Procurement for good design

Good design outcomes require good design process. The Government Architect NSW collaborate with government agencies and industry to promote procurement practices that foster innovation and diversity.

Good procurement is the basis of delivering public value for government projects. We apply systems-thinking to frame design procurement in the context of state policy. We advocate for fair, transparent and diverse procurement practices that prioritise good design.

The Government Architect’s Prequalification Scheme connects design professionals to government opportunities.

The procurement of design services is an opportunity to invest in design thinking. We encourage government agencies to foster emerging talent, support regional practitioners and incorporate Indigenous perspectives. We connect procurement practices and designers' capacity to respond to future challenges.

Procurement for good design will help the NSW Government become a 'best-in-class' client. We collaborate with industry peak bodies and government working group forums to endorse best practices and good client relationships. The Government Architect NSW has endorsed the Australian Institute of Architects' Guidelines for EOI and RFT for architectural services.

The Government Architect NSW has produced advisory notes to support better procurement processes. These include:

• How to select consultants (PDF, 246 KB)
• Local Government Procurement of State Prequalified Designers (PDF, 247 KB)
• Free Trade Agreement Impacts on Procurement of Design Services (PDF, 272 KB)