The Business of Architecture*

The ACA SA is kicking off the year with a relaxed breakfast for our branch committee and members, featuring guest speaker Paul Viney, the ACA’s newly appointed National President. We are delighted to invite you to Luigi’s Delicatessen on Tuesday 18 February.

From 1 January 2025, intentional underpayment of wages or entitlements is a criminal offence, with sanctions including jail time and significant financial penalties. The ACA urges all members to be vigilant with compliance. The following is an overview of the legislation, potential penalties, and how the ACA can support you in meeting your obligations in relation to pay.

It’s critical that all architectural businesses understand their obligations under the Architects Award. The update of the Architects Award and other Awards relevant to architectural practice incorporate all changes up to and including 1 January 2025. Download today!

Michelle Eades is retiring after 30 years with the ACA as the National Executive Officer, charged with the governance of the national peak body and the relationship with the Fair Work Commission. Michelle has been instrumental in the success of the ACA and she will be missed.

informed by Planned Cover is offering a 15% discount for ACA members for its upcoming CPD webinar on effective record keeping. The session will tackle document management systems, risk management and contractual obligations, and features Lisa Wastell-Anthony and Wendy Poulton. Don’t miss it!

At the end of each year, we ask our committee members and staff to recommend their favourite business-focused books and podcasts of the year. This time, we’ve even squeezed in a Netflix TV series! We hope you enjoy working your way through these recommendations as you relax and reset this summer.

John Held’s six-year tenure as ACA National President has come to an end. John has also stepped down as SA Branch President after 13 years leading the work of the ACA in Adelaide. John has been an empathetic and inspiring leader and a committed champion of the profession. We wish him well as he takes a well-earned break.

Do you employ staff in C14 and C13 classifications? The Fair Work Commission has recently handed down a decision relating to these rates of pay under various awards, including the Architects Award. The decision will result in changes to several awards, which will take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2025. Emma Avey of Fair Work Lawyers unpacks the detail.

Paul Viney, longtime VIC/TAS President and committed contributor to the ACA National Executive, is the new ACA National President. Susie Ashworth recently sat down with Paul to discuss his time with the ACA, his ambitions as ACA National President, and the future of the profession.

In 2024, the VIC/TAS branch prioritised advocacy, mental wellbeing, IR and business and finance. Key efforts included building reform advocacy and hosting engaging face-to-face events, including the first BoSP in Melbourne. Katherine Ygosse recaps the year’s highlights.

The 2024 Federal Industrial Award pay rates have been updated and are applicable from 1 July 2024. Additional changes were also made to some entry level positions, which are in place from 1 January 2025. ACA members can log in to access award pay rates relevant to architectural practice today!

This year has seen plenty of twists and turns, but as we reflect on 2024, ACA CEO Angelina Pillai is pleased to share some important developments, challenges and initiatives that are shaping the direction of our Association and the profession as a whole.

The WA branch committee wrapped up another vibrant year with a wonderful end-of-year celebration at Lums wine bar in Subiaco. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made the event so memorable. In this update, we look back at our accomplishments this year and what lies ahead.

Advocacy, wellbeing and a strong events program have been a focus for the SA branch committee in the second half of 2024. Sascha Byrne and the SA committee review the highlights.

Raising our profile and building meaningful relationships with government decision-makers has been a strong focus this year across the branches and nationally. Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Emma Brain offers a summary.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum Forecasts (worth $350+) are produced every six months by the ACIF forecasters, with the Construction Forecasting Council providing guidance and oversight. ACA members have free access to the ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard as a member-only benefit.

At the ACA we are here to help you understand your industrial relations obligations. This FAQ article, prepared by Fair Work Lawyers for ACA members and updated in November 2024, is designed to answer your commonly asked questions. It covers the Award system, minimum rates, ordinary hours of work, probation periods, annual leave and casual employees.

A strong events program and advocacy have been a priority for the QLD/NT branch committee in the second half of 2024. We also welcome a new branch president, executive officer and several new committee members.

The NSW/ACT Committee have been working hard this year with government advocacy, providing meaningful online webinars to members and staying connected. Branch President Ivana Simkovic takes us through the highlights of 2024.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) Forecasts were released on 14 November, forecasting that residential construction will bounce back. The ACIF November Forecasts show how the large pipeline of work in hand is sufficient to drive growth in building and construction activity despite slowing in the economy. ACIF has provided a summary.

The ACA’s submission to the NSW Government on the Draft Building Bill 2024 is a critical part of our advocacy efforts for the architectural profession and our organisation. NSW/ACT Advocacy Spokesperson Stephen Pearse led the development of this submission and remains our conduit with the NSW Building Commissioner. Download our submission today!