Ecotect Architects have been engaged as consultants aiding in the development of policies and guidelines for numerous private sector and government clients.

This ranges from design policies related to small scale developments for private sector clients, to assistance given to governments and major corporations for policy implementation with large scale applications.

The technical expertise of Garry Baverstock in applied physics and engineering is a great asset for the practice, in assessing government compliance systems and refining the development approval processes. The Master of Science program has helped Ecotect-Architects developed a network internally and expernally to the firm that has enabled the firm to provide this service to government and industry. For example, associate Anerw Ferguson has completed the Masters program and is one of our in-house experts.

The academic links with Murdoch University, as one of its Adunct Professors, give the option of putting a commission through a research centre, should there be a solid research component to the service. Garry Baverstock is an Alumni member of Curtin University and has collegiate links with the University of Western Australia. The horizons of expertise are enhanced by the relationships with other universities in Wester Australia such as ECU, Notre Dame, and interstate universities such as UNSW, UTS and others. Internationally we keep in contact overseas such as prominent renewable energy expert institutions such as USF, and Cardiff University in the UK.

These strategic relationships help Ecotect-Architects at the cutting edge of technology and design methodologies.

A government institution may put some investigative work out to tender or simply nominate the firm to produce a confidential report for the Department or the Minister.

In the case of university projects, often a commercial body will make approach to have an independent assessment of its built environment procedures and methods and work out how they can viably evaluate their business processes to stay ahead of compliance issues and ways to lead the debate rather than waiting to be a victim of imposed, unexpected regulations.

Ecotect-Architects can be part of a consortium of experts, or lead the team or simply work within its own expertise, depending on the scale and nature of the project. The firm can also introduce the project through a university where there is a significant amount of research involved in a study.

• 1995, Sustainability report, Master planning and budget options for Westralian Sands for the WSL laboratory
• 1997, Sustainability report and built environment analysis for Fairbridge Inc, while a board member
• 1997-1998, Centre for the Applications of Solar Energy (CASE) feasibility development report for Murdoch University on association with Dr Gil Stokes
• 1998, Advice and recommended guidelines and land rating system for Clarkson for Land Corp
• 1998, Advice and assistance with block layouts for Atwell for Peet and Co
• 1999, Advice and design guidelines for Stirling Waters, Karrinyup for Chris Carmen
• 2002, Solar Energy design report for RAC for the new headquarters in Perth
• 2003, South Beach subdivision consultant and advisor to Mike Hulme and the Perron Group, this included production of design guidelines for houses in this subdivision
• 2003, Report for the Settler Lifestyle Investment Ltd in association with CCN
• 2004, 'Eco Compound', an appropriate Home Development report for Julia Hayes and the Town of Cottesloe
• 2004-2006, Wise Earth Syndicate in association with Mike Hulme and the Perron Group, 800 block subdivision, design and project management and design guidelines
• 2004, Ronald wilson Centre Report for the ETC, Murdoch University
• 2005, Project feasibility report for the Uniting Church (Mofflyn)
• 2006-2007, Sustainability Handbook for Old Broome Estate for Perron Group and Hulme Developments
• 2007-2009, Research Institute for Sustainable Energy research and analysis report for all Bunnings stores around Australia (a major study by Murdoch University)
• 2008, 'Wadjemup' Beach Sustainability report for Rottenest Island for Oldfield Knott Architects
• 2010, Sustainability Advice and Strategy report for John XXIII Coledge in Mt Claremont

A basic analysis and scoping of the report usually entails about $5,000 to $10,000 in consulting costs, depending on the scale of the project and its complexity. A major study could cost between $30,000 and $50,000 and sometimes in excess of $100,000. The Bunnings investigation cost in excess of $500,000 and took a team of experts, academics about 2 years to complete.

To do this type of work once and well takes a lot of resources if it is to have the impact sought by the client. Cutting corners and getting advice one simply wants to hear is silly and self-deceiving in the end.

However, such studies usually have huge implications on development costs and avoidance of mistakes could tally many millions in so many cases. In not getting the sustainability implications properly considered could impact on our built environment, lifestyle and economic well being for a century in some cases.

The construction of Bunnings stores, the Cottesloe beachfront and the ongoing construction of schools are notable beneficiaries of Ecotect-Architects inputs over the last 20 years. With the ravages of Climate changes now starting to hit all over the world this is one area the form of professional involvement will produce large benefits to the community where our expertise is applied.

So much is needed to be done by governments and industry if we are to solve Climate Change through intelligent effective changes to how we use materials and apply design methods for our existing and future building.

It is an investment not a cost impost.

Interested in this service? Why not contact us for information on how we can work with you.