The Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) has recently elected two new board directors.

Lawlab Legal Director, Richie Muir, and Atlas Property Group Director, Lachlan Vidler, have both been appointed to the industry association’s board of directors.

Mr Muir has a Bachelor of Laws and is an Australian Lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia.

Lawlab is a leading national property law firm that has reimagined the conveyancing experience by making property transactions simpler and more secure for customers and more transparent for property investment professionals.

“I decided to nominate for the board to offer my skills and experience to help promote the objectives of PIPA,” Mr Muir said.

“My passion for property and my personal and professional experience in property investing gives me a solid understanding of the industry and what challenges PIPA faces.

“I believe that the industry needs to raise its standards to gain consumer confidence and, being on the PIPA board with fellow property industry professionals, can help bring about the change and provide the support the industry needs.”

Mr Vidler has a Bachelor of Business and Master of Commerce (Finance) as well as a Graduate Certificate in Property Investment and is also a formal Navy Officer.

Atlas Property Group is an investment focused residential buyers’ agency that helps clients from around Australia to invest on a national scale.

“As the new generation of property investment professionals, I am thrilled to be on the PIPA board to help shape the future direction of our industry,” Mr Vidler said.

“More and more people are working within the property investment sector each year, which is why it’s vital that our association is setting industry professional standards for the most ethical practitioners.”

PIPA Chairman Peter Koulizos said the new board directors both bring unique skillsets and insights to the association.

“Richie’s legal background is a welcome addition to the board with his experience and qualifications assisting with the association’s legal and risk requirements,” Mr Koulizos said.

“At just 26, Lachlan has already achieved plenty in his career, and we are delighted to have the next generation of property investment professionals at the board table to ensure we are planning for the future.”

PIPA has codes of ethics and conduct, which all of its members voluntarily agree to abide with, as well as professional standards of accreditation and training for the property investment industry, including the PIPA Accreditation Program and Qualified Property Investment Adviser (QPIA) membership.

“Whether they’re looking for a property investment adviser, mortgage broker or accountant – essentially any professional involved in the property investment process – property buyers and investors should look for the PIPA and QPIA logos,” Mr Koulizos said.

“PIPA members must also adhere to our strict code of conduct, which offers property buyers and investors the best assurance that they are dealing with a trusted professional.”

Over the past two years, the number of PIPA members has increased by 25 per cent, while the number of QPIA members have also soared by 47 per cent.

There are currently 125 QPIAs operating in the property investment advice industry around Australia.