The Business of Architecture*

Better procurement practices will support building quality, but also healthier, safer work practices for a wide range of people in the construction industry, says John Held.

ACA President John Held reflects on the need for a finer-grained approach to stimulus, and the importance of being active and assertive in creating a post-pandemic future.

As we release the preliminary findings of our third Pulse Check Survey, John Held explores the key issues in the profession, from workflow to JobKeeper, from stimulus to flexibility and the future of work.

ACA National President John Held invites members to share their stories, views and impressions on how to create better places to live, work and be.

As architectural practices face uncertain futures in the time of COVID-19, ACA National President John Held discusses the importance of sharing stories, ideas, and love and consideration for each other.

As disaster strikes, John Held discusses the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, and the broader role of the architect in society.

Every day a new story hits the headlines outlining a case of workplace exploitation and underpayment. John Held ponders when architecture’s long hours culture will hit the front pages, and what the ACA can do to help ensure we have fair and efficient businesses.

With the high cost of accessing Australian Standards, how can we expect high levels of compliance in the building industry? Easy access to clear, understandable Standards must be a priority, argues John Held.

As governments tackle systemic issues in the building industry, John Held outlines some of the ways that architects can make an impact.

How do we ensure our profession remains relevant and vibrant? John Held draws threads through the many issues facing architecture and the construction industry, and asks how can we support each other as we face the future.

In light of the release of the Building Confidence Implementation Plan, ACA National President John Held revisits the recent history of regulation in the Australian construction industry and the challenge of timely reform and coordination between all states and territories.

National President John Held discusses long hours, unpaid internships and the value in getting involved.

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.

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

The conversation about fees is taking off across social media. John Held argues that many of the contemporary problems facing architects derive from unpriced risk, and that nationwide research and smarter business practices are part of the solution.

The Shergold-Weir Report argues for better quality documentation and improved oversight. ACA - SA President John Held digs down to see what the recommendations might mean for architects.

There is a real opportunity to work on the new 'design-led' schools program in South Australia. John Held explains - and how ACA can help.

30 years of ACA - SA. John Held outlines current work, and reviews the last year of advocacy and action.

John Held argues that stepping up to the small stuff is also the path to improving the profession's wider role in society.

An update on activity from ACA - SA.

John Held reflects on the findings of the 2017 ACA Federal Budget Impact Survey.

An update from ACA - SA.

The ACA - SA's latest update features a strong program of events and advocacy for 2017.

John Held reflects on conjunctions of research and practice in a talk presented at the Australian Institute of Architects Flipped Forum, which asked ‘Can practice lead research?’

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.

Advocacy and action continues apace in South Australia.

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.

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

The last SA update for 2015. (Have you done the State of the Profession Survey yet?)

News from ACA - SA.

An overview of activities in South Australia this month.

John Held updates members on ACA - SA activities and discussions.

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.

John Held reflects on the importance of the educated government client and architects who have a sophisticated understanding of the client organisation.

An update on all things ACA - SA.

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

John Held reflects on deskilling and reskilling in the profession. Have architects lost the role of ‘trusted advisor’? What do low registration rates mean and what skills do we need to be effective in the future?

John Held on happiness, mental health and the construction industry.

This month’s activities in South Australia.

The August monthly update from ACA - SA.

John Held considers the opportunities and costs of cloud computing in small practice.