Professional Standards

# Professional Standards Indigenous engagement isn't optional. Since 2021, it's a professional requirement for every registered architect in Australia.¹ This chapter outlines the regulatory frameworks and competency standards you need to know.  _Fig. 6.1: The National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA 2021) establishes Indigenous engagement as a mandatory professional competency.¹_ ## National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA 2021) ### Overview The National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) sets out what you need to demonstrate to be registered as an architect in Australia. The 2021 version introduced explicit requirements for Indigenous engagement knowledge and skills.² ### Relevant Performance Criteria **PC 8 — First Nations Engagement Processes** You must demonstrate knowledge of appropriate engagement processes with First Nations peoples, cultural protocols and requirements, Traditional Owner identification processes, and community consultation methodologies. **PC 17 — Caring for Country** You must understand Indigenous concepts of Country and custodianship, sustainable design principles informed by Indigenous knowledge, and land management practices and their relevance to design. **PC 27 — First Nations Engagement in Design** You must be able to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in design processes, engage appropriately with Traditional Owners and communities, respect and respond to cultural requirements, and document Indigenous engagement appropriately. ### Related Performance Criteria | PC | Relevance | | ----- | ---------------------------------------- | | PC 3 | Cultural context in design | | PC 26 | Stakeholder engagement | | PC 29 | Community consultation | | PC 30 | Site analysis including cultural factors | | PC 34 | Documentation of engagement processes | ### What This Means for Practice Meeting NSCA requirements means Indigenous engagement is **mandatory**, not optional. Competency must be **demonstrated**, not just claimed. **Continuing professional development** should include Indigenous engagement. **Documentation** of engagement processes is required. --- ## Australian Indigenous Design Charter ### Overview The Australian Indigenous Design Charter provides 10 principles for ethical design practice involving Indigenous knowledge, imagery, and cultural elements. It was developed by Indigenous designers and communities.³  _Fig. 6.2: The Australian Indigenous Design Charter was developed by Indigenous designers and communities to guide ethical design practice.³_ ### The 10 Principles **1. Indigenous-led** — Indigenous peoples should lead and retain ownership of their creative and cultural property. **2. Community Specific** — Design should reflect the specific community and Country, not generic "Indigenous" elements. **3. Communication** — Open and clear communication throughout the design process. **4. Interpretation** — Indigenous communities should determine how their culture is interpreted and represented. **5. Cultural Knowledge** — Indigenous cultural knowledge should be valued and protected. **6. Intellectual and Cultural Property** — Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) must be respected and protected. **7. National but not Generic** — Acknowledge diversity; avoid homogenising Indigenous cultures. **8. Legal and Moral** — Comply with legal requirements and moral obligations regarding Indigenous heritage. **9. Reconciliation Action Plans** — Organisations should develop and implement RAPs. **10. Self-Determined** — Support Indigenous self-determination in all aspects of design. ### Applying the Charter Before using Indigenous design elements, ask: Is this Indigenous-led? Does it reflect the specific community? Have I communicated clearly throughout? Am I respecting ICIP? Does my organisation have a RAP? → **[Read the Full Design Charter](https://indigenousdesigncharter.com.au/australian-indigenous-design-charter/)** --- ## Connecting with Country Framework ### NSW Government Architect Framework The NSW Government Architect's _Connecting with Country_ framework provides detailed guidance for government projects. While NSW-specific, its principles apply nationally.⁴  _Fig. 6.3: The NSW Government Architect's Connecting with Country Framework guides practitioners toward Country-centred design.⁴_ ### Key Elements **Draft Framework (2020)** — Recognition of Country as a living entity. Five interconnected principles for engagement. Guidance on design processes and outcomes. Tools for different project stages. **Pathways (2023)** — Updated practical guidance. Case studies and examples. Design translation methods. Assessment approaches. ### Core Principles 1. **Prioritise Country** — Country must come first in decision-making 2. **Connect to Country** — Design should strengthen connections to Country 3. **Care for Country** — Projects should benefit Country's health 4. **Share Country** — Design should enable sharing of culture 5. **Learn from Country** — Indigenous knowledge should inform design --- ## Architects Registration Requirements ### State and Territory Registration Each state and territory has an Architects Registration Board that maintains the register of architects, sets continuing professional development (CPD) requirements, investigates complaints and enforces standards, and recognises competencies including Indigenous engagement. ### CPD Requirements Check with your state registration board about required CPD hours, whether Indigenous engagement CPD is mandated, available Indigenous engagement CPD programs, and documentation requirements. ### Registration Boards | State/Territory | Registration Authority | | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | **VIC** | Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) | | **NSW** | NSW Architects Registration Board | | **QLD** | Board of Architects of Queensland | | **SA** | Architects Board of South Australia | | **WA** | Architects Board of Western Australia | | **TAS** | Board of Architects of Tasmania | | **ACT** | ACT Architects Board | | **NT** | Architects Board of the NT | --- ## Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) ### What They Are A Reconciliation Action Plan is a formal statement of commitment to reconciliation, developed with Reconciliation Australia. RAPs provide a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement.⁵ ### RAP Types | Type | Purpose | Requirements | | ------------ | ---------------------------- | ----------------------- | | **Reflect** | Begin reconciliation work | Foundation actions | | **Innovate** | Develop ambitious actions | Measurable targets | | **Stretch** | Leadership in reconciliation | Significant commitments | | **Elevate** | Transform reconciliation | Strategic leadership | ### Benefits for Practices RAPs demonstrate commitment to Indigenous engagement. They provide structured approach to improvement. They build relationships with Indigenous communities. They may be required for government projects. They support staff development and culture change. ### Developing a RAP 1. Visit Reconciliation Australia website 2. Review RAP types and requirements 3. Establish internal working group 4. Consult with Indigenous communities 5. Draft and submit RAP for approval 6. Implement and report on progress → **[Reconciliation Australia](https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation-action-plans/)** --- ## Cultural Heritage Legislation ### National Legislation **Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth)**⁶ This Act protects significant Indigenous areas and objects, allows for emergency declarations to protect heritage, and gives the Federal Minister power to intervene in state processes. **Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)** This Act protects matters of national environmental significance, includes National Heritage places with Indigenous values, and requires assessment of impacts on Indigenous heritage. ### State and Territory Legislation Each state and territory has its own cultural heritage legislation. Key Victorian legislation is covered in Chapter 7. General principles include register of significant sites, referral and assessment processes, approval requirements for works, and penalties for damage to heritage. ### Compliance Requirements For most projects, you must: 1. **Search** cultural heritage registers 2. **Assess** potential impacts on heritage 3. **Consult** with relevant Indigenous parties 4. **Obtain approvals** where required 5. **Implement** management plans and conditions 6. **Report** on compliance --- ## Professional Body Guidelines ### Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) The AIA provides guidance and resources on Indigenous engagement:⁷ position statements on Indigenous architecture, CPD programs and events, First Nations Committee activities, and awards recognising Indigenous engagement. ### State Chapters AIA state chapters may offer local CPD opportunities, networking with Indigenous practitioners, project guidance and support, and policy advocacy. --- ## Documentation Requirements ### What to Document For compliance and good practice, document your **engagement process** (who was consulted, when, and how), **Indigenous input** (how Indigenous perspectives influenced design), **decisions made** (what was agreed and why), **ICIP agreements** (permissions and attribution arrangements), and **outcomes** (how the project benefits Indigenous communities). ### Documentation Forms Keep meeting minutes and attendance records, and save correspondence (emails, letters). Prepare engagement plans and reports, execute formal agreements (consulting, ICIP), maintain design documentation showing Indigenous input, and complete post-occupancy evaluation. ### Retention and Access Store documentation securely and provide access to Indigenous partners as agreed. Retain for the required period (check professional indemnity requirements) and be prepared to provide to registration boards if requested. --- ## References ¹ Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. (2021). _National Standard of Competency for Architects_. [https://aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021-NSCA-Explanatory-Notes.pdf](https://aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021-NSCA-Explanatory-Notes.pdf) ² University of Sydney. "Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia." [https://www.sydney.edu.au/architecture/our-research/research-projects/indigenising-the-built-environment-in-australia.html](https://www.sydney.edu.au/architecture/our-research/research-projects/indigenising-the-built-environment-in-australia.html) ³ Indigenous Design Charter. _Australian Indigenous Design Charter_. [https://indigenousdesigncharter.com.au/australian-indigenous-design-charter/](https://indigenousdesigncharter.com.au/australian-indigenous-design-charter/) ⁴ Government Architect NSW. (2020). _Connecting with Country Draft Framework_. [https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/policies-and-frameworks/connecting-with-country](https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/policies-and-frameworks/connecting-with-country) ⁵ Reconciliation Australia. _Reconciliation Action Plans_. [https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation-action-plans/](https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation-action-plans/) ⁶ Australian Government. _Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984_. [https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00937](https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00937) ⁷ Australian Institute of Architects. _First Nations Resource Hub_. [https://www.architecture.com.au/first-nations](https://www.architecture.com.au/first-nations) --- ## Next Steps Continue to **Chapter 7: Victorian Context** for state-specific guidance on cultural heritage legislation, Registered Aboriginal Parties, and Victorian regulatory requirements.