The National Standards of Competencies (NSCA) established the standard for architectural education and assessment of professional competency prior to registration as an Architect in Australia. The Standard identifies the primary activities fundamental to the practice of architecture which an architect is expected to demonstrate in the delivery of professional services.
In 2021 the NSCA were updated including recognition of First Nations principles in understanding and respecting Country in relation to design, and including First Nations community.
Dr Danièle Hromek was contracted to author the Explanatory Notes and Definitions that accompany the new competencies. The Explanatory Notes and Definitions support understanding of the new and expanded areas of knowledge and clarify those knowledge areas that have presented challenges to candidates for registration in the past or have been the subject of debate. They define key terms and provide explanatory notes and examples of how a range of Performance Criteria might be met at graduation, at the point of registration, and in the ongoing practice of an experienced architect.
Djinjama honours our connections to Country, community, culture and kin through our work. Djinjama’s projects actively interact with lands, waters and air, and as such we actively protect the rights of Country to be healthy in our work. We respect Traditional Custodians who have long cared for Country and aim to elevate First Voices in all our work. We are grateful to Elders and Knowledge Holders for their continued sharing of wisdom, story, language, and knowledge.
