The paper describes the results of a survey of New Zealand and Californian designers, contractors, approving authorities and fabricators, conducted during 1984 as part of a research project for the National Science Foundation of USA. The emphasis was placed on protection of architectural elements themselves, although inevitably the question of risk to people was addressed. The main sources of information were the responses to a questionnaire sent to selected members of each affected sector and the material offered by those respondents who were interviewed. A clear picture of the New Zealand state-of-the-art emerged and a number of noteworthy example of separation of architectural elements were identified. Recommendations for further research are made, particularly to improve knowledge of behaviour, and of the economics of special protective measures. It is concluded that although New Zealand practice is advanced, there are important aspects which require attention.