INTERSECT Autumn 2026

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Design That Matters

04 Brainwaves

Codes and Compliance

Contributors

Danielle Johnston

Danielle has been the CEO of Design Matters National since January 2024. After a very successful year of many sold-out events in 2025, she is excited to deliver CPD, events, resources and advocacy campaigns in 2026 that support DMN members in their work, and improve Australia’s built environment.

Jason Holmes

Jason is Chair of Design Matters National. With over 25 years’ experience working as a building designer, Jason has continued further higher education studies whilst being lucky enough to have progressed his professional career in becoming a director of a design practice in the last 15 years employing over ninety people across three countries.  Focused on overseeing commercial and retail design, he provides design services from concept through to onsite completion.

Victoria ‘Tori’ Walker

Tori is the founder and Principal Residential Consultant at BERA, a leading Queensland consultancy specialising in energy efficiency. With more than 20 years’ experience in residential design and renovation, she works closely with architects, designers and assessors to deliver high-performance buildings. A NatHERS Assessor and DMN Board Director, Tori contributes to national standards, assessor education and industry training. She blends building physics, compliance expertise and practical guidance to help practitioners integrate energy efficiency into design without compromising architectural intent.

Ashley Thompson

Ashley founded Clause: 1 Planning in 2004, and he is the Co-chair of the Design Matters National Planning Working Group. He also regularly presents at industry forums and contributes to industry publications on matters of town planning. Ashley provides advice and services relating to planning scheme amendments, panel hearings, development projects and VCAT representation on a variety of projects across the state. Ashley was inducted into the elite group of DMN Life Members in 2025.

David Walker

David is General Manager and Section J Energy Efficiency Consultant at BERA, where he leads a team dedicated to helping clients achieve compliance and high-performance design outcomes. With deep experience across thousands of projects, he specialises in simplifying complex energy‑efficiency requirements for designers, builders and developers. David remains actively involved in code updates and industry initiatives, ensuring clients receive accurate, practical advice. He is passionate about creating thermally comfortable, energy‑efficient buildings through clear communication and technically sound solutions.

Sophia Amos

Sophia is CEO of the National SelfEmployment Assistance Association. She brings almost three decades of experience across employment and self-employment programs, including more than 10 years as a small business and education consultant supporting entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses and strengthen long-term business capability.

Melinda Ryan

Melinda Ryan is the Founding Director, Town Planning & Co.. With 15+ years’ planning experience spanning public and private sectors, Melinda is a strategic minded and project focused statutory planner committed to influencing positive project outcomes. Areas of interest include community infrastructure, education facilities, bushfire planning and sustainable development. Planning with purpose, Melinda is inspired by the natural and built environment and is currently co-chair of the DMN Planning Working Group.

Alicia Brown

Alicia Brown is director and founder of New Doors, a strategic marketing consultancy for Australia’s built environment sector. With 20 years of experience supporting architects and building designers, she specialises in tendering, business development and positioning, helping small practices win better work and grow sustainably.

Richard Armstrong

Richard is CEO of ProCalc and Co-host of HIA’s Made to Build. Drawing on insights from 1,200+ interviews with designers, architects, and builders - and backed by data from over $25 billion in real residential projects - Richard brings a practical, no-nonsense method to manage cost volatility in today’s market.

Bridget Girak

Bridget is an Employment Relations Adviser with more than a decade of experience supporting businesses across diverse industries. She specialises in contract and policy development, award interpretation, Fair Work compliance and workplace health and safety. Bridget provides practical guidance on performance management, grievances, disciplinary issues and psychosocial wellbeing, helping organisations build strong and compliant workplaces. She is known for her solution-focused, clear communication style and her commitment to empowering business owners to confidently navigate workforce challenges.

Louis McGuire

Louis McGuire is a Business Development Manager specialising in Employment Relations and Workplace Health and Safety for Australian businesses. With extensive experience supporting SMEs across multiple industries, Louis helps business owners navigate complex HR, Compliance and Health and Safety obligations with clarity and confidence. Known for his practical guidance and relationship-focused approach, he works closely with leaders to build safer, more resilient and compliant workplaces.

George Naguib

George is Manager of Advanced Construction Technology at Swinburne University of Technology and has decades of experience across construction, education and industry engagement. He leads building design and construction programs with a focus on quality, compliance and continuous improvement. George works closely with educators, students and industry to strengthen capability and deliver industry-aligned training. He is deeply interested in digital construction and the responsible use of emerging technologies, believing that creativity and compliance thrive through strong professional judgement.

Gyton Grantley

Gyton is an acclaimed Australian actor, presenter and content creator best known for his Logie Award-winning performance as Carl Williams in Underbelly. With a diverse career spanning drama, comedy, lifestyle television and digital storytelling, he brings a unique creative perspective to design conversations. Beyond acting, Gyton is a passionate home cook, photographer and videographer, and an ambassador for HeartKids. His recent family adventure living in Sardinia has inspired a forthcoming book exploring culture, travel and everyday design abroad.

Jeremy Spencer

Jeremy is creator of the True Zero Carbon Challenge, a Registered Builder, Energy Assessor and Director of Positive Footprints, a multi‑award‑winning sustainable design-and-build practice. With more than 20 years in the industry, he is a passionate educator and advocate for high-performance housing. Jeremy is a founding director of the Sustainable Builders Alliance and lead writer for the Roadmap to Net Zero Homes. His mission is to make sustainable, energy‑efficient construction accessible, cost-effective and mainstream.

Ingrid Hornung

Ingrid owns and runs Designs for You, a building design company in Melbourne. The primary focus is on adapting homes, to create places that nurture and delight the people that live in them. Ingrid believes that designing sustainably is also about creating something that lasts - addressing not just today’s needs for clients; but planning with them for the future. What Ingrid loves about design is the chance to work with aspects of engineering, beauty, psychology, and the environment to create a unified, harmonious whole!

Chris Bligh

Chris is a third-generation architect and Co-Director of Bligh Graham Architects. With degrees from the University of Queensland and the University of British Columbia, he has worked across leading practices including Clare Design, Cox Rayner and BVN. His projects span residential, cultural, institutional and urban design, receiving multiple AIA awards including two Robin Dods Awards and a National Award for Sustainability. Chris brings deep design experience and a commitment to environmentally responsive architecture.

Marie Carrel

Marie is a Melbourne-based building designer with qualifications in civil engineering, interior design and architecture. With more than 25 years’ experience, she specialises in energy‑efficient homes, extensions and multi‑unit developments. Influenced by her upbringing in an energy-conscious culture, she is passionate about passive design, material conservation and environmental comfort. Marie believes every square metre should serve a purpose and is currently completing her first Passive House project, reflecting her strong commitment to sustainable, resilient design.

Clarence Macalister

Clarence is a scientist, carpenter and accredited builder with more than 20 years’ experience solving complex building defects. His expertise spans condensation, waterproofing, salinity, energy efficiency and construction failures, grounded in practical onsite problem-solving. He collaborates with Dr Mark Dewsbury on research and training initiatives and represents Master Builders Tasmania on condensation and mould issues. Clarence also contributes to the ABCB’s Technical Reference Group for Condensation and has delivered extensive industry training across Australia.

Richard Stokes

Richard is an Associate at Arup, leading the Sustainability Team in Victoria. He brings extensive expertise in performance ratings including Green Star, WELL, Passivhaus, NABERS, NatHERS and the Living Building Challenge. Known for his ability to translate complex technical data into clear insights, he helps designers and developers make informed sustainability decisions. A three-time TZCC judge, Richard is deeply passionate about high-performance residential design that exceeds NCC standards and supports a low-carbon built environment.

Dr Mark Dewsbury

Mark is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Tasmania Architectural Science Laboratory at UTAS, specialising in sustainability, building performance and condensation research. A Fellow of the Architectural Science Association, he contributes to NatHERS, ABCB working groups and major national research programs. His work informs building design, durability and energy performance across residential and commercial sectors. With experience in both industry and academia, Mark is committed to improving Australia’s built environment through evidence-based design and building physics.

David Baggs

David is a multi-award-winning architect and globally recognised sustainability expert with more than 40 years’ experience. He is CEO and Technical Director of Global GreenTagCert, one of the world’s leading ecolabels. A Life Fellow of the AIA, he has contributed to major sustainability initiatives including Sydney’s “Green Games” venues and more than 20,000 energy assessments. David has authored influential work on green roofs and earth-covered buildings and received national awards including the AIA Leadership in Sustainability Award in 2025.

From the CEO

When people hear that Design Matters National is the largest community of building designers, energy efficiency assessors and built-environment professionals in Australia, they’re often surprised. It doesn’t feel like a large organisation because the strength of DMN is how connected, generous and quietly supportive our members are of one another. The size matters, but the culture matters more.

You can see it clearly in the Outstanding Student of the Year program. Almost every 2025 winner has already given me their wishlist of mentors, and what struck me was how quickly those mentors said yes and how many told me they felt “privileged” to be “cherry-picked.” That speaks to who we are. Busy people, running busy practices, still eager to give time, guidance and reassurance to the next generation.

You see this same spirit in the True Zero Carbon Challenge. The calibre of the 2026 judging panel is exceptional: leaders in architecture, sustainability, building science and materials. These are people with packed schedules and national profiles, yet they volunteer their expertise because they believe in lifting the industry. And the 20 teams competing this year come from every corner of Australia, ready to take on one of the most demanding design challenges in the country. Their commitment says a lot about the profession’s appetite for growth and responsibility.

Our Planning and Practice Notes Working Groups demonstrate the same generosity. Month after month, members give hours refining guidance, unpacking regulations, and sharing what they’ve learned, and sometimes the hard way. They don’t do it for recognition; they do it because good information helps everyone design better buildings.

This issue of INTERSECT highlights that collective effort. Industry experts from across Australia have contributed insights, technical guidance and case studies, not to lecture, but to encourage. To help you do your best work so we can, together, create a better built environment. That is DMN’s purpose, and it runs through advocacy, education, CPD, awards, and every event we host.

And that’s the role of this magazine: to represent and reflect our members, to connect disciplines, and to inform and inspire. One section that does this beautifully is Small Project, Big Difference. It remains my favourite because it proves that design impact is not measured in square metres. If you have a project that fits, please submit it; you never know who it might encourage.

Thank you for being part of this community. Your work, and your willingness to share what you know, is what makes DMN such a reliable and hopeful force in our industry.

From the Chair

Honouring Our Past, Strengthening Our Future

The built-environment profession is more national than ever before. Our members work across borders, collaborate across time zones, and deliver projects far beyond their own backyards, and for those that don’t, you certainly can. Yet the regulatory systems we work within remain fractured. Each state has its own rules, its own inconsistencies, and its own interpretations of the NCC, far from what a National Code intent is. This fragmentation is not just inconvenient, it slows the profession down, increases risk, and undermines efficiency in an industry that is already under intense pressure.

This issue of INTERSECT includes an expanded Codes & Compliance section for a reason: our members need clarity, not confusion. You need information you can trust, quickly, concisely and without wading through eight different regulatory frameworks just to do your job well.

And this is exactly where Design Matters National must, and will, continue to step up.

Advocacy is not new for us. This organisation was founded on lobbying and representation. Those roots still anchor us today. The need has not gone away. If anything, it has intensified. We are not fighting for the survival of the profession; we are fighting to improve its ability to operate effectively and efficiently, to give practitioners the certainty they deserve.

Right now, we are doing that work on multiple fronts.

Board Director Christina Zigouras is leading the charge on national accreditation and regulatory alignment, supported by member input from every state and territory. The amount of time, expertise and lived experience feeding into this work reflects

the strength of our community. Members want a better system, and they want it now.

We are briefing governments, engaging with regulators, and providing direct feedback to the ABCB, BuildSkills, and state-based authorities. We are developing clearer national guidance materials so you can spend less time interpreting ambiguous requirements and more time designing and assessing, and we are expanding our networks across jurisdictions so knowledge shared in one state becomes an asset for all.

The goal is straightforward:

Wherever you practise in Australia, you should be able to work with confidence, clarity and consistency.

A national profession does not require identical rules but it absolutely requires shared standards, shared understanding, and a unified voice strong enough to influence change. That is the role DMN plays. That is the responsibility we carry. And that is the commitment we will keep delivering on.

Together, with your input, your expertise and your willingness to engage, we can lift the industry nationally. We can push for a regulatory landscape that supports good design, rather than complicating it. And we can ensure our profession remains strong, effective and influential for the decades ahead.

This work is not optional. It is essential. And we are doing it, every day.

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01 Advocacy

Toward One National Standard:

First Truly National Accreditation Framework for Building Designers

Australia’s building designers, energy efficiency assessors and interior designers work in one profession, but across eight different regulatory systems. Depending on the state or territory, a practitioner may face different qualification requirements, different scopes of work, different registration rules, and different pathways to recognition. In some jurisdictions, a building designer must hold an Advanced Diploma to design low-rise buildings. In others, no registration exists at all. In one state, a Diploma qualifies someone to work on medium‑rise buildings; in another, the same person may not legally be recognised.

This patchwork system is not only inefficient, it is unsafe. It undermines consumer confidence, creates inconsistent competency standards, and places unnecessary barriers in front of practitioners who increasingly work across borders. As the National Construction Code moves toward greater national consistency, the regulatory gaps around who can design buildings are becoming harder to justify.

This is the context behind Design Matters National’s multi-stage effort to develop a National Accreditation Framework for Building Designers, a program grounded in the recommendations of the Building Confidence Report, aligned with Australia’s vocational and tertiary education standards, and capable of being adopted by all jurisdictions.

Why Australia Needs a National Framework

The need is clear. Across Australia:

• Only some states register building designers (TAS, VIC, QLD, NSW).

• Others have no registration pathway for the profession (SA, WA, NT, ACT).

• Qualification requirements vary significantly, from Certificate IV to Bachelor degrees.

• CPD requirements are inconsistent or absent.

• Insurance obligations differ widely.

This inconsistency means a designer competent in one jurisdiction may not be recognised in another—even if the scope of work is the same. The lack of harmonisation also creates vulnerability for consumers, who cannot easily determine whether a practitioner meets consistent national standards.

The Building Confidence Report called for a National Registration Framework for design practitioners. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) began work in 2021 responding to that recommendation but has since halted its work. DMN is deeply engaged in the process, advocating to ensure building designers are recognised correctly, fairly, and in alignment with industry realities.

DMN’s Four-Stage National Accreditation Review

Since December, DMN has undertaken a comprehensive, multi-stage project to build an accreditation framework that can support national recognition and deliver clear public benefit.

STAGE 1: Background Review & Benchmarking

DMN undertook a detailed review of existing accreditation and registration systems across all states and territories. This included:

• Examining qualification pathways (AQF4–AQF9)

• Mapping regulatory authorities in every jurisdiction

• Reviewing existing frameworks such as NSW’s Design Practitioner scheme

• Analysing national training bodies including ASQA, VRQA, TEQSA and WA TAC

• Identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and duplications

This benchmarking revealed a key risk: adopting the current recommendations of the emerging national framework would actually make registration more onerous for building designers in most states (except NSW), without necessarily improving quality outcomes. DMN has already raised this concern with regulators.

STAGE 2: Framework Development - Qualification and Scope Considerations

DMN then developed a draft scope-based model aligned with the NCC:

• Level 1: All Classes and Types (AQF6 or higher, +5 years’ experience)

• Level 2: Low & Medium Rise (AQF5, +3 years’ experience)

This tiered structure reflects the reality of risk and project complexity without excluding competent practitioners who have built their expertise through experience and targeted study.

Critically, DMN has argued strongly to the ABCB and state governments that:

• The current Advanced Diploma and Diploma qualifications, combined with compulsory CPD, are sufficient and appropriate for industry regulation.

• Bachelor-level requirements should not be imposed unless justified by clear evidence of public benefit.

• Mandatory membership with a professional body is essential to ensure ongoing competency ` and oversight.

STAGE 3: Draft Accreditation Policy and Assessment System

DMN is now developing a Quality Management System (QMS)-based accreditation structure aligned with ISO9001. The assessment model includes:

• A portfolio of project documentation

• Evidence of project administration and contract management

• CPD and professional development records

• Logbook that reflects the subcontractor, in a highly mobile workforce

• Referee reports

• A professional interview

This approach ensures competence, supports fair assessment, and provides a transparent and defensible standard for national adoption.

STAGE 4: Public Advocacy and Government Engagement

DMN is actively advocating for the framework’s adoption. Our work includes:

• Workshops across Australia with members to gather feedback, test proposals, and ensure the framework reflects real practice rather than theory.

• Briefings to state governments to ensure regulatory alignment and highlight gaps in current legislation.

• Consultation with the ABCB

• Engagement with BuildSkills, the national skills council responsible for designing VET qualifications for the sector.

• Collaboration with industry regulators including BPC (Vic), QBCC (Qld), CBOS (Tas), and Access Canberra.

Our messaging is clear: a national framework must be practical, evidence‑based, and deliver real public benefit—not just add qualifications for the sake of qualification creep.

A National Voice for a National Profession

Building designers contribute to every home, community, and region in Australia. They are central to delivering energy‑efficient housing, ensuring consumer safety, and shaping the built environment. Yet the profession has never had a single, unified pathway to recognition.

DMN is working to change that.

This accreditation framework is not just a compliance mechanism—it is an opportunity to lift the profession, standardise expectations, and advocate for building designers as essential contributors to the built environment.

Our goal is simple: one profession, recognised nationally, with clear pathways, strong competency standards, and a unified voice.

And with the support of our members and our ongoing government advocacy, that goal is now closer than ever.

Small Issue, Significant Impact

DMN calls for clarity to help stimulate

Small Second Dwelling supply

By Ashley Thompson, DMN Life Member & Director of Clause 1 Planning Consultants, and Melinda Ryan, Founder & Director, Town Planning & Co., Co-chairs of the Design Matters National Planning Working Group

Small second dwellings (SSDs) are an important typology for delivering gentle density increases, providing housing diversity and driving down affordability. However, inconsistent interpretation of the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) is resulting in a significant impediment to their delivery.

At the centre of the issue is a simple but critical question: should eaves be included in the calculation of the 60 square metre gross floor area (GFA) limit for SSDs?

While this may appear to be a niche or technical question, its implications are far-reaching—impacting VPP consistency, permit timelines, construction costs and ultimately the delivery (or restriction) of this much-needed affordable housing typology.

Design Matters National & Council Involvement

Design Matters National (DMN), represents more than 2,000 Victorian building designers responsible for roughly 30 per cent of all planning permit applications. We have asked for the assistance of Victorian Councils to ensure a greater understanding of the extent of the problem discussed in this article and are extremely grateful to those Councils that have engaged with DMN on this issue.

The Policy Context: A Clear Limit, but Unclear Application

The Victorian Planning Provisions define an SSD in Clause 73.03 as:

A building with a gross floor area of 60 square metres or less, on the same lot as an existing dwelling and used as a self-contained residence, which must include:

a) a kitchen sink;

b) food preparation facilities;

c) a bath or shower; and

d) a toilet and wash basin.

GFA is defined at Clause 73.01 as:

The total floor area of a building, measured from the outside of external walls or the centre of party walls, and includes all roofed areas.

A ‘roof’ or ‘roofed area’ is not defined within the Scheme.

While the planning scheme clearly establishes the maximum permissible area of 60 square metres, the definition does not expressly clarify whether elements such as eaves, are included in the

calculation. This has left interpretation open to individual councils. The outcome is one that is frustrating both Councils and permit applicants.

A Statewide Problem: Inconsistent Interpretations Across Councils

Evidence gathered from Victorian municipalities highlights the scale of the issue. DMN asked all Victorian Councils if they included eaves in the 60sqm GFA calculation. Of the 40 Councils that responded:

• 60% exclude eaves from GFA calculation;

• 22.5% include eaves included eaves in the GFA calculation; and

• 17.5% have no clear position or assess the issue on a case-by-case.

Even within individual councils, differing internal views and evolving advice have been reported by our Members.

This variability creates:

• uncertainty for applicants and consultants;

• inconsistent planning outcomes across municipalities; and

• a lack of confidence in application of state wide policy relating to SSDs

DMN does not see this inconsistency as a failing of Councils who are doing their best to implement the scheme as they find it – rather, we see the inconsistency as a drafting issue that should be rectified at a higher level.

Flow‑on Effects:

Delays, Costs, and Frustration

The consequences extend beyond interpretation into the practical delivery of housing.

1. Planning and Building Permit Delays

Our Members report that some building surveyors are increasingly reluctant to issue permits for SSDs without confirmation from the local Council regarding how GFA is to be calculated.

This issue is reinforced by the fact that the Building & Plumbing Commission’s Practice Note S103 indicates that GFA includes “all roofed areas” such as verandahs and carports, but acknowledges that interpretation may vary between municipalities and advises practitioners to seek confirmation from individual Councils.

This process effectively shifts responsibility back to local planning authorities and reinforces the same inconsistencies, present in the planning regime, into the building permit regime.

2. Increased Costs

Applicants are often required to:

• seek formal written planning advice from Councils;

• redesign proposals to satisfy varying interpretation; and

• absorb additional consultant costs, application fees and delays associated with the inconsistent interpretations and an unnecessarily protracted application process.

3. Design Compromises

Where eaves are included in the 60 sqm calculation, designers are forced to reduce internal floor area or remove eaves.

The illustrative example shows that:

• a compliant 60 sqm GFA (shown green) is increased to 73 sqm when 450 mm wide eaves (shown purple) are included; and

• under a GFA interpretation that includes eaves:

o the design must forgo an internal space, approximately equivalent to the bedroom, in order to meet the 60sqm maximum permissible area; or

o eliminate the eaves entirely, significantly impacting the buildings thermal performance.

The cumulative effect is a high level of frustration among planners, designers, and applicants attempting to navigate inconsistent interpretations of the GFA requirements associated with SSDs.

A Practical Path Forward

The issue is not complex to resolve but it does require clear, statewide direction. A number of Councils that provided feedback acknowledged that this issue was a concern with one noting:

“Council agrees that the definition of Gross Floor Area within the Victorian Planning Scheme is ambiguous and supports clarification being provided by the Minister for Planning. However, we note that clarification should come in the form of an amendment to the Planning Scheme to refine the definition; a statement by the Minister or Practice Note produced by the Department of Transport and Planning is unlikely to fully resolve this ambiguity.”

With the above in mind and without seeking to be prescriptive, DMN suggests that options that may usefully be contemplated to resolve the issue include:

1. Whether an amendment to the definition of “small second dwelling” in Clause 73.03 may be considered to provide greater clarity. For example (with potential changes underlined):

Small second dwelling

A building with a gross floor area of 60 square metres or less, excluding an eave, fascia or gutter that does not exceed a total width of 600 mm, on the same lot as an existing dwelling and used as a self-contained residence, which must include:

• a kitchen sink;

• food preparation facilities;

• a bath or shower; and

• a toilet and wash basin.

2. Whether an amendment to the definition of “gross floor area” in Clause 73.01 may also be contemplated to support a consistent interpretation. For example (with potential changes underlined):

Gross floor area

The total floor area of a building measured from the outside of external walls or the centre line of party walls. It excludes an eave, fascia or gutter that does not exceed a total width of 600 mm and includes all roofed areas.

Conclusion: Small Issue, Significant Impact

Small second dwellings are a welcomed and affordable housing typology that should be providing low-impact, incremental increases in density within existing developed areas. The VPPs have been adapted to expediate SSDs and provide a simple and straightforward approval process, however, the unnecessary frustration, additional time, cost and uncertainty associated with the inconsistent interpretation of the 60 square metre GFA calculation has become a significant impediment to SSD delivery.

In a planning system increasingly focused on housing supply, resolving issues like this is not just desirable, it is essential to ensure that supply.

02 Codes and Compliance

NCC 2025: What’s

In, What’s Out, and When It Arrives Across

Australia

Your essential guide to the regulatory update.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released the NCC 2025 Preview, giving industry an early look at the next edition of the National Construction Code ahead of its full publication. While NCC 2025 is heavily weighted toward changes in the commercial sector, there are important updates affecting every practitioner working in residential design, documentation and delivery.

Thirty-six Australian Standards have been added, amended or revised. Several key provisions have been strengthened. Some high‑profile proposals have been dropped entirely. And—critically—states and territories will not adopt NCC 2025 on the same timetable, meaning designers working across borders will need to manage a multi-speed regulatory environment for several years.

When Will NCC 2025 Apply?

2026 Adoption

• Victoria 1 May 2026

• ACT 1 May 2026 (voluntary for 12 months)

2027 Adoption

• Queensland between February and May 2027

• NSW 1 May 2027

Not Adopting (for now)

• Tasmania legislation passed to freeze adoption at NCC 2022 indefinitely

Dates Not Yet Confirmed

• South Australia – no commencement commitment • Northern Territory – no commencement commitment • Western Australia – recently adopted NCC 2022 in 2025, unlikely to adopt NCC 2025 before 2028

This is the most staggered adoption path Australia has seen in years. If you work interstate, this section alone is worth clipping to your office wall.

What’s New in NCC 2025?

Despite a strong commercial focus, several updates affect residential design, energy assessors and anyone delivering Class 1 or Class 10 buildings.

Water Management Improvements

Volume One Section F includes clearer definitions and more robust requirements aimed at improving drainage, preventing water ingress and reducing mould risk.

Carpark Fire Safety Upgrades

Changes to Volume One strengthen fire protection in carparks, including: • mandatory sprinklers for most open-deck carparks • fewer concessions for reduced FRLs

Commercial Energy Efficiency Overhaul

Major changes to Volume One Section J for buildings other than Class 2 include: • mandatory solar PV • higher envelope performance • improved lighting control systems

Condensation Mitigation Updates

New provisions apply to: • external wall construction • roof ventilation • drained cavity systems

These appear in Volume One Part F8 and Housing Provisions Part 10.8—essential reading for cold‑climate practitioners.

All-Gender Sanitary Facilities

Optional all‑gender sanitary facilities are now permitted under Part F4.

Performance Solutions

Tightened

Amendments to structural reliability and fire safety performance solutions aim to improve assessment consistency nationally.

What Didn’t Make It Into NCC 2025?

Some of the most anticipated proposals have been held back.

Residential Energy Efficiency

Proposed changes to: • Volume Two Part H6 • Housing Provisions Part 13 …will not proceed. Instead, NCC 2022 Amendment 2 remains in force.

EV Charging Readiness

New EV-charging rules for houses and apartments have been removed.

Fire Separation for Roofed Outdoor Areas

Proposed Part 9.6 changes are not included.

This means fewer disruptions for practitioners preparing documentation in 2025–26.

NSW Builders: PI Insurance Changes Coming in 2026

From 1 July 2026, many NSW builders involved in design input on Class 2 apartment projects, and similar work captured under the Design and Building Practitioners Act, may require Professional Indemnity insurance to continue operating compliantly.

These changes are broader than many businesses realise. You may be affected not only when preparing drawings or documentation, but also where your role includes design and construct services, changes to plans or specifications, coordinating consultants, or making design related decisions on site.

Why this matters

This is not just a compliance issue. Without the right cover in place, businesses may face difficulty tendering for or delivering certain projects, risk breaching contractual requirements, and leave themselves exposed to claims connected to design decisions made during the build.

Avoid common misunderstandings

One of the biggest areas of confusion is assuming Public Liability will respond. It generally will not cover financial loss arising from design decisions, advice, documentation, or sign-off issues. That is where Professional Indemnity insurance becomes critical.

Need help?

DMN’s partner Webber Insurance is already helping businesses assess whether they are likely to be captured, review their current insurance structure, and make sure Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Contract Works cover are properly aligned.

For a more detailed overview of the upcoming Professional Indemnity insurance changes and what they may mean for your business, read their full article here. You can also reach out to the team at Webber who can help you assess what cover may be needed and where gaps may exist.

P: 1300 932 237

E: dmn@webberinsurance.com.au

W: webberinsurance.com.au

NCC 2025 –Energy Efficiency for Commercial Buildings

By David Walker, BERA

The NCC 2025 Volume One Preview Draft introduces a number of practical changes to Section J for Class 3 and Class 5–9 buildings. While the structure of compliance remains familiar, several requirements will directly affect façade design, wall systems, roof planning and services on typical projects.

Significant Changes for Commercial Buildings

In keeping with the Australian Government’s announcement last year, there are no changes to residential Energy Efficiency requirements. Commercial buildings, however, are a different story – NCC 2025 contains material increases in Energy Efficiency requirements for all Class 3 and Class 5 9 buildings.

At first glance, the changes in NCC 2025 for commercial buildings can look a bit like just ‘tightening the numbers’. But several of the changes are more fundamental – and will shift the conversation around energy efficiency for these buildings.

“Near Zero” Operational Greenhouse Emissions

The main Performance Requirement for Energy Efficiency in the NCC has now been updated to state that commercial buildings have “near zero operational greenhouse gas emissions”, in addition to the existing “efficient use of energy” requirement.

In other words, energy source now matters for commercial buildings – not just the efficient use of it. In practical terms, NCC 2025 now has a strong requirement for renewables – most new commercial buildings will require solar panels. More on that later.

Adoption Dates

While NCC 2025 is available from 1st May this year, the schedule for mandatory adoption varies from state to state. A few states have already published their adoption dates as follows:

Victoria 1st May 2026

ACT 1st May 2026 (optional)

NSW 1st May 2027

Queensland 1st May 2027

Designers working across jurisdictions will need to manage projects under different code versions for some time. The tried and tested strategy of getting applications submitted before the mandatory adoption dates should also be considered!

How will this impact design?

There are material changes to the main compliance pathways – DTS & J1V3. See here for more information on the difference between the two..

Deemed to Satisfy

DTS is the straightforward, but inflexible, compliance pathway – it essentially provides a series of tick box compliance requirements.

A few of the key changes to DTS requirements include:

• Roof insulation requirements are increased for overnight buildings (Class 3, 9c or 9a Ward area).

• Glazing

ࢩ Low-e Glazing (at least) will now be required for all commercial buildings (U Value ≤ 5.8).

ࢩ SHGC values will also be reduced – generally windows will require darker tints.

ࢩ Vertical shading is now considered in NCC 2025 – this is a great improvement on NCC 2022 DTS, which only considered horizontal shading.

• Wall insulation requirements are generally increasing – in some instances this may impact wall thicknesses.

ࢩ In Climate Zones 1 and 8, wall R values around 3.0–3.6 mean standard 90 mm constructions are unlikely to be sufficient.

ࢩ In Climate Zones 3, 4 and 7, minimum R values around 2.0–2.2 may not be achievable with typical 92 mm steel framing.

ࢩ There are also some reductions in requirements (e.g. Climate Zones 2 and 5), which may simplify wall design in those locations, removing the need for thremal breaks.

• Changes to HVAC and lighting provisions continue to push toward higher efficiency and electrification. This reinforces a shift away from gas systems – but they can still comply if needed, by addition of other offsetting factors.

• Self-closing doors are no longer required for entrances to childcare centres or other spaces where they might be unsafe.

But likely the biggest change under DTS for many projects will be that Solar Panels are now mandatory. For many buildings the requirement will be 100% of practicable roof area to carry a PV array. For warehouses (or similar), PV requirements are scaled to the conditioned area, but will still need to be accommodated. We expect EE consultants will be having many conversations with their clients about this one!

J1V3

Performance Solution

J1V3 Performance Solutions to date have been the more flexible alternative to DTS requirements. These Performance Solutions remain available but are more constrained:

• The proposed building and proposed services must achieve 3% lower energy use than the comparable DTS reference building.

• Modelling must use 2050 climate data.

• Solar PV will not be able to be used to offset performance, in many instances.

• The DTS reference building already assumes higher-spec glazing.

Together, these changes reduce the extent to which trade-offs can be used to balance the design. Glazing, in particular, offers less scope for adjustment than in previous versions.

J1V3 will still be used where DTS is impractical, but it is likely to require more careful modelling and will have less flexibility.

Industry Impact

It’s early days in the industry’s experience with NCC 2025, but it is likely that the new requirements will cause some degree of disruption in the design process as industry adapts.

It is likely that Energy Efficiency will also need to become part of the conversation earlier. EE conversations will broaden to include façade orientation and glazing intent, services strategy and control, roof planning (including what’s competing for space) and many others.

As we adjust, ESD consultants (including DMN’s TPA members working in the commercial space) will serve industry well, as always, by being solutions focused, across the detail, and collaborative in their approach to developing compliant solutions for their clients.

Register for David’s webinar on this topic here.

Battened Cavities vs Direct Fix Wall Systems – NCC 2025 updates

By Clarence Macalister, Ionic Construction, & Dr Mark Dewsbury, University of Tasmania

Prior to NCC 2022, it was permissible under the code to directly fix cladding to a timber frame without a drained cavity or membrane in many situations.

NCC 2022 mandates as a MINIMUM a battened cavity separating insulation from the cladding if there is not a membrane separating them. The logic here appears to be the separation of insulation and other water sensitive materials in the wall from any moisture at the back of the cladding by EITHER a gap (cavity) OR a physical barrier (membrane). This is the correct approach as ample forensic research has documented that between 5% and 30% of the water that strikes a façade is absorbed or moves through the cladding materials.

In reality many lightweight builds in certain climates are already designed and built with both a membrane and cavity anyway.

NCC 2025 will be adopted progressively in some jurisdictions. For the first time this would mandate a battened cavity and class 4 vapour permeable membrane behind cladding in climate zones 6, 7 and 8. Please regularly check updates within your jurisdiction regarding adoption.

Table 1 below shows information from the NCC 2025 Draft Housing Provisions and Australian Standard 4200.1 2017 Pliable Building Membranes. This table shows the climate zone, options for directly fixed or cavity batten fixed cladding, and the water vapour permeance requirements / classification of the pliable membrane applied outside the frame (as per AS4200.1)

Battened cavities minimise risks associated with moisture in buildings. This includes rain ingress into the building fabric AND condensation which occurs in the wall systems.

In jurisdictions where NCC 2025 is not implemented, what is the recommendation regarding a battened cavity?

For some years the NCC has included additional “informative” guidance for battened cavities – specifically the Condensation in BuildingsTasmanian Designer’s Guide . This includes the detailing of drained cavities in lightweight external wall systems. This has been a recommendation listed within the NCC for Tasmania.

Some building surveyors in Tasmania, and elsewhere, have been requiring compliance with the Tasmanian Designer’s Guide, above and beyond their jurisdictional NCC 2022 requirements.

Table 1: Exterior wall cavity and membrane requirements from the NCC 2025 Draft Housing Provisions

For areas where NCC 2025 will not be adopted, the of NCC 2025 Draft Housing Provisions section 10.8 and the Tasmanian Designer’s Guide are useful benchmarks to ensure better than “minimum acceptable performance”. Figure 2 below shows a snapshot of the front page from the 2019 Tasmanian Designer’s Guide and one of the illustrations for the inclusion of a drained and ventilated cavity with a light-weight cladding system. It should be noted that:

1. the batten at the base of the cavity would need to have sufficient open space to allow for ventilation to the cavity,

2. the overhang of the cladding would need to comply with NCC 2022 7.5.7 (2), and,

3. the minimum cavity width of 10mm does not meet NCC 2025 (draft) 10.8.1 requirements.

It is expected that an updated version of the Tasmanian Designers Guide will be published in the near future, which will explore some enhancements to address design and construction considerations for greater airtightness, ventilation, insulation and corresponding moisture management recommendations.

Figure 2: Front cover and sample illustration form the 2019 Tasmanian Condensation in Buildings – Tasmanian Designers Guide – Version 2

MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Manufacturers are reluctant to mandate a battened cavity for their products, as this could mean a competitive disadvantage in the cost and complexity of installation of their systems. However, many

manufacturers have been acutely aware of the problems around rain and moisture ingress, drainage, condensation and drying of exterior wall system components for many years.

The approach taken by many manufacturers is to 1) advise on the risks of condensation and moisture generally and/or; 2) recommend cavity fixing methods in certain risk situations. Thus, the onus is on the designer, building surveyor and builder to assess the situation and make the decision – and also take the liability.

At least two Australian wall cladding manufacturers are referring to NCC 2022 table H2V1a regarding risk for weather ingress (rather than condensation specifically). The types of risks are shown in Figure 3.

3: Moisture risk matrix for external wall systems, based on NCC 2022 table H2V1a

While the NCC stipulates a certain score as a trigger in the verification method, these manufacturers are recommending a battened cavity be used at a much lower score. The risk factors determined from the manufacturers’ score with this matrix will mean that a cavity would be required on many modern building designs, even if not mandated in the NCC.

Table H2V1a is based on the risk matrix from the New Zealand Building Regulation E2/AS1, which focusses on the weathertightness assessment of the building façade and fenestration, which has been a staple of the NZ Building Code many years.

DOES MEETING NCC and MANUFACTURERS SPECS GUARANTEE ANYTHING?

As always, the NCC does not cover all scenarios – and following all Deemed to Satisfy provisions is no guarantee of a healthy and well performing building. As we move into the world of high performance and more airtight buildings, condensation and moisture are greater risks if appropriate measures are not taken.

Hygrothermal modelling for several temperate climates in Australia would recommend, at the very least, a drained and ventilated cavity with a class 4 vapour permeable membrane, for wall systems. One of

the biggest factors in mould risk, even in code compliant walls in residential buildings, is ventilation of habitable rooms. Put simply, when the habitable rooms of a building are too airtight and poorly ventilated, the vapour migrating through a wall system (even one which meets the NCC 2025 draft requirements) can create interior surface and interstitial (inside the wall) mould risk. Additionally, this has a significant effect on occupant health. However, the presence of mould is not a new problem. Sadly, ventilation within many Australian building types has been recognised as a significant problem for decades.

As the NCC and industry move to more complex and energy efficient designs, ventilation will be one of the next major challenges for both health and building performance. That is, ventilation of the built fabric (subfloor, cavity wall systems and roof spaces) will be just as important as adequate ventilation inside the building via a mix of passive and/or mechanical ventilation.

It is critical to note that in tropical and hot climates many of these rules can be very different.

THE FUNCTION OF A DRAINED AND VENTILATED CAVITY

A battened cavity on a wall does a number of things:

1) allows water and condensate to drain by gravity

2) improves drying of the wall system by ventilation to outside air

3) separates moisture sensitive materials from the weatherffected cladding materials

4) allows vapour to escape to the outer face of permeable membranes

NCC 2025 SPECIFICS

NCC 2025 (draft) requires a wall with a drained and ventilated cavity, and a class 4 vapour permeable membrane in NCC climate zones 6, 7 and 8. The specifics include a 12mm minimum cavity and 1000mm2/ Lm ventilation – equivalent to a 1mm continuous gap.

Again, remember this is a MINIMUM requirement. Arguably the biggest challenge here is what we call the “battle of the bulge”. This is where insulation in the cavity pushes the membrane outwards, causing it to touch the back of the cladding – meaning the cavity is closed. This can lead to even a 40mm cavity being obstructed, not allowing for adequate drainage, ventilation, or an effective thermal break. A 12mm cavity is at significant risk of membrane bulge. Over-sheeting of the wall with ply or OSB could, in theory, reduce the risk of membrane deflection – however the glues in many engineered wood products can have a very high resistance to vapour diffusion, acting like a plastic bag, limiting the vapour transfer through the wall system and increasing moisture accumulation (moisture content in materials) and mould risk. In many situations a cavity much larger than 12mm would be required to ensure it serves its purpose effectively.

SUMMARY

While NCC 2025 will not be adopted in every state and territory, it is an important step in minimum standards to deal with internal and external moisture in the building envelope. If risk factors (like high energy efficiency and airtight buildings) are high, a battened cavity with a class 4 vapour permeable membrane is the minimum insurance to control the risk of mould and deterioration in the wall system (in temperate and alpine climates). As buildings become even more airtight and energy efficient, an interior vapour control membrane may be needed, as often seen on international and national examples shown television, websites and journals.

A combination of the Designer’s Guide, NCC 2025 Draft Housing Provisions section 10.8.1 and manufacturer’s specifications will give good guidance on the matter, irrespective of whether NCC 2025 is adopted or not.

Battened cavities are a “two sided” insurance – assisting with internally generated moisture (condensation) and external moisture (weather ingress) risks.

1 – A wall with approximately 15mm batten showing deflection of the membrane by insulation

NatHERS expansion milestone: DMN accredits NatHERS for Existing Homes Assessors

There has been a major step forward in the rollout of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) for existing homes, with Design Matters National (DMN) announced in February as the successful and exclusive provider of accreditation services for NatHERS for existing homes assessors.

Australian governments are working together to deliver energy ratings for existing homes. To do this the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is being expanded. Previously, NatHERS has only been available for rating new homes and major renovations.

DMN already supported Energy Efficiency Assessors as one of three NatHERS for New Homes Assessor Accrediting Organisations. This new appointment extended that experience into the existing homes space, ensuring consistent, high-quality accreditation and oversight for assessors working on Australia’s existing housing stock.

Since April this year, DMN has received applications for accreditation and overseen the performance of accredited NatHERS for existing homes assessors. This appointment came ahead of Stage 2 of the NatHERS expansion, planned for mid-2026, when training and accreditation will be made available to all interested assessors. This will help provide more assessments to more households, supporting better performing, more comfortable homes across Australia.

Stage 1 of the NatHERS expansion, which is currently underway, commenced in July 2025 with a 12 month scale up period to refine processes, tools, and training in preparation for the broader rollout.

The new appointment aligns closely with DMN’s purpose and longterm commitment to energy efficiency and recognises the depth of expertise within our membership and our strong track record supporting NatHERS Assessors for New Homes.

DMN thanks the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) and the NatHERS Administrator for this appointment and look forward to working together to help deliver more, and better, assessments for Australian households.

Design Matters National’s Senior Manager, Home Energy Efficiency & Sustainability, Vicki Marshall, said the new role would help support a high standard of practice across the emerging existing homes market.

“Existing homes are critical to Australia’s energy and emissions future,” she said.

“By accrediting NatHERS assessors for existing homes, DMN will help ensure that homeowners receive high-quality, consistent advice on how to improve the comfort and performance of their homes. We will work closely with NatHERS to support assessors with clear guidance, professional development and robust quality assurance.”

For more information about DMN’s role in NatHERS and membership options, visit: NatHERS Existing Home Assessors

Significant Changes to Car Parking Requirements

Planning Scheme Amendment VC277 was introduced on 18 December 2025 and makes significant changes to the statutory car parking requirements associated with planning permit applications across Victoria.

Overview

The Amendment seeks to align car parking rates in the planning scheme with actual demand for individual uses and introduces a new tiered system that reduces car parking requirements in locations with better access to commercial facilities and public transport.

Previously, car parking rates for land uses have generally been standardised across the state, with little differentiation between areas that are remotely located and those that are well serviced by public transport or within activity centres.

The Amendment incorporates new online maps, available via VicPlan (see below), that segment land into four categories.

Generally speaking, Category 1 is land furthest from activity centres with poor access to public transport. Category 4 is generally land within proximity to activity centres with great access to transport alternatives. These four categories are now used in the car parking tables of Clause 52.06 to set new, tiered, car parking requirements for land uses.

Additional Key Points

Practitioners also should note:

• The new tiered system includes both a “minimum” and “maximum” car parking  requirement for some uses in some locations. A planning permit is required to exceed any maximum parking requirement specified.

• In Category 4, no minimum parking provisions are set – only maximum requirements. Meaning, there is no minimum parking requirement under the scheme in these locations. Once again we note, that if the maximum specified is exceeded a planning permit will be triggered for the excess parking.

• For some land uses, the “Measure” for calculating parking requirements has changed. For example, previously the measure for calculating the statutory parking requirement for a childcare centre was 0.22 spaces ‘per child’. Under the new provisions the car parking rate is ‘per employee’ (with the minimum requirement varying depending on which land category applies).

Planning Tid Bits

A Few Practical Examples of the Changes

The following provides an overview of the changes for some common planning permit applications:

Multiple Dwellings

For multi dwelling developments, a development containing 11 x 4 bedroom dwellings could have previously required 24 car parks (2 parks per dwelling and 2 additional visitor spaces) to meet the requirements under Clause 52.06. Under the new provisions (if located on Category 2 land) a total of only 11parking spaces are required to meet the statutory requirements. It is also noteworthy that dwelling developments no longer require any ‘visitor’ parking onsite.

Childcare

A centre with the capacity for 100 children, under the old Clause 52.06 would’ve required 22 parking spaces. However, if the maximum number of staff for that centre was 25 employees and the land was in a Category 2 area, the requirement under the new Clause 52.06 would only be 12 carparking spaces.

Medical Centre

Therefore, a 400sqm medical centre with 8 practitioners may have required 29 parking spaces (5 spaces for the first and 3.5 spaces for each additional practitioner), under the old Clause 52.06. However, under the new Clause 52.06 (if the land was in a Category 2 area) the statutory requirement is reduced to only 14 spaces.

It is apparent from the above examples that these changes can significantly reduce the parking requirements for some uses in some location.

Additional Considerations

Under the new Clause 52.06 exemptions for new uses on land with:

• Established car parking dispensations below the minimum rates, and now

• Car parking rates which exceed maximum rates,   will continue to apply.

A new set of information requirements and decision guidelines are provided for applications that wish to exceed a stated maximum car parking requirement.

Parking overlays will continue to apply, where relevant.

Transitional Provision

The transitional provisions at Clause 52.06 12 are generally favourable to applicants and:

• Generally, allow applications lodged prior to June 18, 2026 to use the old Clause 52.06 parking requirements, if they result in a lower statutory parking demand than the new provisions

• Specify that new ‘maximum’ parking requirements (other than those specified in a Parking Overlay) do not apply to planning permit applications lodged prior to Dec 18, 2025, and

• Confirm that Parking Overlays that reference the statutory parking demand specified in Clause 52.06 5 (Table 1) will continue to be taken as a reference to the former Clause 52.06 5, unless the Overlay specified otherwise.

Closing

Amendment VC 277 includes very significant changes to the way car parking demand will be assessed under Victoria’s planning regime. Practitioners should carefully review existing and pending applications to ensure the benefits of Amendment VC277 are incorporated into your proposals.

Permit holders should look at existing approvals and determine whether a better outcome might now be achievable under the new VC277 considerations.

Should you have any queries with regards your existing or pending planning permit applications and how Amendment VC 277 may affect them please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Stage 2 - Activity Centre

Changes for More Housing

In 2025 we covered Planning Scheme Amendment VC267, the new Townhouse and Low Rise Code, which introduced changes to the content and processes of the residential design standards (Cl54 & 54) in the Victorian Planning Provisions. We also covered Planning Scheme Amendment GC252 which introduced the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and Built Form Overlay (BFO), applying the new zone and overlay to various activity centres in Metropolitan Melbourne. In summary, the amendment:

• Implemented new built form and height controls for the core of each Activity Centre

• Rezoned land within the activity centre core

• Amended the Activity Centre Zone (ACZ) schedules for some activity centres

• Rezoned residential land within walking distance of each activity centre core to HTCZ, with a catchment of approximately 800 metres around the activity centre core (adjusted to reflect walking barriers such as creeks, major roads or freeways).

• Amended or removed some existing overlays which were contrary to the new controls, mainly Design and Development Overlays.

The rezoning enabled greater scope of development, including development of buildings 3 6 storeys, exceeding the previous General Residential and Neighbourhood Residential zone limitations of 2 3 storeys.

The BFO provides “deemed to comply” standards and an assessment pathway which ensures complying applications will be approved (subject to any other planning controls) and removes third party appeal rights from complaint developments.

The State Planning Department is currently consulting on the second stage of the rollout, focussing on 23 existing activity centres around train and tram nodes. Phase 2 of the consultation process will be open for feedback until 22 March 2026.

Draft maps have been prepared which show “core” and “catchment” boundaries for each centre. ‘Core’ areas would provide for building heights up to 4 storeys, increasing to between 6   12 storeys on blocks larger than 1000m2. ‘Catchment’ areas are those within 800 metres of the Core and would allow buildings up to three storeys with taller development on blocks larger than 1000m2.

The activities centres which are part of this current consultation phase are around:

• Caulfield, Glen Huntly, Ormond, Bentleigh and Elsternwick stations

• Blackburn, Nunawading and Mitcham stations

• Hawksburn, Toorak, Armadale and Malvern stations and Toorak Village

• Mentone Station

• Riversdale, Willison and Ashburton stations

• South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor stations

• Springvale, Noble Park, Yarraman and Dandenong stations

It is expected that these new HCTZ and BFO controls will be implemented in mid 2026. Practitioners should be aware that these new controls have the potential to significantly increase yeild from affected sites.

More Significant Changes for the Victorian Planning Regime

Practitioners should be aware that Victoria’s planning system is set for more significant reform following the passage of the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026, which amends the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

These latest changes aim to streamline planning processes, improve transparency and accelerate decision-making. While the legislation has now passed Parliament, most operational changes affecting planning permit applications are not yet in force… But here is a summary of what practitioners can expect:

The new legislation introduces several structural changes to the planning framework. Most notably, it establishes a tiered system of permit applications, allowing planning schemes to classify applications as Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3, with different procedural pathways depending on the scale, complexity and impact of the proposal. Lower impact proposals are intended to move through a simplified process with reduced notice requirements and limited opportunities for third-party participation, while higher-impact proposals will continue to follow the more traditional notice and objection pathway.

Other reforms include:

• New requirements for early engagement with traditional landowners

• Expanded transparency obligations for planning authorities

• Greater flexibility for councils to manage notification and consultation processes

• The reforms also introduce broader planning strategies at the state, regional and local levels, designed to improve alignment between strategic planning and development approvals.

Importantly for practitioners and applicants, the Act received Royal Assent in February 2026, but most provisions will commence on dates yet to be proclaimed. This means that the existing permit process under the Planning and Environment Act remains largely unchanged for now.

Implementation will occur progressively through new regulations and updates to planning schemes and the Victoria Planning Provisions. With the reforms expected to take 18–24 months.

The devil will undoubtedly be in the detail. Practitioners should stay tuned as the details of the new system rollout; we will bring you more updates.

These tidbits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to Design Matters National Intersect. For more information visit www.clause1.com.au

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03 Design That Matters

Designing with Place in Mind in Tasmania

Nothing sharpens a designer’s understanding of a building quite like standing inside it, feeling the microclimate, noticing the fall of light, understanding the client’s lived experience, and hearing the designer explain the decisions that shaped it. That principle was at the heart of the DMN Tassie Summer 2026 Study Tour, a two-day deep dive into some of southern Tasmania’s most thoughtful and celebrated contemporary homes. Held on 5 & 6 February 2026, the tour brought members together in Hobart, South Arm and across Bruny Island for site visits, conversations and generous insight-sharing from three respected Tasmanian practices: Clever Design, Green Design, and Maguire + Devine

The result was a compact, hands-on learning experience that left participants inspired and grounded in the realities of designing for place, climate, and craft.

Shack Metamorphosis, South Arm

The tour began in South Arm with a twilight walk-through of Shack Metamorphosis, the multi-award-winning renovation by Mike Cleaver of Clever Design, in collaboration with Woodhams Builders. Nestled on Tasmania’s rugged southeastern coastline, the project has been widely recognised for its bold transformation, exceptional craftsmanship and confident material use, including awards for Excellence in the Use of Concrete, several HIA Tasmania accolades, and a place in the HIA National Awards 2026

For many DMN members, the highlight was hearing Mike explain how his team used BIM to model every junction, tolerance and construction sequence. As he put it: “Every line we draw has to be buildable. If it can’t be built, it doesn’t go in the model.” That philosophy was evident in the crisp detailing, honest material palette and the renovation’s seamless integration of old and new.

Builder Jason Woodhams and homeowner Claire Woodhams added invaluable perspectives: Jason from a builder’s lens on craft and constructability, and Claire from the lived experience of occupying the home. The conversation moved naturally between design intent, construction constraints, sustainability ambitions and the realities of working on a windswept coastal site where durability comes first.

After the tour, members gathered at the local RSL for dinner - a relaxed setting that allowed questions to flow, connections to form and professional friendships to deepen. As one attendee remarked, “It’s amazing how much you learn once the formalities drop away.”

Bruny Island: A Journey Into Landscape

Day two took attendees by bus and ferry to Bruny Island, one of Tasmania’s most extraordinary natural environments. Bruny’s isolation, beauty and climatic demands have shaped a particular sensibility in the architecture produced there: quiet, site-responsive, durable, and deeply connected to landscape. This ethos became the thread uniting the homes visited throughout the day.

The first stop was Adventure Bay, where architect Uta Green of Green Design and energy efficiency assessor Rebecca Boyle of Aspire Sustainability shared their collaboratively designed home. As winners of the TZCC 2024, their work demonstrates what is possible when design and energy consulting are integrated from the very beginning.

Uta spoke to the home’s siting, passive solar strategy and material selection; Rebecca expanded on the modelling behind those decisions. Seeing both perspectives in situ offered a rare clarity: the building’s performance was not an afterthought but a formative design driver. Members discussed glazing ratios, the rhythm of shading, insulation choices and the subtle decisions that had shifted the home from “compliant” to truly comfortable.

Before a leisurely lunch at Hotel Bruny, the group travelled to Alonnah to visit the acclaimed Bruny Island Hideaway by Hugh Maguire of Maguire + Devine. This off-grid cabin - compact, minimalist and exquisitely crafted - was a study in restraint. Hugh spoke about designing for solitude, responding to the island’s microclimates, and the discipline required to pare back to essentials.

The Hideaway offered a counterpoint to Shack Metamorphosis: one project expansive and materially expressive, the other intimate and deeply quiet. Together, they framed a conversation about scale, sustainability, and the many ways architecture can hold landscape.

More Than CPD: A Community of Practice

While the tour delivered quality CPD and hands-on technical learning, the real value came through community: designers, EEAs, students and educators connecting outside their studios, sharing stories, problem-solving together, and discovering the diversity of practice across Australia.

The study tour format supports exactly what DMN values most: curiosity, generosity and camaraderie. It reinforces that good design is not just about drawings or star ratings: it is about how practitioners see, listen and learn.

With limited places and high demand, the tour reaffirmed DMN’s ongoing commitment to immersive, region-based professional development. More study tours will follow, but the spirit of this one will be hard to beat: meaningful design conversations set against Tasmania’s stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of designers willing to open their doors and their thinking.

Small Project, Big Difference

Working closely with a family in Ivanhoe, a simple stair and fence opened their creek-side yard, showing how small design steps can gently transform everyday family life.

Ingrid Hornung – Building Designer from Designs for You

In 2016, Alex and her husband found their dream townhouse in Ivanhoe, overlooking Darebin Creek. The backyard abutting bushland was a highlight, but it was out of reach; with no connection between the balcony and the backyard. With a new puppy, George, and a kid on the way, they longed for safe access to the garden; to play and explore.

The project:

They reached out to me to create a staircase from the deck to connect to the garden; and beyond that, the creek; as well as fencing to keep the yard family friendly. My role was to listen, support their vision, and to make it real.

We worked as a team through a year of permits (planning and building permission were required!) and a modest budget. The family’s goals shaped every step: the stair was placed on the garden’s higher side, both for a shorter, gentler run; and to preserve usable deck space with direct access from the living room door. The timber stair and the new fencing of timber frames with wire mesh, suited the setting; and were also perfect for unobstructed views, meeting flooding requirements, and keeping everyone safe.

These choices honoured the site’s constraints and the family’s needs; no big statements, just practical support for daily life.

The difference - Gyton’s words:

In 2016, my wife Alex and I fell for a charming townhouse in Ivanhoe, perched above Darebin Creek. Flood rules left a deep backyard we couldn’t reach: just a balcony and steep drop. We wanted stairs for puppy George and family adventures, plus secure fencing.

Ingrid was incredible: guiding us through a year-long permit process on a tight budget, patiently bringing our ideas to life with crisp stairs, a neat landing, and airy gates. As renovating newbies, we couldn’t have done it without her. Now creek walks and lawn play are daily rituals; our home feels truly connected to the bush.

Ingrid's Final Word

Now the backyard hums with activity: George romping on the grass, kids watering beds, family wandering along the creek paths together. Their home doesn’t just look at nature—it welcomes it in.

And it reminds me why I love what I do: it makes a difference!

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Building Design Awards 2026

What, When, Why and How to Get Involved

For three decades, Design Matters National’s Building Design Awards have set the benchmark for excellence in Australia’s built environment. The 2026 program is now open, bringing a refined structure, clearer entry pathways and more opportunities than ever for both entrants and judges.

This year is not business as usual. The awards have evolved to reflect how the industry is working today—more interdisciplinary, more collaborative, and more innovative under increasing constraints. Categories again span Building Design, Interior Design, Energy Efficiency and Emerging Design, with an even sharper focus on real-world impact, sustainability and problem-solving excellence.

In a climate of rising construction costs, tighter margins and increasingly demanding clients, visibility is no longer a bonus—it is leverage. Recognition helps practitioners stand out, build trust and strengthen their brand in a competitive market.

What's New in 2026

The Building Design Awards now place greater emphasis on:

• design effectiveness under real-world constraints

• sustainability and long-term performance

• technical excellence in documentation

• collaboration across disciplines

• innovation that is buildable, replicable and commercially realistic

This is recognition that carries weight. A shortlist or win becomes part of your professional story—something that supports proposals, marketing, recruitment and business growth for years.

“Sustainability isn’t an add‑on. At its core, a home is a shelter, so it needs to be effortlessly comfortable.”

Kyle Stacey, 2025 Residential Building Design of the Year Winner

Why Enter

Entering the awards delivers value across several fronts:

Strengthen your brand

Award recognition is a peer-reviewed endorsement that communicates trust, quality and capability.

Boost team culture

Celebrating high-quality work builds morale and reinforces shared purpose.

Gain long-term visibility

Winning or being shortlisted gives your practice durable marketing value long after the event.

Benchmark your work

Measure your designs against the best in the industry—and learn from the judges’ feedback.

“Recognition like this reinforces that staying true to our design principles— and backing our instincts—is the right path forward.”

– Ross Mackinnon, 2025 East Coast Residneital Buidling Design of the Year Winner.

When to Enter

Entries close 19 June 2026.

Winners will be announced at two major events:

• West Coast Awards – Friday 16 October 2026

• East Coast Awards – Saturday 24 October 2026

Both nights are major celebrations of Australian design—bringing together designers, energy assessors, suppliers, educators and industry leaders.

How to Enter

The entry process is designed to be clear and accessible:

1. Select your categories

2. Prepare imagery, documentation and design statements

3. Submit via the online awards portal

4. Pay the entry fee

All requirements, tips and category guides are provided on the DMN website.

“What challenges us really encourages creative thinking—and we land on a far better design outcome because of it.”

— Sam Lefroy, 2025 West Coast Commercial Building Design of the Year Winner

Why be a Judge?

Not entering this year? You can still be part of the awards.

DMN invites experienced practitioners to apply as judges across residential, commercial, interiors and energy categories.

Judging offers:

• a front-row seat to Australia’s best new projects

• insights into design trends and documentation standards

• an opportunity to give back to the profession

• a complimentary ticket to one awards event

It’s one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to industry excellence.

“Amazing commercial spaces don’t need a blank slate— they grow from respect for what’s there and insight into real people.”

— Tobias Münch, 2025 National Commercial Building Design of the Year Winner

The Value of Being Seen

These awards highlight the work that elevates everyday living—projects that are designed with intent, crafted with discipline, and delivered with care.

Whether you’re a sole practitioner or a large practice, entering the awards is a powerful way to position your work within the national conversation and inspire confidence in your clients.

The future of Australian building design is unfolding now—make sure your work is part of the story.

Enter now Design Matters National Building Design Awards

Why submitting for Awards is Not All About Winning

By Alicia Brown, New Doors

There is a common perception that entering industry awards is an onerous process with very little return if you don't land a win, an unlikely platform for meaningfully raising your business profile. However, at New Doors, we believe submitting for awards is worthwhile for various reasons - and it's not all about winning.

Awards programs offer practices the opportunity to strategically select the most relevant program to showcase their expertise. Whether it's to highlight excellence in a specific discipline, market sector, capability or client service, entering the right awards program provides many opportunities to elevate your firm's reputation.

In the competitive world of the built environment, publicly showcasing your expertise is a core ingredient of success as it demonstrates commitment, confidence and pride in the value you have to offer. In this article, we explore the various ways awards can benefit businesses in the built environment, from capturing expertise to strengthening client relationships and promoting exceptional projects.

Client Relationship Development

Entering a project into an awards program can speak volumes about your firm's commitment to excellence and the importance you place on your clients and their projects. Seeking client input during the submission process allows for positive discussions about project outcomes and the services provided, nurturing the relationship whilst giving you a legitimate excuse to gather feedback and client testimonials. This process not only serves the purpose of the awards submission but also generates content that can be used in project sheets, on your website and in future tender submissions to enhance your firm's reputation and credibility.

Capture Thorough Case Studies

Participating in an awards program forces you to create detailed case studies of your leading projects. These case studies are immensely valuable for new project opportunities, providing a base of content that can be drawn upon to demonstrate relevant parallels in proposals, tender submissions, and interviews, showcasing your problem-solving capabilities and innovative approaches. Additionally, the content generated from these case studies can be repurposed into PR articles and social media posts, creating a treasure trove of strategic, engaging content for your target audience.

An Excuse

to Promote Services

While awards programs may offer some promotion of the winners, self-promotion of a shortlisting or win can often be more effective. If you are shortlisted or declared a winner - don’t just tell people you won. Focus on why you won, sharing clever and innovative aspects, client testimonials and the judges’ comments. Whether you win or not, collating information for a submission provides the breadth of content you need to proactively promote your expertise, providing quality content to share with your contacts database, social media followers, and via targeted advertising.

Engage your Network

Awards programs often include a "People's Choice" category, where public voting occurs. This presents an excellent opportunity to promote your project and engage those involved in your project and your wider network to support your entry.

A Compelling Reference Point

Winning awards or receiving recognition from reputable industry bodies provides a powerful reference point when procuring new work. In presentations, capability statements, or tender submissions, you can confidently showcase that your projects have been acknowledged for excellence. Some proposal and tender criteria may even explicitly ask for proof of awards and recognition, making your accomplishments even more critical.

Participating in awards programs is more than just a formality; it's a strategic approach to elevate your design business's reputation, foster client relationships, and promote your services effectively. The awards process allows you to showcase your expertise, celebrate your hero projects, and collect valuable case studies and testimonials. So why not embrace the power of awards to position your design business as an industry leader and secure new opportunities? There really is nothing to lose, and so much to gain. And as they say - you’ve gotta be in it to win it!. (or to enjoy the many rewards!).

With 20+ years’ experience crafting awards submissions that tell a compelling story, New Doors can help take the stress out of the application process.

If you have a project worth celebrating, get in touch today to discuss how we can help. Contact Alicia Brown at alicia@newdoors.com.au

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Reaching for the (7.0) Stars - Why the Best Design Outcomes Now Start with Collaboration

By Victoria ‘Tori’ Walker, BERA, and DMN Board Director

Energy efficiency compliance has often been treated as something that happens after the design is done. A box to tick. A report to commission. A hurdle to clear once the drawings are “finished”.

That mindset is no longer just outdated — it’s actively holding good design back.

As minimum standards rise and expectations sharpen, excellence in residential and commercial building design increasingly depends on how well designers collaborate with Energy Efficiency Assessors (EEAs). Not at the end of the process, but right from the start.

And within DMN’s Design Award categories, that excellence is going to be formally recognised in the 2026 Design Awards.

Compliance Isn’t the Finish Line

Leaving compliance until the end of a project, or for the client to source on their own, often leads to the same frustrating cycle: rushed modelling, late design changes, awkward client conversations, and compromises no one planned for.

When energy efficiency is bolted on late, it starts driving design decisions rather than supporting them. Windows shrink. Materials get swapped. Costs increase. Carefully considered ideas are diluted — all in the name of clawing back a fraction of a star.

Designers deserve better outcomes than that. So do clients.

Partner Early — While Ideas Are Still Flexible

The strongest projects share one defining feature: early collaboration.

A concept-stage walkthrough with an experienced EEA can quietly

unlock enormous value. At this point, nothing is fixed, and small suggestions and refinements can deliver meaningful performance gains without impacting the design intent.

Early collaboration allows assessors to:

• Confirm and communicate area specific legislation requirements and options

• Identify climate specific risks and opportunities

• Test orientation, massing, and glazing strategies, and

• Confirm where the design is already performing well — and where it isn’t.

This isn’t about redesigning your project. It’s about giving you better information while your pencil is still light, so to speak.

The Designer’s Advantage: Why Collaboration Pays Off

For Building Designers, a collaborative approach isn’t just “good practice” — it’s a strategic advantage.

Key benefits include:

• Greater design confidence, backed by performance data rather than assumptions

• Greater understanding of thermal performance requirements when communicated by an assessor that you trust

• Fewer late-stage changes, protecting both timelines, budget expectations and design integrity

• Clearer client conversations around cost, trade-offs, and expectations

• Smarter material and glazing choices, made early rather than under pressure

• More flexibility in compliance pathways, instead of being boxed into last minute fixes, and

• Stronger final outcomes, where performance enhances — rather than compromises — the design intent.

In short: better process, better experience, better buildings.

What a Good EEA Really Brings

A strong EEA does far more than “run a NatHERS file”. They can partner with you for your benefit.

They:

• Make the most of NatHERS software, using it as an analytical tool rather than a blunt instrument

• Provide clarity on compliance levers and limits, so designers understand what really moves the needle — and what doesn’t

• Help manage client expectations early, avoiding late-stage budget shocks and redesigns

• Identify optimal compliance pathways, not just the first option that technically passes, and

• Preserve design intent, through sensitive modelling, informed feedback, and respect for the design and client preferences.

The outcome? Clearer pathways. Smarter decisions. Better buildings.

Recognising Excellence: A New National Award

All of this is why the introduction of the DMN Excellence in Collaboration Award is such a milestone moment for DMN.

The award recognises exemplary collaboration between Building Designers and EEAs where early, meaningful engagement demonstrably improves building performance, design quality and compliance outcomes.

For the purposes of the award, collaboration isn’t a name on a report or a late email exchange. It’s defined by:

• Early or continuous involvement of the assessor in design decision-making

• Design iterations informed by energy modelling and advice

• Genuine two way dialogue influencing outcomes, and

• Clear evidence that collaboration improved performance beyond baseline compliance.

Submissions will be joint entries, endorsed by both the designer and the assessor, supported by modelling iterations, marked-up drawings, options analysis, and reflections on learnings from the process.

This is an initiative that I, as a DMN Board member, have personally advocated for —because it reflects what so many of us know to be true: collaboration is where our best work happens, and our industry will be strengthened when excellent EEAs are celebrated. I’m genuinely proud to see it formally recognised and excited to be part of its introduction.

As an organisation that actively includes and supports both Building Designers and EEAs, DMN provides the ideal environment for collaborative practice to flourish. This award is a natural extension of that ethos — reinforcing shared professional respect, mutual understanding, and a commitment to better outcomes across disciplines.

Clearer Pathways. Smarter Outcomes.

The best designers aren’t trying to “beat” compliance. They’re partnering with skilled assessors to use performance requirements as a design tool — not a constraint.

Victoria (Tori) Walker

BERA - Building Energy Ratings & Advice www.bera.com.au

TZCC: Leading Australia’s Sustainable Residential Design Revolution

Introducing the Judges of the 2026 True Zero Carbon Challenge

Australia’s residential design sector is changing faster than ever. As climate targets tighten and clients demand more sustainable homes, building designers and energy assessors are stepping into a new era— one where homes must not only be energy‑efficient, but climate-positive.

At the forefront of this shift is Design Matters National’s True Zero Carbon Challenge (TZCC), the country’s most comprehensive education-driven competition for carbon-positive residential design. Over seven months, participants learn to model embodied carbon, optimise NatHERS performance, integrate high‑efficiency systems, and design homes that produce more energy than they consume.

But a challenge of this calibre requires a judging panel with deep expertise, strategic insight and unwavering integrity. The TZCC judges are educators, researchers, builders, architects, energy specialists and sustainability leaders whose collective experience spans decades and disciplines. They evaluate entries, provide expert feedback, and help shape the national conversation about what zero-carbon housing should look like.

The following pages introduce the people behind the judging; leaders guiding Australia towards a future of smarter, healthier, climate-positive homes.

Meet the 2026 TZCC Judges

Why the TZCC Judges Matter

• They uphold rigour and credibility

• They guide emerging designers

• They connect design excellence with scientific accuracy

• They set the national benchmark for sustainable practice

• They shape the built environment

JEREMY SPENCER

Registered Builder, Energy Assessor & Director — Positive Footprints Creator of the True Zero Carbon Challenge

With more than 20 years as a builder, energy assessor and sustainability educator, Jeremy has dedicated his career to proving that high-performance, low-carbon homes can be beautiful, practical and cost‑effective. His company, Positive Footprints, is a multi-award-winning practice leading the way in sustainable residential construction. A founding director of the Sustainable Builders Alliance, he is also lead writer of the Roadmap to Net Zero Homes.

A Light on a Hill

“I’m looking for entries that make me think: ‘I’d love to live in that.’ A light on a hill that shows what the future can be.”

"This is now the third running of the True Zero Carbon Challenge. I remember, in the first TZCC, having a sleepless night or two wondering, ‘Will the entrants be able to do it?’ I now have no concerns about that! I am very pleased to say TZCC has now had more than 30 teams complete the Challenge, with projects that are inventive, desirable, and in many cases nothing short of inspirational.

It is always amazing what a passionate designer and assessor team can achieve when low carbon and high performance are a focus from the start. What am I looking for in a TZCC entry? A well-considered design response? Yes. True Zero outcomes? Of course. Carefully selected low‑impact product specification? Certainly. But I'm also looking for entries that tell a story and make me excited—something that makes me think, ‘Wow, I’d love to live in that.’ And something that others can realistically achieve, too.

Because in the end, that’s what this competition is about: providing low-impact examples for a zero-carbon future. I am looking for nothing less than a light on a hill.”

CHRIS BLIGH

Co-Director — Bligh Graham Architects

Chris is a multi-award-winning architect with more than three decades of experience across residential, cultural and public architecture. His work has earned multiple AIA accolades, including two Robin Dods Awards and a National Award for Sustainability. With experience spanning Clare Design, Cox Rayner, Donavan Hill and BVN, Chris brings a deep understanding of design excellence, construction and environmentally responsive architecture.

Helping to Show the Way

“Practical challenges like the TZCC help show the way.”

"I am really looking forward to again being a judge on this year's TZCC awards. The awards are such a great way to both educate the profession and challenge designers to consider how true sustainable design can be made accessible to the wider public. Despite my long career as an architect, I am also on this steep learning curve and enjoy seeing the way in which emerging accounting tools can be integrated into design.

The need to change and adapt our profession in a big hurry can be a daunting challenge. Practical challenges such as the TZCC can help show the way.”

MARIE CARREL

Building Designer — Planet Architecture

Marie is a Melbourne based building designer with qualifications in civil engineering, interior design and architecture. With more than 25 years’ experience, she specialises in sustainable residential design, focusing on energy efficiency, material conservation, comfort and long term durability. Currently completing her first Passive House, Marie brings passion and pragmatism to the TZCC judging panel.

Moving the Needle for Everyone

“A competition is the safest way to learn something new.”

My own experience is that trying something new is daunting when you are short on time to learn, and you can't afford to impose your learning curve on a client's project. A competition such as the TZCC is a fantastic way to learn because the Designer and Energy Assessor team can make and correct mistakes in a non-threatening environment.

Once you become familiar with new knowledge, applying it to real projects becomes a lot easier and helps to move the needle for everyone. Whether low- or no-carbon design becomes your specialty or simply a new string to your bow, your expertise will be a win-win as we work to decarbonise our world.

I am excited to be a TZCC judge this year and look forward to being swept off my feet by the diversity and cleverness of entries. The greatest merit of all is that you lodge an entry—however modest—as the first step can be the hardest. Let your hair down and have fun!”

RICHARD STOKES

Associate & Sustainability Team Lead — Arup (Victoria)

Richard brings deep expertise across PassivHaus, WELL, Green Star, NatHERS, NABERS and the Living Building Challenge. He is known for making complex performance modelling accessible and actionable for designers and developers. A returning TZCC judge, Richard values entries that push beyond compliance into meaningful sustainability leadership.

“I’m excited to see entries that push beyond compliance into genuine performance leadership.”

DAVID BAGGS

CEO & Technical Director — Global GreenTagCert AIA Life Fellow & Award-Winning Sustainability Architect

David is a world-leading sustainability expert with over 40 years’ experience across green materials, ecolabelling, high-performance

design and environmental policy. He has consulted on Olympic venues, authored seminal textbooks, and certified tens of thousands of homes and products. His leadership at GreenTagCert continues to influence sustainable supply chains and building design globally.

Australia’s Most Comprehensive Challenge

“TZCC is Australia’s most comprehensive challenge for creating carbon-positive homes.”

"Having been previously involved in the judging of the TZCC in sustainable residential design, I can attest to the fact that it is Australia's most comprehensive challenge for creating carbon-positive homes. The teams designing these cost-effective, livable homes that produce more energy than they use are pointing the way to how the Australian building industry MUST progress.

Accounting for operational and embodied carbon emissions from building materials treads a clear path to true net zero housing, and the fact that teams learn how to do this as part of the process means the TZCC is an incredibly important initiative in educating the next generation of designers to participate in the planet-critical, climate-restorative building sector future."

Because in the end, that’s what this competition is about: providing low-impact examples for a zero-carbon future. I am looking for nothing less than a light on a hill.”

What Makes a Strong TZCC Entry?

• Clear, compelling design narrative

• Rigorous embodied carbon modelling

• NatHERS performance optimised early

• Thoughtful material selection

• Livable, desirable architecture

• A vision others can realistically replicate

• Innovation balanced with practicality

Construction Costs Here We Go Again?

How to Stop Escalating Costs

De-Railing Your Designs (& Practice)

As the impacts of the Iran oil crisis play out, Australian home building has entered another phase of cost volatility — that directly impacts design decisions.

Unlike previous cycles driven by timber or labour spikes, this one is being driven by fuel, freight, and services-related materials, which affect multiple parts of a residential build at once.

Even if/when the crisis is resolved, cost volatility will remain as various parties look to stabilise their situation and re-coup costs.

How do you align design and budget when construction costs move underneath you?

What’s Changing – By the Numbers

For builders, this already means:

• Preliminaries (fuel, plant, transport): 8%+

• Freight-exposed components: 6%+

• PVC (plumbing materials): up to 35%

• Copper (electrical): 16.5%+

• Concrete and slab works: 4%+

• Timber framing: 3%+

• Steel and metal components: 3%+

• Joinery, linings and finishes: 3%+

Note: These price rises are still progressing.

What It Means for Design Professionals

The consequences for Designers and Architects are already showing up.

For design professionals, that means: More projects now:

• Come back over budget at tender

• Require value management or redesign

• Experience budget tension for clients

• Undermine your practice’s cashflows

• Projects stall or don’t proceed to build

• Referrals decline when outcomes don’t meet client expectations

• Clients lose trust, causing potential reputational damage

From Clients to Raving Fans –Managing

Cost Escalations

Option 1 - Engage Builders Early

Builder input at concept stage helps ground designs in real-world pricing while introducing pragmatic project support.

Note: With the current market volatility, builder estimates can become outdated quickly.

Option 2 - Use Real-Time Industry Data

Using real-time tools like ProCalc will give you market-wide cost clarity because it’s updated monthly, drawing from:

• $25B+ in real Australian home builders’ estimates

• Data from 60,000+ builders’ projects

• Monthly cost alignment with real builder pricing, HIA, ABS and industry sources.

This allows designers to:

• Accurately test feasibility across multiple concept ideas with real builders’ pricing

• Provide design concepts clients can afford with confidence

• Help clients become ‘raving fans’ with designs that proceed to build

Designing to budget now requires real-time cost alignment, not static assumptions. To find out more:

Try ProCalc (Free Trial)

Load your concepts to get live construction pricing and design with confidence (even in volatile times)

Webinar: Design that Creates Raving Fans

Nail the Brief. Progress to BuildWithout Costly Redesign

Turn clients into raving fans, converting design to build without oil budget dramas. Find out more..

Author, Richard Armstrong is a former builder who’s focused on project success by supporting better designer, builder, and client engagement.

He has interviewed over 1,200 designers, architects and builders to better understand the disconnects in the industry, and regularly shares these insights through ProCalc, speaking, advisory work, and as co-host of the HIA’s flagship podcast, Made to Build.

The Future of Australian Design is Bright

Introducing the Next Wave of Industry Leaders

Australia’s design future was on full display at the 2026 DMN Kick-Off, where more than 100 members and industry guests gathered to celebrate emerging talent, exceptional design, and the strength of our professional community. The event unfolded inside Mountain Culture Melbourne—the reimagined Fox Friday brewery and winner of the 2025 National Commercial Building Design of the Year—a fitting venue for a night dedicated to recognising the designers who will shape the next generation of Australian architecture and building design.

Created by DMN member Tobias Münch of placeformspace, the venue set the tone: bold, thoughtful and meticulously crafted. Tobias opened the evening by taking attendees behind the design, sharing insights into the decisions and details that earned the project its national accolade.

With the perfect design backdrop established, DMN’s CEO stepped forward to present the Victorian 2025 Outstanding Students of the Year—graduates whose work, leadership and commitment already signal significant contributions to the future of the profession. Celebrations for the Western Australian and Tasmanian recipients will follow at upcoming DMN events in their home states.

Each recipient receives:

• A three-year Graduate Membership with DMN

• Public recognition across INTERSECT, CEO Updates, DMN socials and the website

• A tailored mentoring or internship opportunity with a DMN member

These prizes reflect DMN’s commitment to nurturing the next wave of design professionals who will shape the quality and sustainability of Australia’s built environment.

Victoria

RMIT UNIVERSITY – JULIA ANNE VILLIVA

Course: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), RMIT University

Nominated by: Catherine Ciavarella, Program Manager – Building Design (Architectural), RMIT University

Julia excelled academically and professionally, consistently exceeding brief requirements and contributing positively to her cohort. Her leadership, reliability, teamwork and volunteer efforts made her not only a top student but a role model within the program.

Julia will now be connected with a DMN mentor to support her early career development.

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY –ASHLEIGH BRADY

Course: 22627VIC Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Victoria University TAFE

Nominated by: Gori Golhar, Teacher – Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Victoria University TAFE

Ash demonstrated exceptional creativity, clarity and technical proficiency, despite coming from a non‑construction background. Her leadership as a student representative, peer support, engagement with industry, and commitment to learning set her apart. Already working in industry, Ash is recognised for her clarity, creativity and strong client-centred approach.

Ash is being mentored by James Goodlet of AlterEco.

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY –JESSICA CETINICH

Course: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Swinburne University of Technology

Nominated by: Caroline Scott, First Year Course Coordinator – Advanced Diploma of Building Design, Swinburne

Jess is a standout student whose initiative, integrity and collaborative spirit elevate those around her. She actively participates in industry events, mentors fellow students, and pursues freelance projects that demonstrate professionalism and skill beyond her years.

Jess is being mentored by Christina Zigouras.

HOLMESGLEN – TAHMINEH

BISMIL

Course: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Holmesglen

Nominated by: Jane Vickery, Education Manager – Advanced Diploma of Building Design, Applied Building Technology (ABT), Holmesglen

Tahmineh’s work reflects meticulous documentation, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Her inquisitive approach, resilience and dedication to quality set her apart as a future leader in the industry.

Tahmineh is being mentored by Sue Abbott of La Trobe Valley Drafting.

MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC – ZEYNEL KAYA

Course: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Melbourne Polytechnic

Nominated by: Frank Di Giorgio, Lead Educator – Design (Building Design & Interior Design), Melbourne Polytechnic

Transitioning from carpentry into design, Zeynel paired hands-on construction knowledge with rapidly developing digital and detailing capabilities. His maturity, collaboration and commitment to understanding the “why” behind design decisions made him a standout graduate.

Zeynel is being mentored by Peter Lombo of Archsign.

BENDIGO TAFE – BREE MCKILLIGAN

Course: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Bendigo TAFE

Nominated by: Sonia Vescovi and Brian Stratford, Department of Building Design, Bendigo TAFE

Bree brought analytical strength, curiosity and a research-driven mindset to every project. Her generosity in supporting peers and her thoughtful, iterative approach to design marked her as one of the program’s most capable emerging professionals.

Bree is being mentored by Marie Carrel of Planet Architecture.

clockwise from top left: Ashleigh Brady (Victoria University), Bree McKilligan (Bendigo TAFE), Zeynel Kaya (Melbourne Polytechnic), Tahmineh Bismil (Holmesglen) and Jessica Cetinich (Swinburne).

Western Australia

NORTH METROPOLITAN

TAFE - LAURA UNSWORTH

Course: CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design, North Metropolitan TAFE

Nominated by: Paula Mackintosh, Building Design Lecturer, Art & Design, North Metropolitan TAFE

Laura impressed educators with her exceptional grasp of design principles, creative application and strong communication skills. Her commitment to sustainable, functional design and her collaborative approach made her an asset to her cohort and a deserving award recipient.

Laura will now be matched with a DMN mentor to support her transition into industry.

A Celebratory Start to 2026

Tasmania TASTAFE - JEAN PIERRE RIOS CAMACHO

Course: CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting, TasTAFE

Nominated by: Rob Booth, Education Team Leader – Plumbing Trades & Built Environment, TasTAFE

Jean Pierre entered the course with architectural training from Peru and approached every task with rigour and curiosity. His work was consistently exemplary—well-presented, thoughtful and often submitted early. His dedication and professionalism made him an outstanding student and a valuable emerging member of Tasmania’s design community.

Jean Pierre will be paired with a DMN mentor to help embed him in the Tasmanian design community.

The Kick‑Off event reaffirmed what makes DMN unique: a community grounded in camaraderie, generosity and shared commitment to excellence. The 2025 Outstanding Students embody those values, and their achievements signal a bright future for the profession.

DMN congratulates all winners and looks forward to celebrating the WA and Tasmanian recipients at their upcoming local events.

04 Brainwaves

Wage Theft Now a Criminal Offence

–

Here’s What Builders and Design Professionals Need to Know

By Louis McGuire and Bridget Girak, Peninsula

In an environment where regulatory scrutiny across the construction and design industries is intensifying, wage compliance is no longer a “back office” concern; it’s a business critical one.

As Australia continues to strengthen its wage theft legislation, including criminalising intentional underpayment (“wage theft”) under federal law on 1 January 2025, builders, building designers and other professionals in the built-environment sector are under growing pressure to ensure their employment practices meet strict legal standards.

Why Wage Theft Matters in the Building

and Design Sector

Construction and design businesses often employ a mix of full-time, part-time, casual and subcontracted workers. This makes the sector particularly vulnerable to unintentional non-compliance, especially in areas like minimum pay rates, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances. At Peninsula, we observe that many employers fall into breach not because of deliberate misconduct, but because employment obligations change frequently and record-keeping systems fail to keep up.

In industries with project based workflows, think architecture, drafting, building design, surveying, and residential or commercial builds, long hours, site-based work, irregular rosters and travel requirements can significantly increase compliance risk. Without strong systems, businesses may inadvertently underpay entitlements such as travel time, weekend work, tool allowances or overtime loadings.

Record Keeping: Your First Line of Defence

Across Peninsula’s guidance to employers, one message is consistent: if you can’t prove compliance, regulators will assume noncompliance. Meticulous record-keeping isn’t just a legal requirement, it is the key protection against wage theft allegations.

Under Fair Work laws, employers must maintain accurate and accessible records for:

• Hours worked (particularly for casuals and part-timers)

• Pay rates and classifications

• Overtime and penalties

• Leave balances

• Superannuation contributions

• Individual flexibility agreements

• Timesheets and rosters

In the design and construction sectors, where Design Matters members often juggle diverse teams and multiple concurrent projects, clear documentation also supports better workforce planning and cost control.

Common Pitfalls for Builders and Design Professionals

1. Incorrect Award Coverage

Often, design studios and building companies assume staff are “award-free.” In reality, most technical and administrative roles fall under modern awards, each with specific pay rules.

2. Misclassifying Contractors

Using contractors is common in the builtenvironment sector, but if the relationship resembles employment, businesses may be liable for back pay and penalties.

3. Failure to Track Actual Hours

Timesheets are essential — especially when staff split their time between site visits, client meetings, drafting, and administration.

4. Relying on Outdated Pay Rates

The construction and design sectors are heavily impacted by annual minimum wage increases and award adjustments.

Reducing Your Risk

For building designers and built environment professionals, the best approach is to stay proactive:

• Implement digital timekeeping and project-tracking systems

• Regularly audit pay practices

• Stay up to date with award changes

• Ensure employment contracts match actual work arrangements

• Seek expert HR and employment relations advice

Managing wage compliance, award obligations, and evolving employment laws can feel daunting, especially for busy building designers, drafting studios, and small construction practices. Peninsula Australia provides dedicated Employment Relations (ER) support to help you stay compliant and confident. Our experts assist with pay rate interpretation, award coverage reviews, employment contracts, record‑keeping obligations, and 24/7 unlimited HR advice, ensuring you meet your legal duties while protecting your business from costly disputes. For tailored support, arrange your initial consultation with Louis McGuire, Business Development Executive at Peninsula Australia.

Cost vs. Benefit of Cyber Security for Small Businesses

By Sophia Amos, CEO, National Self-Employment Assistance Association

Implementing a cyber security system for a small business may seem complex, daunting and expensive.

However, the cost of not protecting your business could be far greater.

Unlike large companies, most small businesses do not need enterprise level cyber security systems; but having no system of protection at all is not the answer either.

In this blog we assess the costs of not having cyber security and provide some practical, affordable tips to help get your business better protected.

The True Cost of Cyber Security Breaches

Cyber security breaches can have a devastating impact on small businesses, both financially and reputationally.

The direct costs associated with such breaches include data recovery and system restoration, business interruption and downtime, legal and regulatory compliance costs, and customer notification expenses.

Indirect costs, although less immediately apparent, can be even more significant. These include long term damage to customer trust, loss of competitive advantage, and the potential erosion of company reputation.

For small businesses, these costs can be crippling.

The latest data from the Australian government shows the average cost per cybercrime incident for small business was approximately $46,000, and for medium businesses, the average costrs was $97,000 per incident.

Beyond the immediate financial impact, the long term reputational damage can hinder business growth and erode customer confidence.

Government supported initiatives such as Cyber Wardens (led by COSBOA) highlight that small businesses are increasingly targeted because they often lack structured cyber protections.

Investing in Cyber Security: A Cost Benefit Analysis

The benefits of investing in cyber security far outweigh the costs associated with potential breaches. Beyond the physical costs of a cyber incident, cyber security also:

Protects Customer Data: We have seen recently in Australia how customer data can be stolen through large Medibank and Optus breaches (amongst others). For small business, protecting customer data is just as important.  Investing in cyber security measures safeguards this valuable asset, and in turn, enhances customer trust and loyalty.

Ensures Business Continuity: Cyber attacks can disrupt business operations, leading to significant financial losses due to downtime. Investing in preventive measures, ensures that your business can quickly recover from any security incident, minimising operational disruptions.

Preserves Company Reputation: A single cyber security breach can harm a company’s reputation for years. Having cyber security measures in place helps avoid such scenarios, ensuring that your business maintains its hard-earned reputation.

Budget-friendly Cyber Security Practices and Tools

For small business owners, the thought of investing in cyber security can be daunting, particularly when budgets are tight. However, there are several cost effective strategies and tools that can significantly enhance your cyber security posture without breaking the bank:

Sign up to a Free Program: Our partner Jam Cyber offer a free cyber security program for new and small Australian businesses. You can sign up here: www.jamcyber.com/nsea. In addition Government supported programs such as Cyber Wardens provide free, short online training tailored specifically for Australian small businesses.

Employee Training: One of the most cost-effective cyber security measures is training employees on basic security practices, such as recognising phishing emails, using strong passwords, and enabling multi factor authentication (MFA). Human error is a leading cause of cyber security breaches, and educating your staff can dramatically reduce this risk.

Regular Software Updates: Ensuring that all software is up to date is a simple yet effective way to protect against vulnerabilities. Most software updates include security patches that address known issues, making this an affordable way to bolster your cyber defences.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enabling MFA across email, banking and cloud systems significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access and is strongly recommended by the ACSC as a baseline security measure.

Cyber Security Insurance: While not a preventive measure, cyber security insurance can offer a safety net, helping to cover the costs associated with a breach. For small businesses, this can provide peace of mind and financial stability in the event of a security incident.

Create a Response Plan: Having a cyber security incident response plan in place is crucial. It ensures that your business can respond quickly and effectively to a breach, minimising damage. The plan should outline roles and responsibilities, steps to contain and eradicate the threat, and processes for communicating with stakeholders. While developing a plan requires an upfront investment of time, it can save significant costs and reduce the impact of a cyber security incident. Jam Cyber’s free program includes response plan templates: jamcyber. com/nsea).

Adopt a Least Privilege Access Policy: Implementing a policy where employees have only the minimum level of access required to perform their jobs can greatly reduce the risk of internal threats and data breaches. This approach limits the potential damage that can be caused by compromised accounts or insider threats.

Long-term Savings and Benefits

The long term savings and benefits of investing in cyber security are clear. By preventing potential breaches, small businesses can avoid the substantial costs associated with data loss, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to cyber security can enhance customer trust and loyalty, contributing to business growth and sustainability.

In an environment where cyber threats continue to rise, cyber security is no longer optional – it is a core element of responsible business management.

For more information about cyber security support, please visit: www. jamcyber.com/nsea

This article was originally published here: https://selfemploymentassistance.com.au/latest_news/does-my-business-needcyber-security/

Designing a Sustainable Practice: How SelfEmployment Assistance Strengthens Commercial Capability for Building and Design Professionals

By Sophia Amos, CEO, National Self-Employment Assistance Association

Many building designers, draftspersons, interior designers, service designers and architects are outstanding in their technical craft - from navigating complex planning reforms to modelling energy compliance and delivering client centric solutions. Yet many find themselves challenged by the business side of practice: writing a business plan, forecasting cash flow, setting sustainable pricing, or building a marketing strategy that attracts the right clients.

Self-Employment Assistance is a long-standing Australian Government initiative that helps bridge that gap - providing structured support to turn skills and ideas into a viable, sustainable small business.

A Credible Program with Deep Roots

What began in 1985 as a small pilot program supporting around 600 Australians to start their own businesses has since grown into a national initiative that has now helped more than 300,000 people establish or strengthen a small business.

In 2025, the program celebrated 40 years of continuous operation, making it the longest-standing federal government self-employment initiative in Australia. Over four decades, it has adapted to shifting

economic cycles, industry change and evolving workforce needs, while maintaining a clear focus: equipping individuals with the practical business capability required to build viable, sustainable enterprises.

Services That Build Commercial Strength. What

is Self-Employment

Assistance?

Self Employment Assistance helps people through a variety of flexible support services. The services are free to access and can be tailored to individual business needs. These services can help you to:

• Review and refine your fee structures and practice model.

• Develop a robust business plan with cash flow forecasting.

• Identify opportunities to expand or specialise your service offering.

• Improve systems and workflows to strengthen productivity and margins.

The range of services available includes:

Business Health Checks

A structured review of how your practice is operating: pricing, cash flows, systems, and operational risks. This is especially valuable for sole practitioners or micro-businesses seeking to build resilience.

Business Plan Development

Developing a clear business plan, including cash flow and growth forecasts, helps create a sound commercial strategy, supported by realistic cash flow forecasting, project pipeline planning, and growth scenarios tailored to industry opportunities.

Business Advice Sessions

Targeted one-off sessions with an experienced small business advisor to troubleshoot specific challenges from client acquisition to pricing models.

Small Business Coaching (Up to 12 Months)

Ongoing mentoring from experienced small business coaches, designed to support implementation, refine strategy and build confidence in business decision making.

Small Business Training

Accredited training that builds practical skills and knowledge to operate a viable, sustainable small business with the capacity for growth.

You can read some Good News Stories and learn more about how the program has helped individuals build sustainable and rewarding businesses here. https://self-employmentassistance.com.au/goodnews-stories/

Who Can Access These Services?

Self-Employment Assistance supports both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing micro-business owners (businesses with up to four employees).

To access services, individuals must be 15 years or older, legally able to work in Australia, and not an undischarged bankrupt.

For new businesses operating for less than six months, an assessment of the business’s potential viability is undertaken as part of the eligibility process. Existing business owners who have been operating for more than six months must demonstrate that the business is not currently operating commercially, or is at risk of not doing so within the next 12 months.

Your local provider can discuss your individual circumstances, clarify eligibility requirements, and guide you through the next steps.

Why It Matters for Design Professionals

The building and design industry is defined by constant change — tightening regulatory expectations, evolving sustainability standards and intense competition for projects and clients. While technical expertise is essential, it is not enough on its own. In an environment where margins are tight and obligations continue to grow; commercial resilience becomes critical. Building stronger commercial capability is therefore not just about growth it is about safeguarding your livelihood and securing the long-term viability of your practice.

For independent designers and practitioners strengthening business capability can mean:

• Better pricing that reflects true value

• More predictable cash flow

• Clearer marketing and client acquisition strategies

• Structured planning for growth or diversification

Self-Employment Assistance can support professionals to build valuable small business skills and knowledge through free, tailored support funded by the Australian Government. It offers practical, credible and personalised support that helps turn professional expertise into a sustainable, thriving practice.

Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned professional seeking greater stability and strategic direction, this program could provide the tools and mentorship you need to succeed - on your terms.

Self-employment is a vital contributor to Australia’s building and design ecosystem, and structured business support helps ensure that professional talent is matched with commercial resilience.

How to Get Started

If you are curious about strengthening your practice or exploring commercial strategies with structured support, contact your local Self-Employment Assistance provider. Providers can help assess your eligibility, discuss the services most relevant to your business, and guide you through the next steps.

National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) members offer tailored support across Australia, helping hundreds of businesses each year develop stronger, more sustainable operations. By tapping into this program, you are joining a community of small business owners building capability for long-term success.

Click the link to help Find Your Local Provider using our postcode tool. https://self-employmentassistance.com.au/providers/

Find out more about the program using the following links:

• National Self-Employment Association Website

• Self-Employment Assistance - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government

Balancing Creativity with Compliance in Training

By George Naguib, Swinburne

As AI accelerates early design, the real challenge is not speed, but making professional judgement, assumptions, and compliance visible from the very beginning.

A couple of weeks into term, I’ll usually hear it “I’ve got three concepts… and I can’t choose.”

This year, it’s happening earlier. The tools are faster. AI generated mood images sit alongside quick massing models and, almost overnight, the studio wall fills with options. It’s exciting. It’s also the point where design stops being pure possibility and starts meeting the real world.

Because the next question is never Which one looks best?

It’s Which one still works when the site, the client, the budget — and the NCC — turn up?

The quiet risk with AI isn’t that it makes students less creative. It’s that it makes the early design phase feel effortless. You can move from idea to image to a polished page without ever making your assumptions explicit. But practice doesn’t sign off on “pretty”. We sign off on decisions that hold up under code, cost, liability, and scrutiny.

The challenge is moving fast without losing the reasoning behind the design.

If a student uses AI, it can’t just be a drop-in image with no thinking behind it. They submit a short note explaining what they kept, what they rejected, and why. It’s not about policing the tool, but about bringing the thinking back into view.

From there, we do a quick schematic stage sanity check. Nothing heroic. Just the kinds of questions that come up in real project rooms:

• Where do people actually get out?

• What assumptions are you making about fire separation here?

• Have you accidentally designed a dead-end corridor?

• What does that glazing decision do to energy performance?

The point isn’t to catch anyone out. It’s to normalise the sequence. Concept and compliance develop together. AI can support the work, but it doesn’t replace judgement. Judgement still needs to be visible and defensible.

We take the same approach with BIM. One of the most useful habits is simple: model first, then document. That usually means building only what’s needed at that stage, rather than producing detail for its own sake.

Generate the plan or section, then show where the information came from.

A one-page record we call Decisions & Trade-offs often becomes a turning point. It captures the design move, the pressures acting on it, and what changed as a result. Students realise quickly that constraints don’t reduce creativity, they force it to become specific.

Used well, AI and digital tools don’t replace judgement. They give us more opportunities to practise it in every decision we make.

04 CPD and Events

Upcoming Events

PAG Showroom, 7/1-49 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool Vic 3280 Arnal Shyam, Specification Consultant, AWS (VIC/TAS) Members:

DMN + AWS Regional Roadshow - Ballarat

Stylerite Windows & Doors, 21 Trewin Street, Ballarat Vic 3355

Build Expo 2026 Halls 1-4 & 6-7, ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney NSW 2000

Ian Fry, National Technical Committee, Design Matters National & Director and Founder, Frys Energywise & Victoria 'Tori' Walker, Board Director, Design Matters National & Principal Consultant at BERA (Building Energy Ratings and Advice)

4 May 2026 9:30

6

7

12

Upcoming Events

8

DMN Takes the Stage at Australia’s Biggest Building Events

NSW’s 2026 trade-show season is kicking off, and Design Matters National is proud to be a partner of both the Sydney Build Expo 2026 and Futurebuild Australia — two of the country’s most influential events for construction, design and sustainability.

Sydney Build, Australia’s largest and leading construction and design show, opens on 29 April. Two DMN members are taking to the stage. At 2pm, Ian Fry, Energy Efficiency Assessor and founder of Fry’s Energywise, joins the panel “The Future of Construction Materials: Innovations for a Sustainable Future.” Ian is widely recognised for his expertise in residential energy performance and practical decarbonisation pathways. At 4pm, Tori Walker, DMN Board Director and Energy Efficiency Assessor at BERA, appears on “Designing with All Disciplines: The Importance of Collaboration in Architecture.” Tori brings more than 20 years of experience in building-performance consulting and integrated design.

Register here.

The season continues 11–13 June with Futurebuild Australia, an event built around a national challenge: delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2030 while cutting emissions from a built environment responsible for nearly a third of Australia’s carbon footprint. Futurebuild connects manufacturers, solution providers, architects, builders and policymakers to accelerate smarter, faster and more sustainable ways to design, build and retrofit Australia’s homes and buildings.

At Futurebuild, Tori will feature in the Future Homes Summit, which presents ideas and solutions accelerating how Australia designs, delivers and improves homes. She will chair the panel “Electrified + Efficient: The Net Zero Home That’s Actually Deliverable”, exploring practical upgrades such as all-electric systems, smarter envelopes, glazing and insulation, and efficient delivery strategies.

Time: Friday 12 June, 11:00–11:45am

Register here.

Both shows are free to attend — a great opportunity for NSW members to connect with Tori Walker and Ian Fry as they represent DMN on the national stage.

Armchair Travel: Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza

Photography: Iwan Baan

In March, DMN members were transported, virtually, to one of the most extraordinary cultural achievements of the 21st Century: the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Through a free webinar presented by Róisín Heneghan, co-founder of heneghan peng architects, members gained a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the conception, design and delivery of a project that has reshaped global expectations for museum architecture.

For attendees, this was, at this time, the closest possible experience to standing on the Giza Plateau itself, overlooking a building that now sits in dialogue with the Pyramids - structures separated by 4,500 years, yet united through a shared architectural language of geometry, monumentality and precision.

Heneghan peng architects, based in Dublin and Berlin, won the international competition to design GEM in 2003, triumphing over more than 1,500 entries from 83 countries: the largest architectural competition ever held. Their winning proposal immediately stood out for its sensitive handling of a site of immense historical weight. Rather than competing with the Pyramids, the design frames them, allowing the museum’s form and orientation to act as a contemporary counterpart to one of humanity’s oldest built achievements.

Opened in 2025, GEM is conceived not simply as a museum, but as a 50-hectare cultural campus dedicated entirely to Egyptology. It houses 24,000 m² of permanent exhibition space, a children’s museum, conference and education centres, a major conservation facility, and expansive gardens. It is also now the permanent home of the full Tutankhamun collection, displayed together for the first time in history.

During the webinar, Róisín guided attendees through the project’s major design moves: the use of translucent stone to filter desert light into interior spaces; the grand entrance atrium anchored by monumental sculptures; the precise geometries inspired by the Giza Plateau; and the technical challenges of accommodating ancient artefacts requiring strict environmental control.

For building designers, EEAs and architects, the session offered more than an architectural tour: it was a lesson in working at vast scale, responding to place, and designing alongside heritage of immeasurable cultural value.

Those who missed the event can explore the project online via the architects’ website.

For everyone else, this “armchair travel” session served as a reminder that great design has the power to transcend distance, and that even from Australia, our professional community can learn from the world’s most compelling built environments.

The site for the Grand Egyptian Museum is located at the edge of the first desert plateau between the pyramids and Cairo. It is defined by a 50m level difference, created as the Nile carves its way through the desert to the Mediterranean, a geological condition that has shaped Egypt for over 3,000 years.

The museum is designed so that the visitor moved through a sequence of spaces to gradually transition from the contemporary world back into the world of the Pharaohs. The monumental forecourt in front of the museum is the first point from which the visitor can grasp the scale and monumentality of the site.

Gradually sloping upwards to the entrance, the visitor is led into the Entrance Court, a shaded outdoor space which continues the transition from outdoor space to museum and conference.

The approach to the museum is a series of layers, whereby the visitor moves through a monumental forecourt, a shaded entrance area and a grand staircase that ascends to plateau level, the level at which the galleries are located where for the first time the visitor sees the pyramids from within the museum.

The museum is envisaged as a cultural complex of activities devoted to Egyptology and will contain 24,000m² of permanent exhibition space, almost 4 football fields in size, a children’s museum, conference and education facilities, a large conservation centre and extensive gardens on the 50hA site. The collections of the museum include the Tutankhamen collection, that is currently housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the Solar Boat that is now housed beside the pyramids.

The museum is structured in five bands by the visual axes to the pyramids, the sixth band being the chronological route of the grand stair. Having ascended through the Museum, the visitor enters the permanent exhibition areas from where the pyramids can be seen. The galleries are organised on one floor to allow the visitor to comprehend the scale and magnificence of the civilisation whilst the five bands are spatially structured by the structural roof folds and heavy service walls. A clear organisation is provided to a large space yet still allowing flexible modes of display. Natural light is modulated and controlled by the roof folds.