Architects should have a greater role to play in shaping society, according to recently-elected New Zealand Institute of Architects president Alick Bellerby.
“As a profession we need to have a greater impact on the wider community beyond the traditional role of architect,” he said. “Architects’ education and training equips them to apply a creative and a practical perspective to problem solving.”
Mr Bellerby suggested architects broaden their influence in areas such as local government, urban development and environmental issues affecting the built environment.
15 years ago:
Dispute resolution had become an increasing part of the services provided by the Registered Master Builders Federation’s Regional Service Officers (RSOs) around the country, but mostly in Auckland
Federation business development officer Steve Robinson said most of the disputes involved a lack of communication between builder and client.
“Ninety percent of the disputes RSOs are asked to assist with are resolved very quickly, either via on-site meetings between builder and client or via RSO phone contact with the client,” Mr Robinson said.
“Clients often have unrealistic expectations over, for example, how long a project will take. They have trouble accepting delays caused by the likes of bad weather, or subcontractors not doing their bit at or in the specified time, whereas the builder knows that’s part of building,” he said.
10 years ago:
RMBF chief executive Chris Preston announced he was stepping down at the end of the year after five and a half years in the role.
Mr Preston joined the Federation at a time when the organisation’s reputation, even within the building industry, was at a low ebb. He listed one of his most satisfying achievements as being able to lift the RMBF’s profile and reputation.
“Through constant efforts to lift the profile, I believe we have now regained the respect and recognition in the building industry and in government. Even our House of the Year competition enjoys a new level of interest,” Mr Preston said.
5 years ago:
The first certificates for MultiProof, a new streamlined National Multiple-use Approval Service for volume builders, were issued at a function in Christchurch.
The MultiProof service, launched by Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson, issued approvals for building designs that were to be replicated several times by volume builders.
It meant building designs with MultiProof approval were pre-approved for Building Code compliance, removing the need for the designs to be assessed by each individual Building Consent Authority. This resulted in faster processing times, reduced duplication by volume builders, and consumers being able to get into their new homes sooner.
Christchurch-based Spanbuild and Little Buildings Ltd of Palmerston North were two of the first companies to be presented with MultiProof certificates at the function by Mr Williamson.
