The Business of Architecture*

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

South Australian architects, please take our survey about the SA government prequalification system for consultants, builders and trades.

The 2016 Budget Impact Survey indicates a fairly neutral overall response to the 2016 Federal Budget by architectural practices. The good news is that a over half of respondents are busier than last year, although not all are more profitable. John Held considers the findings. 

We now know a great deal more about architectural practice in South Australia – three reports provide a comprehensive account of the state of the profession and the opportunities and challenges for the futur

The ACA – SA State of the Architectural Profession survey provides crucial research on the size, shape and characteristics of architectural practice in SA – the first study of its kind in Australia.

The NSW Government announcement of a new Building Commissioner to audit building design and construction does not go far enough. Government needs to investigate the construction contracting methods, relationships and behaviours that affect building quality and safety.

The ACA has joined forces with the Institute and ArchiTeam to condemn the unfair treatment of industry-standard construction contracts by banks in a submission to the Banking Royal Commission. 

John Held provides an overview on recent discussions at the COAG Building Ministers Forum regarding the Shergold-Weir Report, Building Confidence.

The ACA continues to advocate for its members as the Architects Award is reviewed by the Fair Work Commission.

The ACA National Salary Survey provides important data on architectural salaries across Australia. 

An inquiry led by former under treasurer, John Langoulant, into recent WA state government projects and contracts has revealed gross incompetence and highlighted the need for a major reformation to current procurement processes.

A joint submission to the WA Commission of Inquiry into Government Programs and Projects.

Education, procurement, contracts, government assets and non-compliant materials are on the agenda for the ACA – Qld/NT. 

ACA – SA is forging ahead with advocacy around the procrement of STEM works and proposed changes to government contracts. 

The WA government is seeking input regarding the future of the Architectural Services Panel and new arrangements for commissioning architects for government projects.

The ACA Industry Discussion Paper on Procuring Architectural Services aims to provoke conversation and thought about the role procurement plays in the development of our cities and communities.

ACA – SA has been working closely with the SA Department of Education and Child Development to introduce a new type of planning study for schools.

ACA – WA has submitted responses to four Design WA documents and policies.

Advocacy and action continues apace in South Australia.

ACA – WA welcomes the announcement of amendments and improvements to the Development Assessment Panel (DAP) process in Western Australia by the Hon Donna Faragher MLC, Minister for Planning; Disability Services.

The ACA – WA member survey on WA Development Assessment Panel and local authority Design Advisory Committees is providing an important evidence base for advocacy with the Minister for Planning. 

What are your experiences of the WA Development Assessment Panel (DAP) and local authority Design Advisory Committees? Please tell us at a panel discussion on 29 August.

Software costs structures are changing; this could have significant impact on your business’s long-term profitability. ACA – WA outlines the issues.

The SA 2016–17 Budget features a major stimulus package for the construction industry, with $500 million allocated to upgrade school facilities. This is an opportunity for architects to show leadership and work collaboratively to deliver outstanding educational facilities. 

The results of this year's ACA Federal Budget Impact Survey.

Procurement, research, registration and roundtables – a brief update on a very active month at ACA – SA.

Welcome to 2016! We hope this year brings good news for architects and for South Australia!

The demand for architectural services in the developing world is continuing to grow. Leone Lorrimer considers how Australian architects can make the most of offshore opportunities, and gives the government some pointers on how to help.

Please take the ACA’s quick survey on practices working internationally. Do you currently undertake work abroad? Are you interested to? What challenges do you face? How might government best support you?

An update on ACA – NSW / ACT advocacy with the NSW state government.

The ACA’s 2015 Federal Budget Impact Survey sought to better understand what the budget means for architectural practices and the profession. 

The message from the 2015 Federal Budget Impact Survey is clear – some short-term gains for some, but few long terms benefits.

ACA – SA President John Held provides an update for May 2015.

The Federal Treasury has committed to extending unfair contract protections to small businesses. Mario Dreosti provides an overview. 

Mario Dreosti outlines the sections of the Competition Policy Review that are of immediate relevance to the profession.

The ACA has achieved an enormous amount since it released a new Strategic Plan, in 2012. National President, Steve Kennedy, outlines the achievements to date. 

ACA – WA welcomed new members at a lunch event that saw Steve Kennedy reflect on the role of the ACA in addressing issues facing the profession through information and advocacy.  

ACA wins Architectural Practice Board of SA Research Fellowship to research the state of the profession

ACA – SA is on the front foot with changes in government procurement – a report on the recent DPTI priorities survey.

Recent research on registration has identified concerns about the way the process impacts negatively on women – and thereby on practice more broadly. What can the ACA and architectural practices do to help improve things? 

The Hon Dominic Perrottet MP, NSW Minister for Finance and Services, launched the Sydney Architecture Festival with an impressive speech about the role of architects in the making of innovative cities.  

Finally there is some movement on procurement reform in NSW. Steve Kennedy provides an update. 

ACA – SA President, John Held, with an update on recent on recent discussions around procurement, limits of liability and other issues. 

Mark Williams, the new ACA – Qld/NT President, provides an update in activities and plans. 

This month’s activities in South Australia.

The Queensland Government has removed ‘Best and Final Offer’ processes from all tendering procedures. 

The ACA website six months on.

Good news on architects fees from Victoria.

The ACA’s submission to the Treasury consultation on Extending Unfair Contract Term Protections To Small Businesses. 

John Held reports on the recent Australian Construction Industry Forum meeting. 

Advocacy in South Australia continues apace through the Construction Professionals Forum.

The ACA is pleased to release a report on findings of the first two iterations of the National Salary Survey.

The Australian Government is investigating the use of unfair terms in contracts, with the intent of providing better proteaction for small business. Have your say in the consultation phase. 

An overview of the results. 

What does the federal budget mean for practices, the profession and society? 

What does the 2014 Federal Budget mean for the business of architecture? We provide initial key points and a roundup of coverage so far.

The new ACIF policy on Design and Construction for a Sustainable Industry was led by ACA – SA President John Held.

ACIF and the APCC have a number of projects underway relating to procurement, project team integration and BIM.

The ACA's new partnership with Building on Air provides further opportunity to develop the discussion about business and architecture.

A new agreement with Planned Cover means that architects insured with it after 17 March are automatically covered for the current version of AS 4122 – 2010.

ACA – SA has kicked off 2014 with energy and enthusiasm. John Held provides an update on recent advocacy and initiatives.

A response to recent mainstream media reportage claiming that architecture as Australia's second most overrated degree. 

A roundtable in South Australia canvassed knowledge of and responses to the National Competency Standards in Architecture in the lead-up to the AACA review.

An update from Simon Hanger on the integration of the ARBV into the new Victorian Building Authority.

Does signing the AS 4122 – 2010 General Conditions of Contract put your PI insurance at risk? The ACA – WA is working to rectify this. Richard Young, ACA – WA President, outlines the issues and progress thus far.

The graduate gender pay gap in architecture is a complicated matter. John Held and ACA – SA aimed to clarify recent poor reporting.

The Urban Coalition report argues that significant investment is needed in Australia’s cities. 

Simon Hanger outlines the ACA’s role in the Award Modernisation Process, which led to the Architects Award. 

Negotiations continue in WA over the government’s Building Management and Works contracts. Richard Young provides a further update.

An excellent guide to procurement from the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.

David Slinn updates members on the Australian Standards General Conditions of Contract Review.

John Held provides an update on recent ACIF activities.

Richard Young reports on progress in addressing concerns about the Architectural Services Panel Conditions of Engagement.

An update on ACA – WA's ongoing advocacy for better conditions of engagement in government contracts.