Navigating the Design and Building Practitioners Act
How CNA Design Studio Leads in Compliance and Quality
In response to high-profile building failures and the findings of the Shergold Weir Report, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) was introduced to restore public confidence in the construction industry. This legislation, along with the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation 2021, sets out rigorous standards for design and construction professionals working on Class 2 (multi-unit residential) and Class 3 (boarding houses, hostels, aged care) buildings. [The Design...Explained]
What Is the Design and Building Practitioners Act?
The Act establishes a framework for:
Registration of design and building practitioners.
Compliance declarations for regulated designs and building work.
A statutory duty of care owed to current and future property owners.
Mandatory lodgement of regulated designs via the NSW Planning Portal before construction begins. [Design pra...buildings]
It applies to:
Class 2 buildings: New and existing work.
Class 3 buildings: New work from July 2023; alterations and renovations from July 2026. [Important...bligations]
Design practitioners must ensure their work complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and integrates seamlessly with other disciplines. Builders must verify that all designs are declared compliant before commencing work. [NSW DBP Ac...Architects]
CNA Design Studio: Trusted Experts in DBP Compliance
At CNA Design Studio, we don’t just design buildings—we ensure they’re compliant, coordinated, and future-proof. Our team of registered architects, design practitioners, building practitioners, and building surveyorsare deeply experienced in navigating the DBP Act requirements.
Our Expertise Includes:
Peer Review Services: We offer detailed architectural documentation reviews to ensure compliance with the DBP Act, BCA, and Australian Standards. [Peer Revie...ign Studio]
Design Integration: We coordinate across engineering and service disciplines to eliminate gaps and reduce risk.
Regulated Design Lodgement: Our practitioners prepare and lodge all necessary compliance declarations via the NSW Planning Portal.
Duty of Care Fulfilment: We uphold the statutory duty of care, ensuring our work protects owners from economic loss due to defects. [What is th...oners Act?]
Why It Matters
With over 97% of new residential buildings in NSW found to have defects—many stemming from design issues—the DBP Act is a critical safeguard. CNA Design Studio’s commitment to quality, compliance, and collaborationensures that our projects not only meet legislative requirements but also exceed client expectations. [The Design...– but ...]