neil Wade. We overlooked mentioning that Leigh Woolley and Graeme Corney have also received Churchill Fellowships.
Awards Magazine
The 2006 awards magazine has now been published and will be posted to members and sponsors this week. Please notify the Chapter office if you require more copies.
Neal Mackintosh RAIA
TAS Chapter President
Report to Tasmanian Chapter
National Practice Committee Meeting August 2006
1. Pro-forma tender form: New pro-forma being issued. It is based on that produced by Natspec.
2. Certificates to third parties (e.g. financiers): Try to avoid issuing these because they subject Architects to potential liability. Cautionary and Practice Notes are being issued.
3. Waterproofing problems: To pick up potential problems, must check roofs and other potential problem areas before scaffolding is removed.
4. Publicly available documents for architectural services: Some useful ones are available on the web and architects should consider creating a link from their own website site to these. Available topics include You and your architect, Why use an architect?, Qualification based selection of an architect, etc.
5. Client notes: members should consider using these more with early client letters.
6. Sub-consultants; ensure that those employed by architects have their own PI insurance. Note that many engineers have a default maximum cover - this should be struck out of their agreements.
7. Getting paid:
· Render monthly if work done exceeds, say $2,000.
· If clients don’t pay: Where accounts are payable within 21-30 days, consider stopping work if not paid within 45 days.
· Consider asking for a deposit up front.
· Consider creating ‘variation to service’ form to be sent to clients when they initiate changes to commissions. Assume acceptance of changes unless client disagrees within 48 hours. NPC to create Proforma.
8. Contract documents
· EW contracts not being renewed
· Removable binders, including comb binders, should be taped over, or otherwise secured, so that contracts cannot be taken apart.
9. Noise on building sites: Note that it is the responsibility of builders to comply with AS2436-1981 “Guide to noise control in construction, maintenance and demolition sites”.
10. Client Architect Agreement (CAA) short form: is being submitted to the ACCC for approval before final development and publication.
11. Architect’s office manual:
· Is in production!
· Will comply with AS9001 (subject to offices filling in the blanks correctly).
12. RAIA Continuing education: Could add good programs developed by local chapters.
13. RAIA National Conference 19-21 April 2007: will have major stream on Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM/RAIA taskforce is being set up.
Cornelis (Kees) Wegman
Continuum
The RAIA has launched a major new online service www.continuum.com.au - designed to deliver continuing education to those who cannot attend our many CE-based events. This online training resource provides self-paced, web-based courses for architects, related industry professionals and anyone interested in the built environment. Members are encouraged to trial demonstration programs now on the website - www.continuum.com.au/demonstration.php - and provide feedback and suggestions for new topics. For more information call RAIA Knowledge Services on (03) 9650 2477, or email continuum@architecture.com.au.
[%INDUSTRY NEWS%]
Footpath Access FAQ
A revised Frequently Asked Question relating to footpaths and access for people with disabilities is now available. This new FAQ also addresses questions relating to alternative paths required when construction work or repair work is being undertaken.
The FAQ can be found at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/faq/Access/access.html
The FAQ question of whether or not the Commission can grant exemptions from the DDA in relation to access requirements to buildings has been updated on the Australian Human Rights & Equal Opportunity website. The updated FAQ can be viewed at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/faq/Access/access.html
BRNU03 - Owner Builder Register
The latest Building Standards and Regulation update provides information on the 'Owner Builder Register' maintained by the Director of Building Control. Under the provisions of the Building Act 2000, building surveyors are required to notify the Director on receipt of a building start-work notice (Form 39) from an owner builder. The owner builder register will be used by building surveyors and permit authorities in the execution of their statutory duties. Permit authorities will also be able to use the register to check that any owner builder applicant for a building permit has not exceeded the limit on the number of owner built buildings (two buildings in a ten year period, which can be taken up in a single project. Click here to view the update.
[%CHAPTER EVENTS%]
Specifying Green - Sustainable Architectural and Interiors National Tour
A lifecycle assessment methodology is fundamental to understanding the comparative environmental performance of building products. The most significant environmental benefits can be gained by also stepping outside the box and considering design solutions which minimize in-use environmental impact. This seminar will present updated information to architects, purchasers and project managers on how to specify and procure environmental preferable building materials and products. The seminar will provide you with an understanding of the following critical green specification issues:
· The critical factors to consider for different classes of Green Products.
· The verification process and information provided by the Good Environmental Choice Label.
· Education on how to ensure your green product specification actually translates into positive environmental outcomes.
When: Friday September 1, 2006 from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Where: RAIA Chapter Office, 1/19a Hunter Street, Hobart
Cost: $80 Non Members, $50 RAIA Members
CE points: 2.5 informal points in Documentation
Registration Form
Owen & Vokes - 3 Years
At the instigation of the Young Architects Group and in conjunction with the School of Architecture, we are bringing Paul Owen and Stuart Vokes to Tasmania on September 12. Their practice received a national commendation for residential buildings for Newmarket House, in the 2005 RAIA Awards, for an addition to the rear of an Art Deco house in Brisbane. They will be discussing themes of their work, since launching their practice 3 years ago. They are primarily interested in the making of rooms informed by human occupation, and ideas of enclosure and comfort. There is a preference for making plain buildings with humble materials that are free of mannerism, distilling the potency of enclosure. Please put the date in your diaries now.
When: Tuesday September 12, from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm
Where: RAIA Chapter office, 1/19a Hunter St Hobart
Cost: $24.75 Non Member, $16.50 RAIA Member, $14.85 RAIA Practice Member, RAIA Graduate Member, Student Non Member, $9.90 SONA Member
CE Points: 1.5 informal points in Design
Registration flyer will be faxed to practices shortly.
Proudly sponsored by Access Solutions
Exchanges@Eleven
The next Exchanges@ Eleven will be held on Wednesday September 13, from 5.30 pm at Café Eleven in Launceston. Details will be available shortly. Please mark the date in your diaries.
Don Maisch - Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals in the Built Environment: Design for Minimal Exposure
During the past decade a considerable amount of evidence has accumulated that indicates both Electromagnetic Field (EMF) and chemical emissions from electrical equipment need to be considered when designing home and office environments. Don Maisch is a Tasmanian consultant and researcher on health issues related to exposure to electromagnetic energy from our use of electricity and telecommunications. In this seminar Don will examine two Swedish studies and some Australian case histories to identify several environmental health issues that can be addressed during the design phase of construction and what procedures need to be undertaken to eliminate or minimize those issues. The key points will be:
- Identifying potential sources of building electromagnetic field exposure, i.e.: electrical substations, cabling, switchboxes and use of appliances.
- The problem of electrical equipment outgassing, mainly brominated flame retardants from computers.
- Possible health effects from prolonged exposure to the above.
- Mitigation.
When: Friday September 15, 2006 from 12.30pm to 2.00pm
Where: RAIA Chapter Office, 1/19a Hunter Street, Hobart
Cost: $16.50 RAIA Member, $24.75 Non Member, $14.85 RAIA Practice Member, RAIA Graduate Member, Student Non Member, $9.90 SONA Member
CE Points: 1.5 informal points in Design
Registration Flyer
Proudly sponsored by Access Solutions
RAIA National Seminar Series
Forms, and Functions - using your ABIC contract to manage change during construction
One of the main difficulties in contract administration is the management of the inevitable changes during construction. ABIC Contracts are written to manage these modifications, be they change in the scope of work, change in the time taken to complete or change in the quality of the work.
This detailed program will explain how the ABIC suite of contracts deal equitably with changes in the fundamental areas affecting time, cost and quality. It will identify what is a valid claim to adjust the contract, be that price or time. The seminar will also discuss the implications of issuing architects' instructions, how they generate claims for variations and then how these are dealt with. In addition, the seminar will review adjusting the contract where Provisional or Prime Cost Sums are involved.
As an experienced architect or contractor you may benefit from a refreshed understanding of variations in the ABIC suite of contracts, or as a graduate or recently registered architect, by building a fundamental understanding of this important part of contract administration.
When: Friday September 29, 2006 from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
Where: RAIA Chapter Office, 1/19a Hunter Street, Hobart
Cost: $66 Non-Members; $44 Members; $39.60 Practice Members, Graduate Members, Student Non-Members; $24.60 SONA Member
CE Points: 2 informal CE points in the area of Project Management. Satisfactory completion of an assessment activity will generate 4 formal CE points.
Proudly sponsored by Parbury, the RAIA's Supporting Corporate Partner for Continuing Education.
Visit www.architecture.com.au/CEprograms for more information.
[%OTHER EVENTS IN TASMANIA%]
Listed below are events being held by other organisations.
While the RAIA considers it important to publicise events of significance to members, it :
- does so in good faith,
- does not represent that the RAIA endorses the event unless this is stated, and
- does not accept responsibility for the conduct of the event or value of the event to participants.
If you have any problems downloading the documents, please click here to notify us or call (03) 6234 5464.
If you have a forthcoming event that may be of interest to our members, please click here to send us the details.
Australian Government Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector
Australian Institute of Energy Luncheon Briefing with Howard Bamsey, Head of the Australian Greenhouse office.
When: Monday August 28, 2006 from 12 - 2pm
Where: Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay
Cost: $45 AIE Members & Students, $55 Non Members
Registration Form
Hydro Tasmania’s Cultural Heritage Program & Lake Margaret Care & Preservation
When: Thursday August 31, 2006 from 7.30pm
Where: The Old Woolstore, 1 Macquarie Street, Hobart
RSVP: creading@engineersaustralia.org.au
Further Details
Richard Jones Memorial Lecture - Peak Oil and Permaculture - local solutions to the looming oil crisis
When: Friday 1 September at 7.30pm (soup & displays from 6.00pm)
Where: Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, UTAS, Sandy Bay
Cost: FREE
Further Details
Leading the Change
A one day development workshop for professional women facilitated by Marie Finlay and Linley Lord.
The workshop is aimed at female professionals who would like to develop their leadership skills and learn strategies and techniques to bring about change. The objective of the one day workshop is to provide women with the necessary skills to succeed in business leadership roles.
When: Thursday 7 September
Where: Rydges, North Hobart
Cost: one day workshop $275
Registration Form
An Age of Opportunity
The baby boomers phenomenon is dividing a wide range of reforms at all levels of government and the private sector.
Andrew Sudholz, Managing Director of Japara Holdings will address luncheon guests on his first hand experiences in the sector along with his thoughts on future opportunities.
When: Friday September 8, 2006 from 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Where: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 1 Davey Street, Hobart
Cost: $77 Property Council Australia members & guests, $99.00 non members
Registration Form
Learning Communities Conference 2006
24-27 September 2006, Brisbane Australia
Australian Learning Communities Network biennial conference is a major three day conference focused on exploring the practitioners' perspectives of developing and sustaining learning communities.
The 2006 conference aims to provide networking, skills development, policy debate and trigger conversations and actions which will support increasing community activity making a positive social and economic impact in Australian communities.
The 2006 Conference will actively bring together leaders in all forms of learning, service providers, industry and government to pursue how communities can embed real learning outcomes.
More Information
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) in conjunction with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB): BCA Class 9c
These full day seminars will not only offer vital information on the design, construction and certification of 9c Aged Care Buildings but also provide an opportunity to give feedback on the current BCA 9c provisions. The seminars are aimed at those involved in the designing, building or approving of aged care buildings.
When: Thursday September 28, 2006 from 8.30am to 4.30pm
Where: Hobart Function & Conference Centre, 1 Elizabeth Pier, Hobart
Cost: $385 per person
Registration Form
Tasmanian Plumbing Code 2006 and the adoption of the PCA and revised AS/NZS 3500
A free seminar for the Plumbing Industry, Services Designers, Councils Plumbing Authorities and other interested parties has been planned for early October. The presenter will be Alan Humphreys from BSR, with guest speakers Ian Chalmers from SAI and Jeff Clark from SA Water.
Sessions will be conducted at:
Burnie - Tuesday October 3, 8.00am to 11.00am
Launceston - Tuesday October 3, 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Hobart - Wednesday October 4, 3.00pm to 6.00pm
We are seeking an early indication of interest so that venues appropriate to the expected numbers can be confirmed; if you wish to attend one of the sessions please respond by email to john.harbinson@justice.tas.gov.au indicating which of the three venues is most convenient for you.
Further details of times and venues will be sent out to respondents when they become available.
[%OTHER EVENTS (AUSTRALIA & OVERSEAS)%]
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Engineering Technology For Laboratory Buildings Conference
28th-29th September 2006, Holiday Inn, Brisbane
Conference Program & Registration
Italy By Design - October 1 -13, 2006
An exclusive tour of Italy specially constructed small group tour for architects, designers, their colleagues and friends, hosted by interior designer and best selling author, historian and art historian Isabella and Luigi Dusi.
Further Information
Inaugural National Forum on Universal Housing: Unlimited by Design
Wednesday 8 November 2006, Avillion Hotel, 389 Pitt Street, Sydney
The Forum will include Keynote presentations from leading National speakers in housing research, planning, design and construction. Their presentations will provide stimulating and informative perspectives on the issues, challenges and opportunities posed by our current housing choices including:
· Are the homes we are building today meeting our current needs?
· Do our traditional housing models have the potential to meet the changing life expectations of our community?
· In building, design and living in our ‘Dream Homes’ have we overlooked the reality that needs and our lifestyles change over time?
· Is today’s housing ‘future-proof’?
· What part does universal design play in the sustainable housing debate?
Registration Form
SAFE 2007
Second International Conference on Safety and Security Engineering
If you would like to participate in this conference please submit your abstract as soon as possible and note that the paper deadline is 25 February 2007. Abstract submissions can be made via the conference website at: http://www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/2007/safe2007/1.html
[%COMPETITIONS/AWARDS/FELLOWSHIPS%]
shrinkage worldwide AWARD 2006
Shahneshin Foundation invite you to participate in an international design competition which will result in a multidisciplinary multiuse poster to explore divulge foster sensitize awaken ‘shrinkage’ nature, culture and experience. Entries close September 15, 2006.
Further Information
Building A Sustainable World: Life in the Balance
The Royal Institute Of British Architects - USA announces a new international competition ‘Building A Sustainable World: Life in the Balance.’
An open competition to design a maximally sustainable community addressing our Global Warming Crisis.
For details and official entry form visit http://www.riba-usa.org/Competitions/index.htm
International Bamboo Building Design Competition
Bamboo Technologies of Maui has launched the first International Design Competition for Structural Bamboo Buildings. Some of the winning entries will be chosen for manufacture by the world's premier builder of international building code approved bamboo homes.
The competition is open to architects, builders, designers and students anywhere in the world. Registration is online at http://www.bamboocompetition.com, the official website with all competition details and guidelines. Registration deadline December 31, 2006. Submission deadline January 15, 2007. Winners announced March 15, 2007.
[%SPONSOR NEWS%]
Access Solutions
Access Solutions appoints former Otis state Supervisor/Manager Tony Burdon to head our lift division, covering complete commercial and domestic applications including all technical aspects. Tony has 32 years experience covering every facet of the lift industry and will be our resident expert, greatly enhancing our local capabilities and capitalising on our excellent supply sources from Italy, China and Canada.
Janine Saunders
Chapter Manager
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Tiny Sites Web Exhibition
