Construction Lawyer · Australia
Construction Lawyer, Australia-Wide
ABIC and building contract advice for projects in every state and capital city, from a solicitor who is also a registered architect
Christopher Larcos is a dual-qualified solicitor and registered architect who advises owners, builders and architects on ABIC and other construction contracts across Australia.
With more than 40 years in the construction industry and nearly 25 years in legal practice, he brings a rare combination of legal expertise and hands-on building knowledge to contract drafting, special conditions, contract review and dispute advice. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and an adjudicator under security of payment legislation in five jurisdictions.
Construction law differs from state to state, because each has its own residential building legislation and ABIC contracts need jurisdiction-specific special conditions to comply. Choose your state, capital city or region below for advice tailored to where you are building.
Find a Construction Lawyer by State, City or Region
Select a state or territory for jurisdiction-specific advice, or jump straight to a capital city or premium regional market.
Common Questions About Engaging a Construction Lawyer
Do you provide construction law advice across all of Australia?
Yes. Christopher Larcos advises owners, builders and architects on ABIC and other construction contracts in every Australian state and territory. He is an adjudicator under security of payment legislation in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. Advice is provided remotely from a NSW base, so clients anywhere in the country can engage.
What makes a construction lawyer who is also an architect different?
Most construction disputes have their roots in how a building was procured and built, not just how the contract was drafted. A dual-qualified architect and solicitor understands both the legal framework and the practical reality of the build: how progress claims are assessed, how variations arise, and how the architect administers the contract. That combination produces sharper drafting, better reviews, and more practical dispute advice, and it is especially valuable on architect-administered ABIC contracts.
Why does construction law differ between states?
While ABIC contracts share a national framework, each state and territory has its own residential building legislation, such as the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW), the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic) and the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (WA). ABIC contracts need jurisdiction-specific special conditions to comply with the local Act. That is why advice, and the special conditions themselves, must be tailored to the state in which the project is built.
Get advice that understands both the law and the build
Whether you need an ABIC contract drafted, reviewed or amended, or advice on a dispute, get in touch to discuss your project with a construction lawyer who is also a registered architect.
Why Christopher Larcos
- Dual-qualified solicitor and registered architect
- Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours (LLB, Hons I)
- Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects (FRAIA)
- 40+ years in the construction industry
- Adjudicator across five Australian jurisdictions
- Former NSW Editor, Building & Construction Law Journal