The ACA is delighted to take the lead on the development of an Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum (AMWF) in Australia, which will build on the great work being done by AMWF in the UK. Forums have already been held in Victoria and Queensland, with plans for all states in the works.

The Keith Neighbour Graduate Study Program assists those sitting registration exams in South Australia.

The ACA - SA Practice Administrators Group meets informally to discuss matters of common interest.

On 31 March, the WA branch hosted its most ambitious event yet – a symposium on the State Government’s proposed policy to guide medium density developments across Western Australia. Emma Brain provides a recap.

The WA branch has been leading a series of initiatives aimed at engaging the architecture profession with the State Government’s draft Medium Density Code. Watch our short film featuring some of the designers who worked with DesignWA to shape this policy ... and then have your say.

Architecture is a second career for Michelle Blakeley. Here, she talks about the advantages of age, the influence of her former career, and the founding of an organisation to build homes for people experiencing homelessness.

The WA branch of the ACA will present a special Medium Density Symposium on Wednesday 31 March in collaboration with Open House Perth (OHP).

The QLD/NT Committee provides a branch update for March, with a welcome to new members, a new CPD webinar series, a review of the recent trivia night, and a look at the Jobsupport program used by Populous.

The ACA – SA Committee started the year with their annual welcome breakfast and the launch of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum on 23 February.

It’s been a huge start to the year for the WA branch with two functions, an influx of new members and one new sponsor joining our community. Here’s a rundown of where we are at and where we are headed in 2021.

The ACA – NSW/ACT Committee is delighted to welcome four new elected committee members (from top left, clockwise): Jennifer Crawford, Ivana Simkovic, Justine Money and Fabricio Siqueira.

The small, busy team at Susan Dugdale and Associates have found that reputation and relationships are key when working in a remote regional location like Alice Springs.

The QLD/NT Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum provides an update on recent activities, their plans for the year and an invitation to get involved.

The WA branch is proud to launch the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum on Wednesday 3 March.

The Studio Director of GHDWoodhead in Queensland, Gilda Donegan, is our new QLD/NT Branch President. Congratulations Gilda! 

As we embark on 2021 and look to the future, join the ACA – SA for a very special Welcome Breakfast as we launch the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum.

The NSW/ACT branch of the ACA has joined forces with Sydney East Architects to host a special event on contemporary heritage matters in NSW on Wednesday 17 February.

The ACA is delighted to announce the appointment of new WA Branch President Kukame McPierzie, who shares his first message for 2021. 

Join the ACA – Qld/NT Committee and Quiz Master Robert Wesener for the 2021 Trivia Night on 26 February.

The pandemic demanded rapid adaptation for Kirby Architects, but the experience was also empowering, revealing the possibilities of positive change and bringing the team closer and more determined to do great work.

From 1 February, Victoria will have much stricter prohibitions on ACPs containing polyethylene and expanded polystyrene, writes lawyer and risk manager Wendy Poulton.

The WA Committee invites all West Australian members to complete our 4-minute survey!

The WA branch committee and incoming WA President Kukame McPierzie are hosting a welcome breakfast for members on Wednesday 17 February.

The VIC/TAS branch looks back on a challenging but productive year, when member resources, industrial relations and advocacy were at the forefront.

The QLD/NT branch offers a summary of an extremely busy year, with a full event schedule and many priority issues to address through their advocacy.

Our WA branch offers an overview of 2020, a glimpse of upcoming advocacy and activity in 2021, and some reflections from our retiring WA President Malcolm Jones and Committee stalwart, Leigh Robinson.

The SA Committee provides a 2020 recap on advocacy, events, roundtable discussions and regular Zoom check-ins, and outlines plans for the year ahead.

Wellbeing, localism and optimism can summarise the discussion at the ACA’s recent Adelaide roundtable on the post-COVID reality for South Australia, writes Mario Dreosti.

WA President Malcolm Jones and committee will host drinks on the rooftop of the Alex Hotel on 3 December to celebrate the start of the festive season.

The following updated resource roundup highlights the work of a number of key organisations, who have worked hard throughout 2020 to support people at this difficult time and develop useful toolkits, online forums and other avenues of support.

On 11 November 2020, guest speaker Alex Chistiakoff presented an ACA webinar on delivering high quality documentation efficiently and consistently. 

Are we architects so we can be in business, or in business so we can be architects? The ACA and the BoSP forum met on 23 November for an insightful conversation about developing simultaneously as an architect and an entrepreneur. 

The WA Committee is excited to announce that our Christmas drinks are back on the rooftop of the Alex Hotel for another year!

Join the WA Committee and tech entrepreneur Bill Withers on 15 October to explore how to build a successful and sustainable business, through challenges and adversity.

Having succession planning in place with a contingency is critical to the survival of your business. Join the ACA on Tuesday 6 October 2020 for a special presentation on Succession Planning from Daniel Orrell from Planned Life Cover.

The ACA – Vic/Tas has released the results of the first VicPulse survey. Top level findings reveal worrying levels of work cancelled or on hold. On the other hand, the survey responses are quite positive in terms of wellbeing and many practices have been able to keep staff on due to the support of JobKeeper.

As Victoria hits the halfway mark of Lockdown 2.0, we provide an update of recent activity in the Vic/Tas branch, with the VicPulse survey (still open), the new Mental Wellbeing Forum and a VBA Update of COVID-19 Guidelines.

One week into Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions in Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria, key information and resources for individuals and business continues to be rolled out. The following is a summary of useful information and links.

The WA branch committee provides an advocacy update and is delighted to welcome three new committee members.

Justine Ebzery reflects on the need for targeted funding for new public housing, public schools and community health infrastructure, with adequate resources for design and planning.

Jennifer Crawford highlights the eligibility issues of JobKeeper and HomeBuilder, and describes her recent move back to the life of a sole practitioner.

ACA – WA President Malcolm Jones reflects on JobKeeper, the flexible workplace, and the need for more resources for infrastructure of long-term benefit.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has issued an update of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines for the Victorian building and construction industry, incorporating recent changes to restrictions and government subsidies.

ACA - Vic/Tas President and FFPV Director Paul Viney reflects on his experiences with past and present economic downturns, the need for more government investment in civic projects and social housing, and the challenges of COVID-19 and remote working.

The WA branch is getting back into the swing of things, with an upcoming government meeting and the annual Business of Design lunch.

The 2020 Risky Business webinar covers common legal issues for architectural practices, with lawyer John Moore and Planned Cover manager Karen Meiklejohn.

The NSW/ACT Committee and President Agi Sterling are delighted to invite you to attend our half-yearly get together in Canberra on Wednesday 29 July.

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

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

What will be the role of architects in light of the new Building Practitioners' legislation in NSW? Join the ACA - NSW/ACT and NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler on Wednesday 20 May for a special discussion on future directions for the construction industry.

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

Could you have a better understanding of the National Construction Code? The ACA is offering a CPD training course on 12 and 26 May in conjunction with Philip Chun to upskill architects in respect to using the NCC for Commercial Buildings.

How can you use LinkedIn to communicate your practice's point of difference, build your networks and land new clients? Join the ACA on 6 May for an online event with LinkedIn expert, Kylie Butler, to discover how you can best leverage this vital networking and marketing tool to stand out from your competition.

Working remotely can be challenging and disruptive, and requires realistic expectations and a flexible approach, says Charmaine Kai of Brisbane-based practice 8i Architects.

COVID-19 disruption has been all-encompassing, but there are signs of innovation, community resilience and relationship building emerging all around us, observes Kate Fitzgerald of Fremantle-based Whispering Smith.

Existing investment in new digital platforms has meant that dwp|design worldwide partnership was well placed to switch to working mode when the COVID-19 crisis arose.

As Queensland prepared for lockdown, Cairns-based practice People Oriented Design worked on strategies with health, wellbeing and the long-term financial sustainability of the practice firmly in mind.

Hayball has explored varied modes of working and learning over many years, but the rapid shift to remote, distributed workplaces in the era of COVID-19 is a new challenge.

Join the ACA for a Remote Working Webinar on 15 April, with leadership and communication specialists Hannah Fitzhardinge and Jeroen van Dalen.

Join the ACA - WA's Business of Small Practice (BoSP) team and Line Paras from business support agency Counting Clouds on 22 April for a webinar on how to manage small business finance in a crisis.

The ACA - SA committee has completed a survey and organised a series of three broader roundtable video conferences to gauge member practice responses and experiences in the pandemic conditions currently in play. Very consistent themes emerged across all practices large and small.

For BVN, the transition to all staff working from home has been ‘seamless’. The ease of the move is an outcome of already having robust flex systems in place, a commitment to open honest communication, and a focus on health and wellbeing.

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

Brown Falconer is in the process of transitioning all staff to remote working. Mario Dreosti emphasises the importance of open communication and sharing both the knowns and the unknowns as essential to building trust, autonomy and initiative.

In the first of our re-worked events that we are now presenting as webinars, communications expert Rachael Bernstone will teach us how to re-purpose our awards submissions into marketing gold on 1 April.

Thomson Rossi’s approach to managing the practice in the context of the novel coronavirus is guided by a COVID-19 Policy Statement, which establishes clear boundaries and habits. Simon Thomson explains that the intent is to keep the office open as long as possible.

TheFulcrum.Agency partner Emma Williamson explains how the consultancy is responding to COVID-19 and offers advice about how to proactively manage through a crisis while maintaining the cultural integrity of your practice.

Justine Ebzery outlines the steps Fulton Trotter has taken in response to COVID-19 so far, including clear, regular communication to clients and employees, transitioning to more work from home arrangements, and a focus on patience and kindness.

Taylor Robinson Chaney Broderick (TRCB) has been trialling staff working from home for a number of weeks. Leigh Robinson generously shares details about how this is working, lessons learned, and the guidelines the practice has developed.

Welcome to the ACA - SA calendar for 2020. We look forward to seeing you at events throughout the year!

The QLD/NT branch’s latest update includes the recent vertical school site tour, the 2020 event calendar, advocacy, CPD, committee members and corporate partners.

Join the ACA for a lively online discussion about juggling home and work, practice and parenting with Melonie Bayl-Smith and Michael Lewarne.

Vice President of the NSW/ACT branch Michael Lewarne discusses his early career, lessons learned in practice, and the value of thinking critically, maintaining curiosity, and making space for opportunities along the way.

The ACA - SA Committee kicked off the year in style with a delicious breakfast spread at the President’s Welcome Breakfast on 13 February.

The Keith Neighbour Graduate Study Program assists those sitting registration exams in South Australia.

The QLD/NT Calendar for 2020 is once again jampacked with events, from lunch forums to panel discussions, site tours and trivia nights.

Join the ACA - QLD/NT committee and guest speaker Bronwyn Weir for a special lunch presentation in Brisbane on Thursday 5 March on the architect’s role in industry reform. Book now for this unmissable event.

The ACA – WA Committee has a host of interesting events planned for 2020. Here’s a rundown. Keep an eye on your inboxes for more detailed invitations.

Our WA branch celebrated the end of the year with drinks at the rooftop bar of The Alex Hotel, with special guests and a broad range of members from all scales of practice.

The ACA - WA Committee invites all members to a casual breakfast on Thursday 6 February to celebrate the start of a new year in business.

The NSW/ACT Committee has had a strong focus on advocacy this year, joining other industry groups to lobby government for building reform.

In South Australia, 2019 was a year of events, advocacy and engagement with government and industry.

The ACA - Qld/NT committee had another busy year, with two surveys, an extensive calendar of events and increased membership and expansion of sponsorship.

The ACA – WA Committee offers an overview of 2019 and a glimpse of 2020’s upcoming initiatives.

Raise a glass with the Vic/Tas committee and celebrate with end-of-year drinks in Melbourne on Tuesday 10 December.

The ACA – Vic/Tas Committee have had a busy year of advocacy, events and business tool development, with plenty more to come in 2020.

Anna Roussos spoke at a recent ACA Practice Managers Lunch in Adelaide about the value of employee happiness in practice.

Join the QLD/NT Committee and Sandra Browne and Qui Lu from Cottee Parker for a site tour of Gallery House in Hamilton on 12 November.

The first Business of Small Practice (BoSP) forum in Adelaide was a great success, with keynote speaker Kate Fitzgerald and an insightful panel sharing their workplace experiences and advice on small practice. Ian Hore reports.

The ACA welcomes NSW draft legislation and supports the NSW Government’s efforts on building quality.

The ACA - WA committee is proud to support a public forum organised by the WA chapter of Architects Declare that will debate how we as a profession might tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the NSW Land and Environment Court and its relevance to architects with Chris Shaw and Tim Horton on 27 November.

The Business of Small Practice forum series is an initiative of the WA Committee of the ACA. It brings together architects to share insights about the behind the scenes functions of practice. The third BoSP event in Perth focused on Money Matters.

For Melbourne-based Kosloff Architecture, building a positive, healthy practice culture is a key priority, and achieving B Corp status an important step in the evolution of the practice.

Book now for the Qld/NT branch committee's next lunch presentation on 18 October, when three guest speakers will discuss their digital journeys and the benefits of keeping on top of new tech.

Our Qld/NT branch update includes recent events, advocacy initiatives, education research and a couple of Save the Dates.

Join the ACA - Qld/NT Committee and Quiz Master Robert Wesener for the 2019 Dinner and Trivia Night on Friday 25 October.

The ACA - SA provides a review of activity over the last month, with events, new members and industry updates.

The NSW/ACT committee offers an update on recent advocacy and outlines future events.

The Vic/Tas committee talks events, ARBV nominations and the business toolbox.

Join the ACA - NSW/ACT and Special Counsel Christopher Larcos on 16 October to learn more about the changes to ABIC Contracts.

On 29 August, the ACA - QLD/NT Committee will conduct an important forum covering the architects' role, skills and management, fragmentation of the procurement process and fee-cutting.

For Sydney-based Aileen Sage, early collaborations with artists, academics, innovators, larger architectural practices and other consultants have opened up a diversity of projects and opportunities.

As Birrelli celebrates its 25th year in business, Launceston-based architect and former ACA State President Jack Birrell reflects on the challenges and joys of practice on a remote island.

The Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit offers simple practical advice to individuals and practices on coping with the stresses of an increasingly pressured profession.

The release of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce Final Report and associated program of work is welcomed by the ACA, but the Federal Government must also take action to ensure a unified national approach.

The NSW/ACT Committee is in planning mode, with several new events and initiatives planned for the coming months.

The ACA - SA Committee announces three new upcoming events, welcomes a new sponsor, and outlines its most recent advocacy work with the DPTI.

As the end of the financial year approaches, QLD/NT Branch President Robert Wesener provides an update on the Committee's goals for the coming year.

On 5 June, the NSW/ACT Committee ran an event to discuss Version 2 of the ACA Short Form Client Architect Agreement, with author and Legal Counsel Christopher Larcos. ACA - NSW/ACT Vice President Michael Lewarne recaps the main points of the presentation.

For multidisciplinary practice GHDWoodhead, growing the business is about strategic focus and working hard, with continued growth, global expansion and ongoing diversification the key ambitions.

Ben Channon is an Associate and Mental Wellbeing Ambassador at Assael Architecture, and chair of the Architects' Mental Wellbeing Forum in the UK. Ben talks us through the forum's origins and ambitions.

Join the ACA - WA on 31 May for an exclusive luncheon presentation on the Lacrosse Fire ruling and its implications for architects.

On 1 May, there was a great turnout at a Sydney seminar on the NSW Land and Environment Court. ACA - NSW/ACT Vice President Michael Lewarne offers a recap.

For emerging practice Winter Architecture, location is no obstacle to team collaboration, with employees located around Australia. Here, Director Jean Graham describes the practice’s origins, ambitions and determination to remain flexible, agile and openminded.

There was standing room only at the ACA's recent Data at Work event in Fremantle, which combined a presentation of Parlour's most recent Census Report with a panel discussion about future action and advocacy. Emma Brain reports.

Darwin-based practice Jackman Gooden Architects prides itself on its success in collaborative projects, aligning with other local and interstate architects, specialist consultants and design-oriented building contractors.

Join the ACA - WA on Thursday 4 April for a panel discussion on the merits and pitfalls of joint ventures.

As International Women's Day 2019 approaches, ACA CEO Angelina Pillai reflects on her upbringing, the importance of seeing strong women leaders in public life, and the need to push for basic human rights for all.

Bijl Architecture founder and director Melonie Bayl-Smith shares the key lessons she has learned in practice, the value of mentoring programs, and the many benefits she has gained from involvement with professional organisations.

In 2018, HHH Architects celebrated its 40th anniversary on the Gold Coast, an opportune time to reflect on past achievements, succession planning and the challenges ahead.

Matthew Tence provides an update on ACA - VIC/TAS plans for the year.

As we kick off another year, we feature a wide-ranging interview with the first female Vice President of the National Executive Committee and President of the NSW / ACT branch.

The NSW Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Bill 2018 has passed parliament.

The ACA - WA recently held its second Business of Small Practice event, talking shares, trusts, asset protection and employee ownership.

Business courses, development programs and mentoring opportunities have helped motivate a reassessment and continual improvement approach for Rosalie Pech Eva.

A series of challenges at Williams Burton Leopardi provided the impetus for a radical review and rethink of everything from client interactions to studio systems and processes.

Ongoing strategic planning helps Fulton Trotter create a road map for future business development opportunities, ensuring they stay relevant and working in the markets that will sustain their business.

Join ACA - WA and Cbus on 2 November for a 'Lunch and Learn' about mental health on site and in practice.

The ACA - WA’s first Business of Small Practice forum focused on the importance of the ‘connected economy’, with networking and relationships at its core, writes Rachael Bernstone.

John Held, long-time ACA - SA President, is the new ACA National President. He introduces himself and plans for the future.

The ACA - Qld/NT has a new branch President. Congratulations to Robert Wesener! Robert will also be taking on the role of ACA National Treasurer.

Thanks to Mark Williams for his hard work and commitment.

The ACA is delighted to announce the appointment of Malcolm Jones as President of the WA branch.

Learning when to say no to the wrong client, the wrong project or the wrong situation in general has been valuable for Shannon Battisson of The Mill in Canberra.

ACA National President and WA Branch President Kieran Wong steps away from his leadership roles, and we thank him for all his passion and hard work.

The NSW Commissioner for Fair Trading has announced a building product ban for certain types of aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding.

The ACA - Vic/Tas branch has had a busy few months, with elections, a business toolbox seminar and ongoing feedback on the Victorian Schools Capital Works program.

For Bryant Alsop, success comes from building strong relationships - with consultants, builders and suppliers as well as valued employees.

The ACA - NSW/ACT branch has planned a host of interesting events for the second half of 2018.

A client focus and a reverence for place have been fundamental for Denmark firm PTX Architects.

Events and advocacy - John Held on ACA - SA activity.

ACA - NSW/ACT has had a busy month, with several events and initiatives.

The latest advocacy and events in South 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.

As the year draws to a close, ACA - SA continues to fight for the rights of architects, and the importance of procurement processes that support quality outcomes for the community.

This year has been a busy one for ACA - SA, with increased membership and plenty of new initiatives for research, advocacy and engagement.

ACA - Qld/NT President Mark Williams reflects on a year full of events and activity.

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.

ACA - NSW/ACT is moving ahead on a new program of events and initiatives.

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

An update from Agi Sterling, the new ACA - NSW/ACT President.

John Held with all the news from South Australia.

The ACA is thrilled to congratulate John Held, ACA - SA President, whose tireless work for the profession has been recognised with the 2017 Sir James Irwin President's Medal.

An update on activity from ACA - SA.

An update from ACA - SA.

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.

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

There is a lot planned in SA for 2017. John Held provides an update.

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.

President John Held reports on a busy year for ACA in South Australia. Membership has risen, there’s generally a better vibe about the amount of work around.

Advocacy and action continues apace in South Australia.

The ACA - SA Practice Administrators Group meets informally to discuss matters of common interest.

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.

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

An update on the Australian Government’s response to the “Harper Review” into competition policy.

News from ACA - SA.

An overview of activities in South Australia this month.

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

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

An update on all things ACA - SA.

This month’s activities in South Australia.

The August monthly update from ACA - SA.

Architects and Builders, the July ACA - SA Round Table, canvassed a broad range of matters. Ian Hore outlines the key discussion points.

It is always busy at ACA - SA. John Held outlines recent events and activities.

John Held, ACA - SA President, reports on the previous year and on plans for the future.

How can financiers, architects and lawyers find better and fairer ways of working together? Ian Hore reports on a recent ACA - SA round table discussion.

The year 2013 marked 50 years since the inauguration of the organisation that became ACA - SA. David Hassell outlines the aims and major activities of the organisation over its first half-century.

John Held provides an overview of SA activities in 2013.