ACA National Report 2019
The ACA has never been busier, and we are pleased to provide an update on the actions and activities of the last year as well as future plans – all of which aim to support our members.
The ACA has strengthened its voice as committed advocates for the profession and grown its membership and the services offered. Current issues that concern architects include ever-decreasing fees, increasing concerns about liability and challenging procurement processes. The ACA must continue to support and advocate for architects on these issues and develop good, evidence-based research to reinforce this work.
In 2019, the ACA appointed its first CEO. This is an exciting milestone. Working with National President John Held, Angelina Pillai will ensure that the ACA leverages recent successes and expands the member offer. The national focus is on amplifying the voice of the ACA within the profession, the construction industry and government. We will continue to lead the way in providing essential tools and resources for member practices, along with a vital and engaged editorial program.
The ACA is pushing hard for the full implementation of the recommendations of Building Confidence, the Shergold Weir report released in 2018. We are collaborating with relevant industry bodies to present a consolidated clear voice at a national level, while each branch is working to support implementation at state level.
Running an architectural business can be invigorating, challenging and sometimes isolating. The ACA helps members connect and share experience and expertise. Our social media presence includes Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. The new ACA Chat Forum, created by ACA – NSW/ACT, provides an informal, friendly environment for members to share insights about the business of architecture. The popular ACA Insight webinar series ensures that members can access high-quality presentations on pertinent topics from any location.
Events around the country address local and national issues, and provide the opportunity for members to come together in real life.
In Western Australia, the Business of Small Practice (BoSP) series got off to an extraordinary start, providing insight into starting, running and growing small practices in a transitioning economy. Look out for more sessions to come.
In South Australia, roundtables bring architects together with key figures from other industries, including builders, cost planners and certifiers, to share ideas on mutually beneficial topics. ACA – SA is also looking forward to Kerstin Thompson’s keynote talk at a lunch on Tuesday 27 August 2019.
ACA – QLD/NT runs a very full event program including site visits, lunchtime presentations and evening events. This year also saw the first event in Darwin, jointly hosted with the Australia Institute of Architects and Planned Cover, which attracted over 40 attendees.
ACA – NSW/ACT is developing its events and building a community of support for members. Highlights for the year were the Building your Brand seminar and Insights into the Land and Environment Court. The ACA – VIC/TAS event program is also in a growth phase.
The ACA Business Toolbox ensures members are in a strong and safe position to undertake the complex process of profitably and efficiently operating their business. ACA Salary Calculator and Architects Time/Cost Calculator provide essential and regularly updated resources. New model contracts provide simple, clear responses to the needs of members. The National Salary Survey is being redeveloped – thanks to all who answered our recent survey to assist with this.
All of this work is supported by the ACA’s elected representatives, staff, members and corporate partners. We would like to particularly acknowledge the excellent ongoing support of our National Corporate Partner, Planned Cover.
We would also like to thank you for your ongoing engagement. As always, we are keen to hear your thoughts, plans and ideas for the ACA. Our mission is to remain focused on membership value, to advocate strongly for the profession and provide robust, up-to-date and useful resources that allow you to focus on the Business of Architecture.