9 & 10 May 2012

In May of 2012 GANA convened in South Brisbane with representation of 6 states.

Attendees:
Alastair Swayn (ACT) , Peter Poulet (NSW) , Helen Lochhead (NSW) (10th ONLY), Peter Mould (NSW), , Malcolm Middleton (QLD), Ben Hewett (SA), Geoffrey London (VIC), Jill Garner (VIC) , Steve Woodland (WA) , Melinda Payne (WA)

Guests:
Paul Finch, Deputy Chair, Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment (CABE)
Kirsteen Mackay, Head of Design Review and Deputy Director, Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment (CABE)
Helen Norrie, School of Architecture and Design, University of Tasmania, Association of Consulting Australia

Updates from States:

South Australia:
Ben Hewett provided an overview on the new Capital City Design Review Panel for Adelaide. The intent is to speed up assessment process and stimulate local industry through direct case management. Government Architect to chair the panel.

Victoria:
The Office of the Victorian Government Architect developing ‘Client Guide’ for Victorian Government. Seeking feedback from GANA.

Western Australia:
How to brief – Robert Peck, Steve Kennedy and ARUP engaged to devise a ‘Client School’ program. Framed as part of a larger procurement advisory package with technical basis and ‘how to’ advice. Supported by the AIA.

General Discussion:
Paul Finch and Kirsteen Mackay from CABE presented on the CABE experience and lessons learnt through the development and application of their Design Review Processes.

Helen Norrie presented GANA on the work of the University of Tasmania’s Architecture School and partnerships with Launceston and Hobart City Councils into architecture and urban design research.

GANA letter recommending Commonwealth Government Architect was acknowledged on behalf of the Commonwealth by Dorte Ekelund, Major Cities Unit. Two models are being considered.

GANA was invited to participate in the GBCA Design Review framework.

Discussion focused on draft discussion paper “Government as Good Client Section”, which was prepared by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect. The following was noted:

• Victorian Government Agencies do not have a single procurement process and most have processes that have issues in successful delivery.
• Problems can exist in maintaining a design/quality consistency when projects are broken down into multiple procurement packages.
• Desirable to identify an internal agency design champion for each project to advocate/oversee importance of design and quality in the procurement process. It can be difficult to identify a Design Champion in smaller agencies. Government Architects may be able to assist smaller agencies.