The Business of Architecture*

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) invites ACA members to the Forecasts Breakfast Briefing.

The ACA – Vic/Tas committee is focusing on updates to key ACA business tools.

Find out about the outcomes-focused National Construction Code and what it means for you. Book NOW for the May ACA Insight webinar!

Join the ACA – NSW/ACT for a discussion on the “third wave” of sustainability by architect and educator Tone Wheeler.

The WA Committee is on the hunt for new members.

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve joined Instagram!

Join us for breakfast in Perth and learn more about our new Strategic Plan! 

Join informed by Planned Cover for a seminar on developing harmonious relationships between lead consultants and sub-consultants. ACA members receive a discount on these events. 

The ACA is delighted to announce the release of its new Strategic Plan. 

ACA – Qld/NT and the Australian Institute of Architects Qld have joined forces to investigate the use of BIM in Queensland.

Join the ACA – Qld for a discussion on building resilience, staying relevant and achieving business longevity.

Come along to the first ACA event in Tasmania to find out more about the ACA Toolbox and how we can help you run your business!

Join informed by Planned Cover to learn about the consultant’s evolving role, and what this means for your practice.

Business Management can be challenging. But it's essential to the success of your practice - and the profession.

Join the ACA – SA for a roundtable on keeping your business safe online.

Come along to our first event of 2018 to find out more about the ACA Toolbox and how we can help you improve your business. 

ACA National President Kieran Wong reports on the outcomes of a packed two days of discussion at the ACA's National Execultive Committee meeting.  

The ACA is delighted to announce a new agreement with Moray and Agnew Lawyers. This provides members with 20 minutes of pro bono legal advice from Moray and Agnew’s experienced commercial team.

ACA – SA has a number of events and activities planned for 2018. John Held gives us a quick rundown.

ACA – Qld/NT and the Australian Institute of Architects Qld have joined forces to create a BIM Taskforce to help architects and practices become BIM capable.

The ACA – SA Committee is delighted to announce its calendar of events for 2018. Put the dates in your diaries!

Join the ACA – SA for the next Practice Managers Lunch on 28 February. Newcomers welcome!

The ACA is delighted to announce the 2018 ACA Insight National Webinar Program. Put the dates in your diary now!

Come along to our latest event – Welcome to the ACA – to find out more about the ACA Toolbox and how we can help you run your business!

Join the ACA – Qld/NT to celebrate great local architecture and the industry’s future leaders.

The ACA – WA Committee has a host of interesting events planned for 2018. Here’s a rundown.

New ACA – NSW/ACT President Agi Sterling takes a closer look at the highlights of 2017.

As the year draws to a close, ACA – SA continues to fight for the rights of architects, and the importance of procurement processes that support quality outcomes for the community. 

Government Architect NSW has launched a pilot design review program and is seeking highly qualified professionals to be part of the NSW State Design Review Panel. 

ACA – Qld/NT President Mark Williams reflects on a year full of events and activity. 

This year has been a busy one for ACA – SA, with increased membership and plenty of new initiatives for research, advocacy and engagement.

This year has been a fruitful one for ACA – Vic/Tas. The branch has developed and revised resources for the ACA Business Toolbox, negotiated the review of the Architects Award and established a new event series to increase opportunities for discussion and networking. 

ACA – WA has celebrated the end of a busy year, and there are many plans for the coming year. 

Download the presentations from Fees, Agreements and Running Your Studio.

ACA National President Kieran Wong reviews the ACA’s 30th year and outlines his plans for the future.

There is a real opportunity to work on the new 'design-led' schools program in South Australia. John Held explains – and how ACA can help. 

Are you prepared for the Building Better School program? Join ACA – SA at a roundtable discussion on the Learning Environment Opportunity Study (LEOS) to learn from those who have already used the process. 

Join ACA – WA for Christmas Drinks, 23 November at the Alex Hotel. 

Risk Manager Wendy Poulton offers a comprehensive update on the latest research and investigations on building product compliance in Australia.

Blue Turtle is offering ACA members a 10% discount on its Fee Proposal Workshops being held in five cities around Australia in November. 

Peter Hodge and Greg Howlett are retiring from the ACA – WA Committee. Thanks for all the work and wisdom!

ACA – WA invites members to meet with pre-eminent barrister, Adrian Hughes QC, at an event held in conjunction with Consult Australia and the Society of Construction Law.  

Congratulations to Michael Gay, ACA – WA’s newest committee member, on being awarded the WA Emerging Architect Prize from the Australian Institute of Architects.

ACA – Qld/NT has had a busy month, with new members, a successful site tour and plans for the annual members’ dinner and trivia night.

ACA – NSW/ACT is moving ahead on a new program of events and initiatives.

How should architects respond to the use of non-conforming building products? Join ACA – SA and Planned Cover at a roundtable exploring the issues.

ACA – Qld/NT invites you to its annual Members’ Dinner and Trivia Night, an evening of architecture, knowledge, competition, camaraderie and fun.

Changes to the Architects Award – how do they affect your practice? Find out from Michael Corrigan at the October ACA Insight national webinar.

30 years of ACA – SA. John Held outlines current work, and reviews the last year of advocacy and action. 

The National Executive Committee met recently in Adelaide. It was an opportunity to reflect on the activity of the past five years, and to chart a path for the next five. ACA National President Kieran Wong reports.

An update from Agi Sterling, the new ACA – NSW/ACT President.

The ACA is developing a new online forum for members – help test the beta version.

Part-time employment can have enormous benefits – to employers and employees, but also to the creative process, argues Madeline Sewall.

Kieran Wong, ACA National President Elect, introduces himself and plans for the future of the ACA.

John Held with all the news from South Australia.

Steve Kennedy led the ACA for five years as National President. We pay tribute to Steve’s work, energy, enthusiasm and commitment, while he considers all that has been achieved and work still to be done. 

John Held argues that stepping up to the small stuff is also the path to improving the profession's wider role in society.

Save the date for the ACA – Vic/Tas discussion of the impacts of new technologies on architectural practice.

Join ACA – Qld/NT for a lunchtime discussion of architectural services contract conditions and how to negotiate 'less risky' client service agreements.

ACA – Vic/Tas continues to work hard behind the scenes, and announces a new quarterly event program. 

ACA members can save 25% on two great webinars from informed, as part of the ACA partnership with Planned Cover. 

Introducing Agi Sterling, the new ACA – NSW / ACT President, and her plans for the year ahead.

What do architects and mechanical contractors have in common? A lot, it seems. Join ACA – SA at the next Round Table to find out more.

The ACA is thrilled to congratulate John Held, ACA – SA President, whose tireless work for the profession has been recognised with the 2017 Sir James Irwin President's Medal. 

An update on activity from ACA - SA.

Recent activity from ACA – Qld/NT.

Canberra architects – join ACA – NSW/ACT and President Steve Kennedy at an informal round table lunch on Monday 25 June.

The 2017/18 Federal Budget includes a few announcements that may impact both your business and your employees. ACA corporate partner Cbus provides an update.

The ACA – WA Committee is delighted to invite you to our next lunch, held in celebration of the end of financial year.

Join Lindy Johnson for the June ACA Insight on brand marketing – the first in a series of two webinars on business and marketing for architectural practices.

Join Lindy Johnson for the August ACA Insight on business development for architects.

Join ACA – SA lunch for a special presentation on the Architects Award and other awards relevant to practice.

When it comes to creating a motivated and well-supported architectural workforce, mentoring is a no-brainer, argues Michael Smith. 

ACA – WA farewells Theo Gaunt and welcomes Emma Brain as the new branch executive officer. 

An update from ACA – SA.

ACIF is launching its new ten-year forecasts for building and construction at the ACIF Briefing in Sydney on Thursday 4 May.

Co-organiser of BILT ANZ 2017, Ceilidh Higgins, gives us a rundown of the program and points out the value of all architects at all levels keeping abreast of technological change.

Join ACA – NSW/ACT at an event to launch the latest item in the ACA Toolbox – the new Short-Form Architect-Client Agreement.

Join the ACA – WA for a discussion event to launch our Industry Discussion Paper on Procuring Architectural Services on April 12.

The ACA – Qld/NT has already hosted two of its monthly events for the year, with a series of site visits, roundtables and lunch forums still to come.

Poor workplace cultures and conditions are bad for everyone – employee, employer and the wider profession. David Wagner responds to one recent account. 

Lee Hillam reflects on the long-hours culture in architecture.

The ACA – SA's latest update features a strong program of events and advocacy for 2017. 

Catherine Baudet's decades of advocacy for women in architecture has been recognised with the Paula Whitman Prize for Leadership Gender Equity. 

Best practice in procurement is top of the agenda for the ACA – WA this year, with several initiatives planned.

A series of roundtable discussions and the launch of two important business tools will be the focus of the ACA – NSW/ACT in coming months.

Women make great leaders, but a seat at the top table is often elusive. Emma Williamson explores the obstacles women face on the road to the top.

White Card training for staff of ACA – SA member practices. 

There is a lot planned in SA for 2017. John Held provides an update. 

An interview with ACA – WA President Kieran Wong about the ACA and potential collaborations with the Institute of Architects. 

President John Held reports on a busy year for ACA in South Australia. Membership has risen, there’s generally a better vibe about the amount of work around.

David Springett reports on the recent NSW ARB workshop looking at mental health in architecture. 

It has been another busy year for the ACA in WA. President Kieran Wong gives an overview in his speech from the 2016 President's Cocktail Party.

It's been busy at ACA – Qld / NT lately! We present a roundup of activity and introduce two committee members.

President Mark Williams reflects on a successful and busy year for ACA – QLd/NT.

President Paul Viney outlines the achievements of ACA – Vic/Tas for 2016.

Greg Isaac provides an overview of the recent financial training program undertaken by all ACA elected members.

ACA National President Steve Kennedy wishes all well, and urges architectural practices to look forward to 2017 with 'optimism for ourselves but also with optimism and generosity towards our staff'. 

Agi Sterling, ACA – NSW / ACT Vice President, reflects on a successful year.

Celebrate the new year with industry colleagues and Queensland's future leaders - your recently registered architects.

ACIF has released is Construction Industry Forecast for November 2016.

2016 ACA Annual General Meeting – Monday 12 December.

Management by Design records a positive outlook in the recent survey.

Do we want a downstream future or an upstream one? The choice is ours, and the consequences are far-reaching. Peter Raisbeck outlines two scenarios.

Join the NSW ARB at a forum exploring how complaints against architects work, what can be done to avoid them, and what to do it if happens to you. 

The ACA welcomes the appointment of Catherine Townsend as President of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. 

Welcoming the 2016 ACA – NSW/ACT Committee

Ignite your team's competitive spirit at the ACA – QLD/NT Trivia Night on Friday, 4 November 2016 on the Rooftop of Wesley House, Brisbane.

How can your practice amplify its research capability? Peter Raisback suggests six strategies. 

Welcoming the 2016 ACA – VIC/TAS Treasurer.

Welcoming the 2016 ACA – Qld/NT Committee.

It's essential that Australia has a consistent approach towards BIM implementation, ensuring its future growth can support international opportunities, argues Rebecca De Cicco.

South Australia produces some great architecture graduates. ACA – SA argues that they should also have the chance to design buildings for their universities as they proceed with their careers.  

Specifying local content is important to South Australia's economy. A recent ACA – SA Round Table explored the issue with Industry Participation Advocate Ian Nightingale.

The next ACA - WA luncheon is on October 21.

Peter Raisbeck argues that the false opposition between design and business is crippling architecture. We need to bridge the divide to ensure the ongoing viability of the profession.

Join ACA – SA for a roundtable discussion on the benefits of specifying local, featuring industry participation advocate Ian Nightingale.  

Nominations are now open for the ACA – VIC/TAS election for Branch Treasurer.

Nominations are now open for the 2016 ACA – NSW/ACT elections.

Lee Hillam outlines the process of becoming a B Corp and the benefits that flow from it.

The Association of Consulting Architects pays tribute to Stephen Ashton, who passed away on Monday 25 July, 2016.

Projects and practitioners delivering on the challenge of Affordable Housing – the Planning Institute Australia and Community Housing Federation of Victoria present a forum to discuss planning for housing affordability.

Nominations are now open for the 2016 ACA – Qld/NT elections.

Two events coming up this month from ACA – Qld/NT.

Welcoming the 2016 ACA – WA Committee

Come along to a discussion of the Nightingale Model and the future of housing by James Legge of Six Degrees, presented by ACA – SA and the SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. 

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has released its 2016 Policy Priorities, calling for the establishment of an Australian Centre for Procurement Excellence, with the primary objective of building stronger relationships between government and business. 

It’s been another busy year for the SA branch of the ACA. Membership has increased and feedback is positive.

Join ACA – WA for lunch on Friday June 24 to mix and mingle with fellow members. 

NSW BEMP, on 11 August 2016, asks "How can we deliver quality urban living?"

Is architecture on the verge of the greatest change in centuries? Ceilidh Higgins looks to the future and predicts disruption of epic proportions. Part of the ACA's Where to From Here series.

A rapidly changing profession brings fresh opportunities for flexibility and specialisation, says emerging architect Emily Chalk.

Michael Hegarty reflects on the rise of the integrated architecture and engineering practice, arguing that we need to reframe design as process that is essential to client needs.  

The AACA has introduced two fast track pathways to registration for experienced practitioners.

Michael Pilkington takes a close look at the ACA – SA State of the Profession research, and argues we must take a ‘let's make the cake bigger’ approach to both practice and the way serve the community, “because, simply, we can and we do live fundamentally for some kind of human-betterment”. 

The 2016 Federal Budget includes an internship program. Details are scant, but the ACA is keeping a watching brief on the initiative and what it means in relation to the Architects Award.

The ACA is seeking members’ input into the upcoming review of the Architects Award.

As young practitioners and thinkers deeply invested in our profession's future, Jenna Holder and Athanasios Lazarou consider the issues and make a strong call for collective action. Part of the ACA's Where to From Here series, which invites reflections on the recent ACA SA State of the Profession research. 

Sonia Sarangi and Michael Smith of Atelier Red and Black argue that we need to understand and 'own' the changes facing the profession, to help make them work for rather than against us. 

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has released its building and construction industry forecasts for May 2016.

The ACA BUSINESS TOOLBOX provides members with the essential resources to effectively and easily operate their businesses.

Queens Wharf Brisbane: Envisioning the Heart of a “New World City” – a report on ACA – Qld/NT’s February 2016 event.

Join ACA – WA for the ACA luncheon.

Warmest wishes for 2016 from ACA QLD/NT!

New ACA – WA President Greg Howlett introduces himself and ACA plans for 2016.

ACA National President, Steve Kennedy, welcomes members to an optimistic 2016.

Have you used ACA's Architects' Time/Cost Calculation Guide? Come to the ACA – SA Round Table, hear all about it and give us your feedback.

The ACA notes with great sadness the loss of Paul Pholeros.  

The last SA update for 2015. (Have you done the State of the Profession Survey yet?)

ACA – Qld/NT's Christmas drinks celebrated the states' new architects, as well as kicking off the festive season.

ACA – WA's Cocktail Party farewelled Richard Young and welcomed Greg Howlett as the new President. 

The Federal Government has developed a set of resources to help businesses make the most of the free trade agreements signed with South Korea, Japan and China. 

An update on the Australian Government’s response to the “Harper Review” into competition policy.

Enthusiastic, committed and generous, Simon Hanger is retiring from the ACA after sixteen years of service.

An update on SA activities for November 2015.

The ACA congratulates Jill Garner on her appointment as Victorian Government Architect.

Richard Young invites WA members to the President’s Cocktail Party.

The ACA wishes Richard Young, the current ACA – WA President, well in his retirement, and welcomes Greg Howlett as the new WA President.

Steve Kennedy contemplates the future and the coming challenges to the architectural industry in Australia. 

Our colleagues in Malaysia have established the Association of Consulting Architects Malaysia!

Come along to Architects on Fire and contest the 2015 Architectural Deep Knowledge Award.

Peter Barda argues that BIM offers a way for architects to regain their role as trusted advisor.

News from ACA – SA.

ACIF has released its latest forecasts. 

The AACA Galaxy Poll finds that the community understands the value that good design brings and the importance of involving qualified and experienced designers in public buildings.

Join Raymond Spencer, chair of the SA Economic Development Board, at the August ACA – SA Roundtable.

ACA – WA's August seminar looks at the complexities of outsourcing. Book now!

An overview of activities in South Australia this month.

A new report from ASBEC – Investing in Cities – calls for action by at all levels of government “to increase the productivity, prosperity and liveability of Australia’s cities”. 

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia has recently revised the Overseas Qualification Assessment, resulting in a simpler and more direct process.

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia has launched a new online matrix enabling the comparison of registration requirements in Australia and elsewhere. This is complemented by an overview of the Australian architecture industry.

John Held updates members on ACA – SA activities and discussions. 

The ACA – SA June Round Table presents a conversation with Planners.

Join ACA – WA for the June Members Luncheon

The Victorian Building Authority is contacting building practitioners – including architects – to identify the possible use of non-compliant building material in the construction of buildings in Victoria. 

Help Coincraft out by taking their short survey.

New Architects Regulations in Victoria come into effect 19 May.

A brief report on the recent ACA – Qld/NT event, BIM Demystified.

Register now for the free ACIF webinar on BIM.

Sydney-based representatives from top Australian architecture practices have signed up for the first Male Champions of Change program in architecture. Leone Lorrimer reports on the launch event, the initiative, and what it means for Australian architecture. 

PPP projects do not always deliver all that is claimed – and architects rarely benefit. Ann Gorey reflects on the perceived advantages, claimed benefits and actual costs of this common procurement method.  

John Held reflects on the importance of the educated government client and architects who have a sophisticated understanding of the client organisation.

John Held outlines recent and upcoming events and activities.

ACA – WA invites members to the Succession Planning seminar conducted by Steve Goddard.

An update on all things ACA – SA. 

A new report from Consult Australia argues that there are many opportunities for better and more efficient procurement of professional services on government projects. 

A new agreement signed by the AACA means that experienced registered architects can be recognised in all three countries. 

What are the economic forecasts for your state? The ACIF Construction Market Report is out now.

All professions grow, mature and change – Susan Shannon draws on her extensive body of research to reflect on registration and the shifting shape of the profession.

Simon Hanger welcomes ACA – Vic/Tas members to the year ahead. 

Steve Kennedy announces the ACA Year of Procurement, and argues for the value of enjoying what we do. 

Leigh Robinson reports on the ACA – WA discussion event.

Reflecting on the opportunities ahead, Jane Cameron argues that we need to explore different modes of practice and new ways to recognise competance, and to design new business models.  

Leone Lorrimer outlines ten challenges facing architecture and ten actions we can take to turn these challenges into opportunities.  

Design fees, scope creep, government projects: Alexandra Howieson reflects on the state of the nation.

John Held reflects on deskilling and reskilling in the profession. Have architects lost the role of ‘trusted advisor’? What do low registration rates mean and what skills do we need to be effective in the future?

The ACA is pleased to announce its support of The Anganwadi Project.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association of Consulting Architects will be held on Monday 24 November 2014 in Launceston.

The way we deliver projects is changing at an ever-increasing rate. Are we keeping up?

Michael Bleby reflects on architecture and journalism.

How might the industry encourage clients to take up BIM?

John Held on happiness, mental health and the construction industry.

ACA – Qld/NT welcomes David Bridgman. 

A report on the ACA – Qld/NT event.

A report on the ACA – Qld/NT site tour to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. 

Have your say on proposed changes to NSW’s SEPP 65 – Design Quality of Residential Flat Development.

The Infrastructure Q Directions Statement from the Queensland Government.

Farewell to Jim Earle from ACA – Vic/Tas. 

Welcome to the new committee for ACA – Qld/NT.

Save the date for the ACA – Qld/NT's next site visit to the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.

Join ACA – Qld/NT for the inaugural Architectural Quiz and Riverfire event.

Mark Trotter has made a remarkable contribution to the ACA and the wider profession.

The August monthly update from ACA – SA. 

The next ACA – SA Roundtable brings together architects and quantity surveyors. 

Antony Di Mase canvasses the complexities of setting fees and the valuing of architectural work, arguing that we need consensus on how fees are determined. 

How do we ensure the community reaps the benefits of a well-designed built environment? Peter Barda considers what types of policy might be effective. 

What does the recent Human Rights Commission report mean for architectural businesses?  

The ACA is delighted to welcome new members across Australia. 

Thanks to John Castles, Jim Earle and Struan Gilfillan for their long commitment to the ACA and the profession.

It is always busy at ACA – SA. John Held outlines recent events and activities.

Architects and Builders, the July ACA – SA Round Table, canvassed a broad range of matters. Ian Hore outlines the key discussion points.

The next ACA – Vic/Tas event sees Andrew Maynard and Justine Clark offer their perspectives on architecture and contemporary media. 

Does excessive fee-cutting mean the profession is presiding over its own demise? George Zillante outlines the issues. 

Nic MacCormac reports on a vibrant discussion in Perth on architectural business issues, changes in the industry and how we can adapt to them.

ACA – QLD/NT’s July lunch forum in Brisbane, titled ‘Risky Business – a claims overview’, focused on claims trends and recent observations.

The ACA welcomes the release of the final inquiry report of the Productivity Commission into Public Infrastructure.

What is the future for architecture and engineering? Management for Design's next event canvasses the issues. 

How do you ensure pay equity in your business? The WGEA is conducting a series of workshops to help.

Simon Hanger, ACA – Vic/Tas President, outlines the branches achievements and activities over the past year, along with initiatives for the coming year.

Welcoming ACA – Qld / NT!

What are the risks involved with disability standards? An event report on ACA – Qld’s lunchtime forum. 

Richard Young, President of ACA – WA, summarises activities of the past year.

ACA – Qld President Geoff Street reports on activities, events and initiatives of 2013 – 14. 

Steve Kennedy, ACA National President and ACA – NSW/ACT President, gives an overview of the year.

The next ACA – SA Roundtable brings together architects and builders to discuss changes and developments in the industry.

Steve Kennedy, ACA National President, has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects for his sustained, long-term work for the good of the profession.

John Held, ACA – SA President, reports on the previous year and on plans for the future.

A report on ACA – Qld's site visit to the ABC Headquarters

ACA – Qld's next lunch forum sees guest speaker Bryce Tolliday address the issue of risk in disability standards.

The National Executive met in Adelaide at the beginning of May to review the past year and plan for the future.

How can financiers, architects and lawyers find better and fairer ways of working together? Ian Hore reports on a recent ACA – SA round table discussion.

Is it reassuring or not to be told there are many definitions for ‘the Cloud’? Dean Wood reports and reflects on a recent ACA – WA event.

The ACA is concerned to note that some architectural practices are advertising unpaid ‘internship’ positions that appear to be unlawful.

Anna Piatkowska invites members to help develop a set of guidelines on architects’ duties as employers under health and safety legislation.

A discussion paper and the terms of reference for the review of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme are now available.

Save the date for another ACA – SA Roundtable.

ACA – SA has a bumper member event planned for May 5. Save the date now. 

The terms of reference have been released for the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

Do you have an 'innovative and forward-looking' proposal for research into the value of good design and the state of the profession? The NSW Architects Registration Board is calling for submissions for its 2014 Research Grant. 

ACA – SA celebrates 50 years with an event at the SA Architecture Museum.

David Wagner reports on the National Competency Standards in Architecture Review Forum.

In the first ACA – Vic/Tas event for 2014 Charles Justin will discuss building a successful architectural business, including reflections on his own career and businesses.

Jack Birrell reports on the TADA Awards, a new program firmly establishing Tasmania's creative presence.

The year 2013 marked 50 years since the inauguration of the organisation that became ACA – SA. David Hassell outlines the aims and major activities of the organisation over its first half-century.  

The American Institute of Architects' 2013 Compensation Report.

Jack Birrell provides an update on ACA’s financial activities over 2013.

Your human resources policies and procedures are in place, but are they implemented and consistently followed?

Consult Australia has released its 2013 Workforce Diversity Industry Snapshot.