The NSW/ACT Committee has recently expanded, with new members adding to the existing team of committed, enthusiastic volunteers. Issues of interest to the group include fees and tendering, architectural education, communicating the value of architecture, and solving the profession’s big challenges.

The NSW Government has released three new guidance notes on construction procurement, to support improved procurement outcomes and stronger collaboration between the NSW Government and industry.

ACA NSW/ACT Advocacy Spokesperson, Stephen Pearse, responds to CEDA’s recent report “Size Matters: Why Construction Productivity is So Weak”, arguing that its narrow focus on dwellings per construction worker overlooks cost factors and the differences between high-rise and single-dwelling construction.

In this CPD webinar, Sharon Levy from Bartier Perry Lawyers shares key insights on recent NSW building regulation updates. Gain essential knowledge to navigate changes, improve compliance, and manage liability risks.

ACA NSW/ACT Committee member David Springett recently joined a panel at the SydBuild Expo at ICC Darling Harbour, where the focus was on supporting and empowering the next generation of Australian architects. Here, David shares his reflections.

Join the ACA NSW/ACT on Wednesday 18 June for exclusive insights into the NSW Government’s new Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy. Karl May will discuss the importance of designing housing that integrates seamlessly with its urban context while meeting growing demand.

In a recent Working Group session, the NSW Building Commissioner has shared his position on the draft Building Bill 2024, with significant implications for architects and the broader design industry. After persistent advocacy from the ACA, critical insights have emerged about the future of architectural regulation, protected titles, and the introduction of new licensing categories. Members of the ACA NSW/ACT branch attended the session and have provided a useful summary.

On 11 March 2025, ACA NSW/ACT President Ivana Simkovic and Committee Member Steve Pearse attended a special presentation night for 200 enthusiastic newly registered architects at Parliament House, catching up with key government and industry figures.

The NSW/ACT Committee have been working hard this year with government advocacy, providing meaningful online webinars to members and staying connected. Branch President Ivana Simkovic takes us through the highlights of 2024.

The NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner recently delivered a report to the Premier and Treasurer on housing supply challenges and policy options in NSW. In a press release and letter to the Premier, the ACA highlights several areas of concern and offers recommendations to address these issues.

Are you up-to-date with the latest issues shaping the DA process? Do you know how to best navigate your way through the NSW Land and Environment Court? Watch this engaging and informative webinar featuring experienced Planning Lawyer Steven Griffiths.

On Friday 16 August, the ACA attended a briefing session on the new Building Bill 2024. If passed in its current form, this Bill could significantly impact our profession and the quality of the built environment in NSW. The ACA NSW/ACT Committee seeks feedback from members about the impacts on your business and possible alternatives. Feedback due COB Friday 23 August.

The NSW/ACT branch committee has continued working hard in 2024 to deliver informative CPD presentations as well as useful resources to the membership. Discussion within committee meetings have addressed issues such as mental wellbeing, university engagement, reconciliation and regional practice.

Special Counsel Christopher Larcos presents an informative webinar on the ABIC and MBA Cost-Plus Contracts in construction. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed.

View this informative webinar with energy efficiency champion Jenny Edwards and her colleague Duncan Hall, who offer invaluable advice on creating highly efficient, all-electric, climate-resilient homes, highlighting the delights of small spaces and the transformative power of renovation.

The NSW/ACT branch committee has continued working hard in 2023 to deliver informative CPD presentations as well as useful resources to the membership. Mental wellbeing, university engagement, reconciliation and regional practice have also been a strong focus.

The NSW/ACT Committee was proud to present three Architecture students from the University of Western Sydney with a prize for outstanding work in units related to Practice Management.

In August 2023, Michael Lewarne from Unmeasured delivered an informative face-to-face presentation about mindful leadership and its impacts in practice for an enthusiastic Sydney audience. Jennifer Crawford provides a recap.

The NSW/ACT Committee is delighted to announce a new member benefit, a discounted rate on the newly developed Tools™ app, which summarises the NCC into simple, interactive graphics, helping architects specify how to build properly, save time and avoid mistakes and rework.

As a leader in your practice, do you aim to be more productive, more innovative and less stressed? Would you like to have more engaged and happier staff, and be more agile and adaptable in practice? Watch this CPD presentation by Michael Lewarne from Unmeasured about mindful leadership and its impacts in practice.

Ron Edgar was a long-term and valued member of the ACA, including as a member of the NSW Committee and a period as treasurer. Former NSW/ACT President Steve Kennedy and Ingrid Pearson FRAIA reflect on the life and work of Ron Edgar, who recently passed away.

The ACA was delighted to host the first Business of Small Practice (BoSP) event in Sydney last month, featuring keynote speaker Warwick Mihaly and a fantastic panel who generously shared their experiences and advice. Jennifer Crawford provides a recap.

It’s been a busy six months for the NSW/ACT branch committee, who have been working hard to deliver informative and relevant CPD presentations and networking opportunities as well as discounted webinars and resources, and advocacy for its members. A recent highlight was the first Business of Small Practice (BoSP) event in Sydney.

The Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney is offering a 20% discount for ACA members for its Practicing on Country CPD course, an online, self-paced 1.5 hour learning module.

It’s been another busy and challenging year for all in the architectural community. The NSW/ACT Branch Committee has continued working hard to deliver informative CPD presentations and networking opportunities as well as useful resources to the membership.

The NSW/ACT Committee is proud to present two students in the Architecture course at the University of Western Sydney with a prize for outstanding work in units related to Practice Management.

Stephen Pearse provides a recap of the ACA’s recent six-monthly catch-up and CPD event in Canberra. It was an excellent evening for all, with informative presentations and a chance to learn, earn CPD and meet up.

Our NSW/ACT branch is celebrating 24 member practices who have been with the ACA for 25 years or more! This special group have been with us almost since the beginning and have witnessed dramatic change in both the profession and in our Association.

BVN’s Head of People & Character Brian Clohessy describes the practice’s wellbeing initiatives, including inhouse Working Cultural Groups, which focus on the three pillars of physical, social and mental wellbeing.

The Industry Report on Digitalisation of Design and Construction of Class 2 Buildings in New South Wales was launched in late August, after extensive research conducted by the University of Western Sydney’s Centre for Smart Modern Construction.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.