The Business of Architecture*

All architectural businesses must 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 27 August 2024. Download today!

On Wednesday 16 October, the Regional Architecture Association (RAA) will host an online event with Paul Viney ACA Vic/Tas Branch President, on the ACA's Time Cost Calculator Guide. ACA members are eligible to attend free of charge.

ACA CEO Angelina Pillai has had a busy few months, with government advocacy, collaboration with other peak bodies, and ongoing engagement with industry issues high on the agenda. Here she discusses ACA’s recent advocacy efforts and ongoing commitment to listen, learn, communicate and connect with the broader community wherever possible.

The ACA’s IR advisor Fair Work Lawyers explains the three separate rates of pay for each classification in the Architects Award – an annual rate, weekly rate and hourly rate – and advises on how to calculate appropriate, Award-compliant pay for your employees.

Michael Smith, Director at ACA member practice andever, is campaigning for a seat in the upcoming City of Melbourne elections. In a new ACA interview, Michael discusses his bid to bring design thinking to Melbourne politics and highlights the importance of advocacy and supporting others to make change.

Management for Design recently released the results of their annual Business Conditions Survey, which benchmarks real business conditions and analyses predicted outcomes for firms in the architecture, engineering and design industry.

ACA partner Fooforce has alerted us about a growing cyber threat emanating from China targetting home and small business network devices such as routers, firewalls, NAS devices and also devices such as cameras or printers connected to the network. Learn what to do to protect yourself and read the full advisory for detailed info.

With the year flying by and Christmas just around the corner, it is worth taking the time to remind yourself about practice closedowns and your rights to direct employees to take annual leave during these periods. Emma Avey from Fair Work Lawyers offers advice related to employees engaged under the Architects Award and other relevant industrial awards.

The NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner recently delivered a report to the Premier and Treasurer on housing supply challenges and policy options in NSW. In a press release and letter to the Premier, the ACA highlights several areas of concern and offers recommendations to address these issues.

Join the ACA NSW/ACT on Wednesday 23 October for an insightful breakfast event that explores key design issues in Canberra, from macro to micro. Hosted by Artisan Exterior in Fyshwick, this gathering will feature the ACT Government Architect, Catherine Townsend.

Increasingly, architects are being asked to advocate for good design and public safety, defend the profession and argue for better outcomes for our cities and communities. Whether you want to start a letter-writing campaign, respond to a policy submission, or meet with a Minister, this webinar will help you elevate your advocacy skills.

Critical to the future of your practice is having a succession plan in place, including a contingency for the unexpected. Leadership transition, future ownership, valuation, insurance and risk management are key elements for planning. Join us on 15 October for an insightful discussion with our expert panel featuring lawyer Susannah Maclaren from Colin Biggers & Paisley, Daniel Orrell from Steadfast Life and Cos Cirocco from Planned Cover. Book now!

The ACA and Management for Design (M4D) are offering an exclusive half-day workshop on business financial management on Wednesday 23 October in Melbourne. Help fill gaps in your financial understanding and elevate your business skills by attending this bespoke course created for architecture practices. Don’t miss this opportunity.

How do we nurture and maintain thriving workplace cultures in the era of flexible work? Join Parlour, the ACA and the Champions of Change Architecture group for an important conversation about studio culture, connection, innovation and learning.

The ACA is delighted to release an updated version of the Employment Agreement templates to support members. Our IR advisor Fair Work Lawyers has recently undertaken a review of our template employment contracts, ensuring they are user friendly and legally compliant, and reflect recent legislative changes. Download them today!

The Brisbane Trivia Night is back! Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and competition on Friday 25 October with popular Quiz Master and former ACA QLD/NT President Robert Wesener. Book your ticket today.

On Friday 16 August, the ACA attended a briefing session on the new Building Bill 2024. If passed in its current form, this Bill could significantly impact our profession and the quality of the built environment in NSW. The ACA NSW/ACT Committee seeks feedback from members about the impacts on your business and possible alternatives. Feedback due COB Friday 23 August.

This User Guide is a companion to the ACA Employment Agreement Templates, offering advice on how to best use these templates within practice. Topics include pay rates, allowances, amending Schedule A, amending the contract, adding a position description and re-issuing contracts to existing employees.

For NAIDOC week 2024, the ACA was proud to host a special presentation by Emma Gibbens and Rhys Paddick from Acknowledge This!, an organisation established to promote cultural understanding and meaningful connection. Rhys and Emma bring their collective experience as an Aboriginal educator and a change strategist to their events to facilitate deep conversations that broaden our perspectives. Book now!