The Business of Architecture*

Please take the ACA Pulse Check no. 3 – help us to understand what you are facing and the outcomes we need to secure for the profession. We must all plan and advocate for the future before it is too late!  

Download the current awards here, and understand your obligations under the Architects Award and how the ACA can help.

As restrictions ease around the country and more people return to work, employers are now facing the challenge of ensuring their workplaces are safe and healthy for all. Safe Work Australia (SWA) has developed extensive resources, fact sheets and checklists to assist with health and safety in the workplace and we provide a summary here.

Join Gordana Milosevska from Management for Design for this timely ACA formal CPD webinar on 2 June on essential cash flow management. 

The ACA Resource Sharing System (RSS) is a very timely employment initiative designed to assist members in retaining valuable staff by entering into short-term secondment agreements.

The ACA is proud to support the new research project Architectural Work Cultures: professional identity, education and wellbeing, led by Professor Naomi Stead of Monash University. 

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has released the latest version of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines for the building and construction industry in Victoria.

Peter Raisbeck explores how ethical leadership and decision making are crucial in these uncertain times.

The ACA Architects’ Time/Cost Calculator Version 3 helps practices assess the time and costs involved in providing an appropriate level of service for a broad range of building types. 

The new Architects Award 2020 document came into effect on 4 May 2020. There are notable changes to six clauses. The ACA encourages all members to ensure they understand these changes and their obligations as employers in relation to them. 

What will be the impact of COVID-19 on the traditional workplace and what can we learn from this giant workplace experiment, writes Hames Sharley Principal and Workplace Portfolio Leader Stephen Moorcroft.

On 20 May 2020, the full bench of the Federal Court redefined what constitutes a casual worker. Michael Corrigan digs into the detail.

From Monday 20 April 2020, businesses can enrol for the JobKeeper scheme to help retain staff during the downturn caused by COVID-19. The following update provides answers to frequently asked questions for architectural practices.

As many practices start shifting employees to working from home arrangements, Peter Johns offers comprehensive advice on all things tech, from computers, software, internet and email to useful apps and file storage solutions. He also offers some terrific tips on ergonomics, team morale and using that downtime productively.

Online support is more important than ever. The ACA invites architectural practices across Australia to share practice experiences, knowledge and strategies. 

Highlights for 2020 for ACA – WA have been three successful online events and continued government advocacy. 

The VIC/TAS Committee has been extremely busy this year with the Industrial Relations Committee's work and several timely new additions to the ACA Business Toolbox.

The SA Committee has been focused on events, advocacy and engagement with government and industry and, in particular, with ongoing discussions relating to Government procurement policy.

The QLD/NT Committee has focused on promoting the value of architects, industry engagement with representation on several committees, and a diverse program of events.

The NSW/ACT Committee made a rapid shift to events online, continued its important advocacy work, and instigated key initiatives for the ACA Business Toolbox.

Through the challenges of 2019–2020, the ACA has worked tirelessly to provide up-to-date advice, a jampacked business toolbox, continued advocacy, IR representation at the FWC, a dynamic and relevant online events program, and an engaging platform to share knowledge, experience and a sense of community. Here’s a recap.