Australian architects and novation: The public narratives of novation practice

Abstract

From the Proceedings of the 40th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2024.

In Australia, novation is popular for large, complex public and private projects. In novated contracts, architects are contractually “transferred” from client to contractor. Consequently, Australian architects have raised questions about their role and the risks that might arise in novated projects. Australian architects and their membership organisations are alarmingly concerned that novation has diminished their traditional role.

This study addresses these claims and asks if the diminished role of novated architects leads to poor building quality. This study brings together key previous novation research, recent Australian architect sponsored reports and in the public domain two expert panels. A methodology of narrative analysis is used to analyse the public dialogue at these panels. It is concluded that the claims of architects are only partially validated. However, the emerging narratives point to novation not as a legacy issue but a live issue constantly in flux. This idea contributes to understanding architects and the public narratives of novation in current Australian procurement practice.

It is concluded that novation is a dynamic practice conditioned by different policy and project environments that requires further quantitative and qualitative research.