Discussion paper: National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners

The NRF does not address all the Design Professionals who work in the Industry, and their contribution to the the Design and Building Process.

The NRF needs to expand and adequately define the roles of:
1. Design Professions:
Architects
Building Designers
Interior Designers
Drafters

2. Engineering Professions: (As per Engineers Australia, Washington Accord & Sydney Accord Definitions)
Engineers
Technologists
Associates
Drafters

Registration does not imply competency within the Architecture, Design, or Engineering professions.

A single framework which covers all working Professionals in the Building Industry needs to be established. It needs to recognise all those who are working in the industry, and enable them within their skills and competencies.

Simply put, an Architect or Building Designer or Engineer or Technologist or Associate, all work within the same NCC, BCA, and Australian Standards. There should be no need for State or Territory based registration in addition to a National Registration Framework. Adding in additional layers of regulation and registration adds in confusion to the general public, as they only see the the title of the Professional they are working with, and not where or which State or Territory they are registered.

In the eyes of the public...
An Architect is an Architect, in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS ,and NT.
An Engineer is an Engineer, in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS ,and NT.
A Building Designer is an Building Designer, in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS ,and NT.

The Risk is adding further regulation to an already confusing industry, of which will degrade confidence to the general public.

Registration does not imply competence. There are several Registered Professionals who have met the entry requirements qualifications to be registered, but have no competence or skills in order to function within their profession.

Structural Design should be further divided into the following Professionals:

Chartered Engineering Professionals:
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Chartered-Engineer

Structural Design - Level 1
1. Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
2. Professional Engineer (PEng)
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Professional-Engineer

Structural Design - Level 2
3. Chartered Engineering Technologist (CEngT)
4. Engineering Technologist (EngT)
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Engineering-Technologist

Structural Design - Level 3
5. Chartered Engineering Associate (CEngA)
6. Engineering Associate (EngA)
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Engineering-Associate

Chartered Engineering Professionals:
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Chartered-Engineer

Structural Design - Level 1
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Professional-Engineer

Structural Design - Level 2
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Engineering-Technologist

Structural Design - Level 3
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/For-Individuals/Engineering-Associate

Structural Design - Level 1
Structural Engineering Design work, all NCC building Classes or size - performance and DTS.

Structural Design - Level 2
Structural Engineering Design work for NCC Class 1 and 10 buildings - performance and DTS.
Structural Engineering Design work for NCC Class 2 to 9 buildings - performance and DTS to a maximum of three storeys above a storey used for parking vehicles but not including Type A construction other than for NCC Class 2, 3, or 9 buildings.

Structural Design - Level 3
Structural Engineering Design work for NCC Class 1 and 10 buildings - performance and DTS.
Structural Engineering Design work for NCC Class 2 to 9 buildings - performance and DTS with a gross floor area of not more than 2000m², but not including Type A or Type B construction.

Structural Design - Level 1
AQF Level 7 or Washington Accord Equivalent + NCC Specific Training

Structural Design - Level 2
AQF Level 6 or Sydney Accord Equivalent + NCC Specific Training

Structural Design - Level 3
AQF Level 5 or Sydney Accord Equivalent + NCC Specific Training

Structural Design - Level 1
Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) + 3 years experience
Professional Engineer (PEng) + 5 years experience

Structural Design - Level 2
Chartered Engineering Technologist (CEngT) + 3 years experience
Engineering Technologist (EngT) + 5 years experience

Structural Design - Level 3
Chartered Engineering Associate (CEngA) + 3 years experience
Engineering Associate (EngA) + 5 years experience

This framework can be adopted for all other Engineering Disciplines:
- Geotechnical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Fire