Presently, State and Local Governments are focused on investing in quick wins for communities that have been devastated by bushfires, droughts, floods and COVID-19. However, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) is calling for a shift in focus from short-term stimulus to long-term liveability. The rush to parks, cycle tracks and natural environments during lockdown has revealed the country’s great divide and highlighted the lack of accessible open space in the country's central hubs. AILA CEO, Ben Stockwin, said the global pandemic has highlighted the strength and vulnerabilities of Aus... more

2020 is shaping up to be a record year for custom home builders across Australia despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with some forecasting a five-fold increase in net profit for quarter four. Analysis of 252 residential building companies by the Association of Professional Builders (APB) has found preliminary sales for quarter three are through the roof, with contract signings at record levels and forecast net profit in quarter four at a ‘never seen before’ level, anticipating an increase of more than 355 per cent compared to the previous three quarters. Construction Marketing Specialist and APB Co-founder ... more

Although the ceremony and celebration may have been virtual, there was no shortage of applause for the winners of the 2020 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards. Property Council’s Chief Executive, Ken Morrison, said that an impressive 127 finalists were announced back in December 2019, so it has been a longer wait than usual to unveil the winners. “In a year of unprecedented change, our industry’s commitment to designing, building and managing great places remains steadfast,” Mr Morrison said. “Our industry shapes the future of our cities, and ... more

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has officially announced the winners of the 2020 Solar Design and Installation Awards. CEC Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, said the 2020 winners set a stunning example of the innovative solutions being deployed in the commercial rooftop solar sector as more businesses look to reap the enormous benefits of solar. “Whether it is the seamless integration of solar into a green roof or the deployment of new technology that could fundamentally change the commercial solar space, this year's winners demonstrate the limitless possibilities as the solar industry continues to grow and... more

The Australian Institute of Architects has called on the Federal Environment Minister to block approval of the Australian War Memorial’s redevelopment proposal arguing that the demolition of Anzac Hall violates legislated heritage protections. In November 2018 the Australian Government approved the Australian War Memorial Development Project with funding of $498.7 million over a nine-year period commencing in 2019-20. The proposed Development Project includes a new southern entrance, refurbishment of the main building, a new Anzac Hall connected to the main building via a glazed link, an extension to the Be... more

Designers and architects stood shoulder to shoulder (virtually) in Melbourne this month at the Design Matters National 2020 Building Design Awards, with the traditionally rival groups both reaping ample rewards for taking building design to the next level. Design Matters National’s CEO, Ms Peta Anderson, said the awards provide a rare opportunity for architects and building designers to compete against each other on a completely level playing field - and the results this year, with Building Designer Sven Maxa winning the major award, are truly remarkable. “Our architect and building designer members re... more

Prospective electrical refrigeration technicians in South Australia are now able to complete both electrical and refrigeration/air conditioning qualifications concurrently. An Australian first, the new trade was developed in consultation with the SA/NT chapter of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), and addresses the demand for broader skill sets in the industry. Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, said the qualification sets a new benchmark in Australia for the delivery of trade qualifications in two disciplines, and establishes a pilot model for additional dual tra... more