The Business of Architecture*

What will the future of architecture look like? Join the ACA and Deltek on Tuesday 28 March to hear from an expert panel of practitioners, who will draw on their vast experience and knowledge to discuss pressing issues and trends within architecture, and how best to tackle them.

We are delighted to announce that the ACA National Salary Survey for 2023 has launched for another year! Check your inboxes and please participate in this important industry research, an invaluable way to contribute to the health of the profession. The survey closes on 7 April 2023

The ACA National Salary Survey is back for 2023, providing important data on architectural salaries across Australia. For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Recent anti-discrimination and Fair Work amendment legislation has introduced a number of important legislative changes specifically targeting sexual harassment in the workplace. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers provides a recap of the changes and their implications for employers.

Counterpoint Architecture Directors Mark Kennedy and Zammi Rohan sat down with the ACA to share their experience of merging practices, collaboration with practices of varying scales, the joys and challenges of regional practice, and tips for client engagement, choosing projects and making necessary mindshifts around practice.

Julie Collins, Curator at the University of South Australia’s Architecture Museum, has been calling for the preservation of architectural records throughout her career. Here she shares some important steps you can take to ensure future generations will have the opportunity to remember today’s architecture.

The ACA’s National Executive Committee caught up face to face in Melbourne recently for two days of discussion, workshops, planning and guest industry speakers. WA President Kukame McPierzie highlights the key takeaways.

The ACA’s Employee Assistance Program Trial has attracted strong interest, with 25 practices signing up so far. It’s not too late for ACA members to express their interest. You can register an EOI today!

The ACA in collaboration with Perth Design Week is excited to announce our first Speed Mentoring Event! Over one hour of rapid exchange, emerging practice directors will have the opportunity to learn from experts in practice leadership, business strategy and systems, culture, marketing and more.

The AAAG (Architectural Accounting and Administration Group) has been in place in Melbourne for over 20 years. In mid-2020 the AAAG and ACA came together to further strengthen ties between practices and the ACA across the Business of Architecture.

The Towers & the Ritz Carlton, a resort-style development on the Swan River in Perth, was a project of epic proportions for Ardex, with 60,000 m2 of tiling products and 20,000 m2 of waterproofing products.

The ACA has developed a two-part seminar on contract administration in conjunction with Dr. Harm Hollander, Doctor of Creative Industries (QUT) and Angela Yates, Partner at Moray & Agnew Lawyers. It’s a critical skill for architectural practices. Book now!

New federal legislation has strengthened workplace laws around sexual harassment. From 6 March, the prohibition of sexual harassment in the workplace is enshrined in the Fair Work Act, and there is now a positive duty on employers to prevent workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation. Here we highlight some relevant ACA resources.

There is substantial and compelling evidence that current legalistic responses to sexual harassment in the workplace are not effective in combating the problem and, in some cases, may exacerbate it. A new approach is required, one based in transparency, respect and cultural change. The Disrupting the System report provides the framework for this change.

The Stepping Up on Harassment session focuses on sexual harassment, bullying and family and domestic violence. These are challenging topics, but ones we must engage with in meaningful, sensitive and robust ways. Watch this considered discussion with Adam Haddow of SJB, Tara Keast of DesignInc and Gosha Haley of Grimshaw.

ACA members are invited to register an Expression of Interest in a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Trial, which will deliver a high-quality EAP at a fraction of the cost. We are seeking a pre-commitment from members who wish to participate, so that the ACA can in turn engage LifeWorks. Sign up today! The one-year trial will start on 1 March 2023.

Would you like to offer your employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) but can’t justify the cost? The ACA is delighted to announce the launch of our EAP Trial program, offering a high-quality EAP to our members at a fraction of the cost. The EAP service will be available from LifeWorks, a trusted mental health and wellbeing partner to over 15,000 organisations around the world.