Staff Interview – Lino Iacomella

For the sixth of a series of 3-question interviews with KPA team members, to help you get to know us all a bit better, John Loreck (JL) interviewed Lino Iacomella (LI)

Lino is an experienced property economist, policy analyst and business connector. He has successfully managed corporate stakeholder relationships, conducted advocacy campaigns, represented organisations in the media and public forums, project-managed consultancies and has lead corporate teams.

JL: What attracted you to KPA?

I’m Interested in buildings, in a real design sense – I appreciate the value of the contributions made by architects.  For me personally, it was a good opportunity to move into consulting, with an energetic, enterprising team.

I really like the way everyone at KPA likes to collaborate across all the design and business processes.

At KPA, I am looking forward to tapping into the major trends that are playing out in property, such as the creation of better housing for seniors, and state of the art disability housing.

JL: Can you tell me about you career highlights and challenges?

Woking with KPA is highlight! It’s a big change but I really enjoy it.

In the past I’ve always enjoyed working with the industry associations. I also enjoyed being able to help Property Council and REIWA members achieve success by creating a more friendly and more productive industry to operate in.

At the Property Council, what I think was a real community achievement, was the collaboration to remove barriers to the creation of town centres in metropolitan Perth. The old laws led to dark retail boxes, surrounded by carparks.  Now these town centres are modern and far more connected to local neighbourhoods. That was a big achievement that took a lot of consultation.  The result is a Perth that is a lot more liveable, with lots of connections, including Metronet.  It also removed the artificial limits on the growth of shopping centres.

At REIWA we created, for the first time, local real estate information – medium house prices, historical trends in growth, suburban comparison – all this was made freely available.

In terms of challenges, in Perth we don’t have as many professional opportunities that you get with large organizations that have headquarters in bigger cities.  For me, the challenge is to have a satisfying professional career, living in a city the size of Perth. Perth has grown quite quickly- but the challenge is to multi- skill within the same organization, regardless of what that organization is.  I have been very lucky to focus on real estate and property, and that works well with WA’s natural entrepreneurial spirits.

Another rewarding and fortunate aspect of working in property is that you are contributing to places for people to work and live.  It’s personally very rewarding to be part of that – the industry creates good things.

JL: So how are those good things evolving Lino – how are they going to be realised in buildings and places?

The good news is that WA will continue to grow in population – so we will see new projects, new infrastructure, new precincts, and new communities. The difference we face now is that the rapidly aging population will create the need for a lot more specialisation in the design of those environments.

Spotlight on Special Disability Accommodation

The spotlight is on Special Disability Accommodation (SDA) after the release of the interim report in the Aged Care Royal Commission, which called for immediate action to move young people out of aged care.

There are 6000 younger people with disability in aged care across Australia, and many more on waiting lists for SDA.  However, there is a shortage of suitable alternative accommodation and concerted action is needed to boost supplies of SDA.

The Royal Commission heard there is a substantial shortfall in Specialist Disability Accommodation.  In 2011 the Productivity Commission estimated that there was only existing SDA for 15,700 people but that, by the time of full implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, around 28,000 (6%) scheme participants would require SDA. Even taking into account Specialist Disability Accommodation under development at the time it was estimated that there was shortfall of over 9000 places.

That was 10 years ago. Since then the shortfall in SDA has steadily grown as demand outstrips supply.

Not surprisingly there is plenty of interest in investing in SDA, and some new homes have commenced in WA like the excellent Rocky Bay project in Girrawheen, designed by KPA Architects.  However, the Royal Commission heard that a larger market response has been held back by a lack of modelling for investors to show new buildings will be occupied.  This has been made worse by delays in the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 

State and local governments have an important role in facilitating the urgent need for new supplies of SDA. Social and Community housing providers can assist with bridging the gap by registering existing homes to suit people with disabilities and local governments can clear the complex planning pathways to developing new SDA.  

The Royal Commission noted that critical parts of the solution will take time, including full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the large-scale building program to meet the shortfall in Specialist Disability Accommodation. However, there is much that can be done in the meantime, including accurate supply and demand projections to stimulate more private investment in SDA.

Image: KPA Architects, Rocky Bay SDA Housing

Design Innovation Key to Seniors Housing Plan

The success of Western Australia’s new housing plan for seniors will depend on the housing system embracing innovation in the design and delivery of age-friendly communities, according to a leading designer of retirement villages and age-care facilities.

“It’s great that smart design is central to Western Australia’s new five-year plan to provide more housing choices for seniors”, said KPA Director Todd Paterson.

“Innovation is necessary to keep up with the rapidly changing housing needs of seniors.

“The state government’s Ageing with Choice: Future Directions for Seniors Housing, released this week found there will be more than 500,000 people aged over 65 in WA by 2026. This is a 40% increase on current numbers.

“The biggest challenge will be providing more opportunity for seniors to remain in areas that they are familiar. This includes more compact housing with smart features close to local amenities as well as modern care facilities.

“Our clients want housing and facilities that are safe, close to amenities like the local shops, and adaptable to their needs.

“Some of the highlights in the new plan that we like are:

–          locating liveable design homes near public transport, services and amenity,

–          encouraging adaptable housing through the planning system,

–          enabling more continuum of care for older people,

–          incorporating more dementia-friendly design, and

–          more supply of diverse and flexible housing options including dual-key and ancillary dwellings.

“Integrating more seniors housing in established areas of Perth is good for local businesses and communities that benefit from the richer social interaction.

“Hopefully the new seniors housing plan will be the catalyst for overcoming some of the resistance to greater housing densities and locating new care facilities”, said Mr Paterson.  

Link to Ageing with Choice: Future directions for seniors housing 2019-2024.

Image: KPA Architects – Italian Aged Care

Official Opening of Italian Aged Care

Our aged care project Italian Aged Care had its official opening on the weekend, comprising of a short mass and tour of the completed facility.

Members of the community, staff and Board attended along with a few special guests, including the Abruzzese Emigrant Association of Australia, who donated an Aspire Day Chair with tray table and a Niki Syringe Pump (pictured).

It was great to hear comments from the families of Board members, who had been hearing about the new development for a while and were seeing it for the first time, saying it completely ‘exceeded their expectations’.

We would like to thank everyone involved in this aged care home, for helping us create an environment that will enhance people’s lives.

Property Clues in WA Growth Report

The good news in a key population outlook for Western Australia, is that a return to higher long-term growth rates is expected soon.  However, WA is ageing faster than expected and the disability sector is looming large in both a social and business sense.

               Structural change in population growth (%), 1971-2031

For property businesses, there is a lot to digest in WA Tomorrow – Population Forecasts to 2031, by the Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage.  Here are the key take-outs for business planning in WA.

1. WA’s annual population growth rate has turned the corner from an historic low point of 0.8% (see chart above).  The report found WA is on track to return to its long-term growth rate of 1.6% by 2021. 
2. The recent slowing in WA’s overall population growth was concentrated in persons under 65.  Conversely the number of people over 65 will continue to grow four times faster than persons under 65.  This will result in seniors being a bigger share of the population that earlier predictions.3.
3. As the population ages, the number of dependent persons (children under 15, people with disability and older dependent people) is forecast to increase rapidly, rising from 49% in 2016 to 57% in 2031. The balance between children who are dependent and older dependent people will gradually shift towards more older persons and adults with disabilities, as the baby boomers move into retirement age groupings and the overall population ages.   

The steady return to sustainable population growth in WA is great news for businesses that rely on the consumer economy, including the retail and real estate sectors.  However, the demands of a rapidly ageing population are becoming more urgent, particularly in the provision of greater housing choice and aged-care. 

The recognition of persons with disabilities in the demographic forecasts is particularly important.  We can expect more of the discussion about housing diversity in the future to include the rapidly growing demand for special disability accommodation.

Image: KPA Architects Rocky Bay SDA Housing

Koh-I-Noor Wins at 2019 MBA Excellence Awards

We would like to congratulate Pindan for winning ‘Best Aged Care Building ($10-$20 million)’ for Koh-I-Noor Contemporary Aged Care at the 2019 MBA Excellence in Construction Awards! We are proud to be part of the team for this wonderful aged care home.

You can read more about Koh-I-Noor Contemporary Aged Care by visiting our project pages below:

Koh-I-Noor Contemporary Aged Care

Koh-I-Noor Contemporary Aged Care Interiors

Staff Interview – Libby Pracilio

For the fifth of a series of 3-question interviews with KPA team members, to help you get to know us all a bit better, Sally Jones (SJ) interviewed Libby Pracilio (LP).

For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting her, Libby is an Associate Director and Architect with a flair for design and passion for construction law. A member of the national conference sub-committee and WA events sub-committee for the Society of Construction Law Australia (SoCLA) and examiner for the Architects Board of WA and AACA, Libby is strong team leader with a dynamic approach. Her architectural design abilities, contractual knowledge and witty sense of humour all make her a highly valued team member here at KPA Architects.

SJ: How did construction law become a strong interest of yours alongside architecture? How does it tie into architecture for you, and how important is it to you to have this knowledge?

LP:  Since university I’ve been interested in construction law and in 2013 the opportunity arose to undertake a Post Graduate Certificate in Construction Law.  Since then, I’ve been the main point of contact on any issues related to the broad area of construction law, including contracts, risk, insurance, dispute avoidance, etc. in our office and it’s an aspect of my job that I really enjoy.  I also just love being involved in the construction law community, predominantly through SoCLA, and have had the pleasure of meeting and learning from so many absolutely incredible professionals as a result.

As architects, we’re required to have such a vast skillset, and part of that is appreciating how the law operates in relation to our profession and our projects.  I know this topic isn’t terribly appealing for many architects, but my genuine interest and understanding allows me to step into that space and in doing so I feel as if I can really be useful to the profession and the broader construction industry.  With my knowledge I’m able influence how projects are run, so project teams can focus their attention on the true project intent and for KPA that means creating environments that enhance people’s lives.

SJ: Mentoring has been a part of your career, as you have participated in a few mentoring programs over the years. Can you tell us a bit about your mentoring experience and what is your advice to others about mentoring?

LP:  I think it’s really important to continue learning and personal growth throughout your whole life and participating in mentoring is one way of facilitating that.  The mentoring relationship is bilateral, so whether you’re a mentor or a mentee there is so much to be gained both technically and in soft skills, as long as you put in the time and effort to create a structured process, focus on growth and commit to working on your goals.

SJ: As mentioned, you are on the panel of assessors for the Architects Board of WA and the AACA, which assess the eligibility of candidates to apply for registration as an architect in WA.  What made you want to become involved and what is your view on the future of architecture with the newly registered architects?

LP: As with mentoring, I see this is as a great opportunity to share knowledge with others and also for personal growth.  Registration is important to our profession and the public as it ensures those using the term “Architect” have a certain level of skill and experience.  It’s been great to meet some very capable candidates in the process, with strong knowledge and a passion for architecture.

As to the future of the profession for newly registered architects, I think there’s still a lot of change ahead, particularly in project delivery.  Architects are increasingly being faced with non-traditional project structures, complex contracts, increasing liability, non-payment of fees and disproportionate risk allocation, which has already resulted in changes to professional indemnity insurance.  I’m optimistic that these issues, as well as the under-utilised forms of dispute avoidance and resolution, will come to the fore as we collectively move towards more cooperative procurement processes and mutually-beneficial outcomes.  In order for this is be realised we need ongoing conversation, strong industry advocates leading the way and ultimately progressive principals who are open to taking a holistic approach.

I envisage the future will also hold increased specialisation of architects, as well as further segmentation and diversification of our traditional role, which is an exciting prospect for architects at any stage of their career.

Staff Interview – Sally Jones

For the fourth of a series of 3-question interviews with KPA team members, to help you get to know us all a bit better, Sheridan New (SN) interviewed Sally Jones (SJ).

For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting her, Sally is an Associate Architect and a highly valued member of the team here at KPA. Selected as a member for the Property Council of Australia’s Western Australian Retirement Living Committee for 2019-20, a juror for this year’s WA Architecture Awards and a participant in the 500 Women in Property Program, Sally is very driven to help make a positive difference in the architecture and property industries.

SN: Being an architect, you are also involved in the interior design side of the firm. How important to you is the integration of architecture and interior design, and what initially sparked your interest in design?

SJ: I’ve always had a creative mind. Maths was my least favourite subject in school, but subjects like English, music and art were my favourite. Growing up I really enjoyed art, craft and always wanted to paint my bedroom different colours (complete with gold stencil artwork) to the horror of my parents. My Dad designed our family home and I always enjoyed helping him create furniture for the house. Playing and teaching piano was also a huge part of my life growing up, so I guess the creativeness of music combined with creating things sparked my interest in design.

To me, the integration of interior design and architecture is extremely important to ensure the architectural and interior theming and concepts are cohesive to create holistic buildings and spaces. The two need to complement and speak to each other. When the architectural and interior theming work cohesively, it creates an environment that can lead to enhancing the lives and experiences of our end users.

SN: You were chosen as a participant for the 500 Women in Property Program this year. Part of the reason behind the 500 Women in Property Program is The Property Council’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive industry. Can you tell us a little about the program, your experience so far in the program, and as a woman within the architecture, construction and property industry?

SJ: Being a woman in the construction industry, I have been fortunate to have had supportive male bosses and colleagues in my career. But that doesn’t mean to say it’s been an easy ride. There are always people you will butt heads with, in and out the office, but this is something that will happen regardless of who you are and what industry you’re in. I’ve had some downs, had to fight some good fights and stand up for myself, but overall these experiences have made me stronger and make the ups feel very rewarding. 

The 500 Women in Property Program is a great initiative by the Property Council of Australia. The purpose of this program is to champion women across the property industry to become leaders by increasing their confidence and network. My sponsor is our Director Todd Paterson and so far it’s been an enriching experience learning from him. Over 1000 women applied for the program this year, which shows that women are up and coming and want to be working side by side with their male colleagues, rather than against.

SN: In addition to being part of the various programs and committees mentioned above, you also head up the work experience program within KPA. What made you put yourself forward for this position?

SJ: I think it’s important to show the future generations of our industries the initial ropes of what’s involved. These people will be the next to take control of our industries, so what better way to introduce them to it?

Someone gave me the chance and opportunity to do work experience and show me the ropes, so to me it’s important to give that opportunity to others. It’s a way to give back to the community and to the industry. The other great thing about being involved with work experience students is that you can learn from them as much as they can learn from you.

KPA Qualified NDIS SDA and LHA Assessors

At KPA Architects we are constantly expanding our knowledge and design base that we are now able to undertake Livable Housing Australia (LHA) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) projects and assessments.

Associate Architect Jessica Clarkson leads our SDA knowledge and designs, and Clare Paterson is our accredited and registered LHA assessor, and Draftsperson.

LHA strives for best industry practice through its Design Guidelines with ‘livable design elements’ across three tiers of design performance of Silver, Gold and Platinum. These guidelines can be applied to new and existing homes.  The guidelines ensure that people from all aspects and walks of life can easily access and live in a home comfortably, whether they are young, elderly, have an injury and / or have a disability.

To find out more about LHA, please visit:
http://www.livablehousingaustralia.org.au/

Clare’s registration can be viewed here:
http://www.livablehousingaustralia.org.au/assessment/findassessor.aspx

SDA refers to the bricks and mortar and is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as part of individual’s funded plans. SDA is specially designed to accommodate people who require specialist housing solutions that cater for their disability and support needs. SDA homes can range from a purpose-built apartment in a new mixed-use development through to a modified existing and new purpose-built free-standing home. In order for a home to be deemed SDA complaint it must meet a certain criteria, set by the NDIS, in order to receive funding. The Design Guidelines refer to the LHA Silver and Platinum Levels, as well as a number of additional required features. We at KPA are familiar with these criteria and can provide services for project feasibilities, assessment and design.

To find out more about NDIS SDA, please visit:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/essentials-providers-working-ndia/specialist-disability-accommodation

If you require an SDA or LHA assessed / designed home or assistance with disability design, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or (08) 9367-6866.

New Design Standards for Aged Care

Communities expect a lot more from the design, furnishing and maintenance of aged care centres, which is finally being recognised in new laws covering the sector.

From 1 July 2019, the physical environment that aged-care services are delivered in residential care, respite and day therapy centres in Australia, will be covered by new Aged Care Quality Standards.

Centres must provide a safe and comfortable service environments that promote the consumers’ independence, function and enjoyment.

As architects specialising in aged care facilities, we are acutely aware of this responsibility when designing new projects and upgrading existing facilities.

To align with the new standards, good designs will maximise the opportunity to achieve three key base-line outcomes for aged care consumers:

1.      Safe, clean, well maintained and comfortable premises;

2.      Indoor and outdoor spaces that are easy to understand and navigate; and

3.      Furniture, fittings and equipment that are ‘fit for purpose’.

You can read more about Aged Care Quality Standards here: Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission