ACA partner Fooforce has alerted us about a growing cyber threat emanating from China targetting home and small business network devices such as routers, firewalls, NAS devices and also devices such as cameras or printers connected to the network. Learn what to do to protect yourself and read the full advisory for detailed info.

Phishing scams are more sophisticated and dangerous than ever before and every practice is vulnerable to these deceptive attacks. Helping protect your business from these threats is critical. Fooforce Managing Director Frances Russell provides some timely information for ACA members on what’s new in 2024 and what you can do about it.

Building Maytree Studios from the ground up meant delivering really modest projects and finding joy in their execution, even if they were not of a scale or standard to reach awards or publication. Rebecca Caldwell reveals that her practice is not award-winning (yet!), but other measures of success are more meaningful for her clients.

The ACA has launched a valuable new resource to assist members with their understanding of contracts. Mario Dreosti discusses the longstanding challenges of unfair contracts and negotiation, the recent changes to the Unfair Contracts Act, and the genesis of the new ACA discussion paper.

In what feels like a crowded market, how do we differentiate ourselves? Ryan Loveday offers five practical steps to get ahead, from selling tangible outcomes and building visibility around expertise, to growing your community and relationships, and prioritising client service. He also throws in several excellent book recommendations.

ACA’s HR advisor Catalina Consultants has compiled a summary of changes from the Closing Loopholes legislation plus a timeline of key dates and suggested actions required. Significant changes on the horizon include right to disconnect, new laws related to independent contractors, casual employment definitions, and wage theft.

Congratulations to ACA member practice Feather & Lawry Design, who recently won the 2024 Client Choice Award for Best Architecture Firm <$30M. Here, the Toowoomba-based regional design team share some insights into the Client Choice process and what the national achievement means for the practice.

In an era where corporate accountability is paramount, practices increasingly recognise the importance of integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their operations. Alicia Brown from New Doors has developed a new guide on CSR for architects, highlighting key details for six CSR programs.

Given the recent Right to Disconnect legislation, what adjustments would you recommend we make in our practice to ensure compliance with the new rules? The ACA’s HR advisor Catalina Consultants outlines what the new rules mean for employers and some practical measures to aid in the promotion of a healthy work-life balance while still safeguarding productivity.

Amy Edwards and the Markedly team have analysed what’s happening in the marketplace and pinpointed the top 10 trends that are leading the way for marketing in 2024. Here we provide a summary and a link to the full report.

IT security is increasingly a critical part of your business plan. So, how do you own your own security and protect your business? Frances Russell from Fooforce provides valuable advice for ACA members on how to keep ahead of the cyber crooks and IP thieves.

Who does the new unfair contracts legislation apply to? When is a contract term unfair? What happens if it is unfair? And how does this help you? Wendy Poulton, Risk Services Manager with informed by Planned Cover, provides an explainer.

How can mobile device adoption and usage help to transform practices and their productivity? Deltek highlights five surprising mobile technology trends. 

Hybrid work isn’t just a trend – it’s becoming the new norm. But offices still matter, especially when it comes to collaboration, writes HR specialist Merilyn Speiser.

Can you confidently articulate how your architectural process embraces co-design? The concept has been around for a while, but it’s only lately that it has become a key part of the selection criteria or as an opportunity to provide a value-add in the procurement of public works projects. Alicia Brown from New Doors explores the challenges and benefits of co-design.

There is a common perception that entering industry awards is an onerous process with very little return if you don’t land a win. However, award submissions can benefit practices in multiple ways, from capturing expertise to strengthening client relationships and promoting exceptional projects, writes Alicia Brown.

With the ebbs and flows of the construction industry, it’s common to see practices juggling too much work or too little. Marketing consultant Amy Edwards offers some excellent advice on how to tackle a variety of challenges at times of feast and famine.

What does psychosocial safety mean and what are the requirements for practices under new WHS Regulations? View this webinar by Bee Singh from Catalina Consultants, to learn more about how to meet your obligations and embed a supportive culture in your practice.

In today’s competitive landscape, building a strong brand has become paramount for success. Architectural marketing expert Dave Sharp discusses the significance of brand development in architecture, emphasising the value of qualitative marketing strategies, effective budget allocation and premium distribution channels.

Australian businesses are increasingly falling prey to cybercriminals, losing hundreds of millions of dollars every year. When there is so much at stake, how are business leaders managing the ongoing threat and safeguarding future growth? Macquarie Business Banking provides some valuable tips.

Charmaine Kai, a valued member of the QLD/NT Committee and Director of 8i Architects, discusses the practice’s recent achievement – winning the Client Choice Awards Best Architecture Firm <$30M for 2023. Charmaine shares some insights on the process of collecting client feedback and what the key takeaways have been for the practice.

Matters are won and lost based on the evidence put before the Court. Risk Manager Filomena Matti takes us through the the detailed and accurate records a defendant will need.

Skill stacking is an invaluable way for practices to differentiate themselves and corner a specific market, writes Michael Lewarne.

How worried should you be about the recent Optus data breach? Well, worried, but so should everyone be – Optus customer or not. Frances Russell from FooForce offers some valuable advice about data protection.

Amid continued change, how are architecture firms preparing for the future? ACA CEO Angelina Pillai shares her thoughts on the Deltek Clarity A&E Study results.

CareerTrackers placements with Lendlease and SJB gave Samantha Rich valuable real-world experience, feedback and skills she could immediately draw upon when she left university.

Reviewing reports and certificates relating to performance solutions is one of the most common requests Planned Cover has received in 2022, and 2021 before that. Risk Manager Wendy Poulton outlines some key factors to consider.

Having enough time is one of the greatest challenges facing architects in practice. Time is valuable. Michael Lewarne advises on how to eke out more, with tips on planning, frameworks, strategies, meetings, eliminating distractions, and avoiding perfectionism.

Deltek shows how improving your project information management processes will enhance document and email management for your practice.

Emma Brain shares insights about the CareerTrackers program, with interviews with University Program Director Sharon Hiserman and Alumni Program Manager and former participant Darcee Duroux.

When it comes to making decisions on an appropriate project fee, time isn’t the only consideration. ACA Vic/Tas President Paul Viney continues his fee discussion with Madeleine Swain from AR, exploring other important factors to consider, such as risk and the value of innovation.

Architecture and engineering firms across the Asia Pacific describe the business challenges they are currently facing and how they are planning to overcome them.

Architectural outlier Sarah Hobday-North shares her preference for partial services work – the benefits, the challenges and the fundamental differences.

How can architects tackle technology, rising costs and the race to secure great talent? Deltek and the ACA hosted a roundtable to find out.

Cyber attack, data loss and cyber extortion are top risks for Australian practices. Planned Cover highlights the impact of cybercrime, some of the cyber hygiene practices that can reduce threats, and the role of cyber insurance.

A good Parental Leave Policy is essential to creating a workplace culture and policy environment that supports parents at all stages. This helps ensure that raising a family doesn’t derail or devalue the career of a talented and valued individual, while also enabling the practice to accrue long-term benefits from investing in staff training and development. This article offers an approach to developing and implementing a parental leave policy. 

Rachael Bernstone explores the topic of Referrals – how to collect them, how to use them, and how to monitor their effectiveness in relation to inquiries from prospective clients, lead generation and new projects.

Spreadsheets play a pivotal role in business, but for many practices they have their challenges, from version control to errors to wasted time. Is it time to move beyond spreadsheets in your practice?

Danny Chung, National Head of the Built Environment with Macquarie Business Banking, offers valuable succession planning advice, outlining five factors that will ensure you receive full value for your practice when the time comes to sell.

Michael Lewarne uses the Prisoner’s Dilemma to raise the issue of architects low balling fees and doing free work in order to win bids. What can be done to ensure architects value their work and reflect the true cost of projects when setting fees?

It’s a topic that is fraught for practices small and large, but the ACA’s Vic/Tas President is an expert. In the first of a series of articles, Madeleine Swain from AR and the ACA’s Paul Viney discuss the most important aspects of fee calculation.

Vesna Koteska, Risk Manager from informed by Planned Cover, unpacks the detail of alternative dispute resolution for consultants through the prism of PI insurance.

ACA Partner Deltek spoke to architecture industry leaders Mark Murphy from Fender Katsalidis and Scott Huston from DesignInc Sydney to learn the key to successful resource management and its effects on their businesses.

In November 2021, Wendy Poulton presented an informative one-hour webinar on Novation. Here she lists the reasons why the topic is so important and what makes a better novation experience.

Confidentiality agreements are common in practice, but how do you manage them? Cordilia Thomas, Risk Manager from Planned Cover, takes us through the basics and offers tips on managing your confidentiality obligations.

Rachael Bernstone of Sounds like Design connects the wellbeing of architects with fee-setting and communicating the value of architecture.

Emma Williamson’s recent presentation for the ACA’s annual Business of Design lunch in Adelaide took the audience through the strategies she and partner Kieran Wong have used in building and rebuilding their business over the last 25 years.

On 3 June, the ACA hosted a webinar with TheFulcrum.Agency on the importance of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). Emma Brain provides a recap.

Planned Cover National Business Manager Cos Cirocco reflects on the evolution of PI Insurance in the building industry, the impacts of the NSW D&BP Act on the insurance market, and future changes and complexities in the industry.

Efficient document management assists practices in being more profitable and reducing risk. Deltek’s Linda Dininger offers her tips on streamlining processes and freeing up your time for the more enjoyable aspects of practice.

Proportionate liability and contributory negligence can be powerful legal protections in the event of an alleged claim made against you, but how can you best manage your risk? Felicity Dixon offers some timely advice.

Resource management is crucial for architecture practices, but few have an effective planning structure in place. Deltek offers three recommendations for getting it right.

Architects must collectively resolve to stop accepting unfair or uninsurable contract terms, argues Laura Harding from Hills Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects.

Parlour’s comprehensive Work & Wellbeing survey increases understanding of the impacts of the pandemic on Australian architecture. The answers to the open questions, in particular, contain a wealth of advice and reflection, and reiterate the need for improved communication. Anwyn Hocking identifies the core themes and assembles key advice.

Management for Design responds to some frequently asked questions for ACA members, covering everything from strategic plans and building a team, to resource and project management, profitability and financial control, and the critical ingredients to successful leadership.

Cos Cirocco and Karen Meiklejohn from Planned Cover review the year that was, offering a snapshot of the state of the professional indemnity market and projecting forward to future trends.

How do we advocate for the value of this critical part of the design process? Jennifer Crawford provides a clear, concise explainer on why DD matters.

Technology is an enabler for A&E firms. But how does it impact collaboration and profitability? In an interview with ACA CEO Angelina Pillai, Deltek explores the issues surrounding their recently published Clarity A&E Industry Report.

Planned Cover demystifies cyber protection insurance, offering an explainer on terminology and what it all means for your business.

UK-based communications professional Celeste Bolte argues that architects need to become better storytellers, to engage the public, and assert their relevance through simple and meaningful communication.

As we all try to adapt to a changed world, cyber criminals are taking advantage of changes to our physical working conditions and day-to-day processes. Planned Cover takes a look at the issues around cybersecurity and offers tips on protecting your practice.

Rachel Tilleyshort of Elevation Architecture takes us through her firm’s digital transformation, with substantial profitability and productivity gains since implementing Deltek Project Information Management (PIM).

Warwick Mihaly shares the challenges of trying to run a small practice in lockdown while supervising remote learning with small children and keeping his business afloat.

Rachael Bernstone, journalist and comms consultant, offers some tips on how to increase your return-on-investment for awards entries.

Robert Peake, principal of Management for Design, offers his top tips for effective leadership with remote teams, including setting clear expectations and following through, giving trust freely, and managing achievement, not time.

As COVID-19 disruption hits projects, supply chains and timelines, Wendy Poulton, Principal of informed Lawyers Pty Ltd, looks at some popular contract questions.

As more people incorporate remote or hybrid work into their working week, Peter Johns offers comprehensive advice on all things tech, from computers, software, internet and email to useful apps and file storage solutions. He also offers some terrific tips on ergonomics, team morale and using that downtime productively.

Peter Johns recalls the project to provide temporary housing at Kinglake following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and reflects on lessons learned and how the profession might be effectively involved in the current recovery.

informed by Planned Cover Risk Manager Kathryn Budd offers advice on managing your risk and your professional obligations related to environmental standards and climate change. What is the role of construction industry professionals in making positive change?

Dunn and Hillam Director Lee Hillam shares her experiences and tips about incorporating pro bono work into practice in a sustainable way.

As 2019 draws to a close, Planned Cover's Cos Cirocco and Adele Monaco take a look back, reviewing the insurance market and claims landscape of the past 12 months and advising on how best to navigate it in the immediate future.

As online chat gains popularity, and boundaries between home and work become blurred, how do we take advantage of quick, easy communication without compromising our work or our mental health? Sarah Hobday-North explores the issues.

Design fee consultant Ian Motley explains how architects can increase architectural fees and profit margins with a simple change to their pricing strategy.

Kerstin Thompson’s presentation for the ACA SA was a thoughtful reflection on the business of design, busting some stubborn myths about architectural practice, and emphasising the need to balance design quality with business practice excellence, financial strength, thriving people and workplace health.

Improving the built environment of communities in need does not have to be an all or nothing proposition, says Leeanne Marshall, who presents a variety of ways to make an impact, both big and small.

The world of insurance has changed rapidly over the last 12 to 18 months. Planned Cover Victorian State Manager Laurence Gottlieb gives us an overview of a toughening market.

Robert Goodliffe recently spoke at an ACA – Vic/Tas event on the importance of social responsibility in architecture, revealing how a holistic approach can build culture internally and provide a resilient business model.

Running a practice can be unrelenting, changeable and extremely demanding. How do you manage your time in such an unpredictable environment? Rena M. Klein offers some tips.

Do you have partners in your business? Have you got a safety net in place in case disaster strikes? Planned Cover’s Sherren Hepburn explores the benefits of partnership protection insurance.

The PI insurance crisis is upon us - but how did it come to this? Senior Construction Lawyer Kim Lovegrove identifies the key challenges, and outlines his ideas for bringing the Australian building industry back from the brink.

Why are people largely absent from our architectural imagery? As a profession that designs and builds spaces for people, perhaps we need to be more conscious of including people in our floorplans and models, writes Fiona Young.

What are the crown jewels of your practice? Where are they stored and how secure are they? Sherren Hepburn from Planned Cover takes a look at the issues around cybersecurity and offers tips on protecting your precious assets.

Deloitte Private Principal Adam Russell explores how cloud computing and balanced strategic decision making can drive performance and growth.

Novation can create confusion for architects and builders alike. Christopher Larcos offers a legal primer to the contractual rights and obligations of a novated project.

Thinking about design risk in strategic terms is imperative for the profession, but it is often sidelined in practice, and is barely mentioned in architecture schools. Peter Raisbeck explores the concept of design risk.

Risk Manager Felicity Dixon takes us through the fundamentals of risk management, advising on how best to identify, manage and allocate risk.

Risk management is crucial to effective practice management. Robert Peake outlines the key issues, from business structures and insurances to fee agreements and negotiation.

It’s time to ditch the idea of the architectural rock star, embrace a more collaborative approach, and communicate far and wide, argues Jennifer Crawford.

What difficulties can ensue if client and architect fall out? Christopher Larcos has prepared a fascinating case note on a recent court decision that could affect architects who take over mid-project.

The Queensland government recently issued a series of reforms to improve security of payment for subcontractors. Risk Manager Cordilia Thomas looks at the detail.

The second independent survey of business and practice management systems has uncovered some interesting findings.

Insurance specialist Laurence Gottlieb explores the issue of non-compliant cladding and other materials, warning of the changes afoot in the insurance industry.

How can architects benefit from the subtle nudge of an anchor? Ian Motley takes another look at the psychology of negotiation.

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.

Jennifer Crawford argues that the question of fees is really a question of business models. Architects need to work out what their ‘super power’ is, and charge accordingly.

Is reintroducing fee scales and further regulation the solution to fee slashing and ‘the race for the bottom’ among architects? Is this really feasible in a world of increasing globalisation and diversification of service providers? Ceilidh Higgins considers other options.

Fiona Young argues that we need to understand briefing as a key part of the architect's role, develop a common understanding with clients to ensure the best outcome, and charge fees accordingly.

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.

Special Counsel Sarah Wood outlines the insurance implications of sexual harassment claims, and suggests risk mitigation strategies for architectural practices.

Planned Cover Manager of Projects and Compliance Vanessa Collins gives a full rundown of the different types of insurance and the protections they provide.

Experienced Claims Manager Kerrie McLeish discusses the most common claims she sees and gives valuable advice on how to avoid them.

Delegating your technology needs to your IT team is a mistake, argues Robert Peake. As a leader you need to understand and drive the IT strategy within your business.

Is the limit on your professional indemnity insurance policy enough? Planned Cover’s Kerrie McLeish explores the issues.

ACA - Qld/NT and the Australian Institute of Architects Qld have joined forces to create a BIM Taskforce to help architects and practices become BIM capable.

Merging your firm can make good business sense. Robert Peake outlines the many benefits that a company merge can have for small practice owners.

Social media should be an important part of the every architectural practice's communication program, but not all architects know how to proceed. Kate Potter explains how to get started.

Peter Raisbeck provides a snappy outline of the ten profit drivers of small architectural practice.

Do you know where to start when choosing a new business management system for your practice?

Do your construction project contracts reflect your appetite for risk? Mark Glynn explores the issues.

Dynamic leadership, talented employees, exciting projects and appreciative clients mean little if a firm is stressed and struggling with its bottom line, says Jennekin Dicks. Managing profitability well can make all the difference.

How do you increase the value of your business and put your clients front and centre? Lindy Johnson shares six helpful tips.

Preconditioning is a negotiation tactic with a friendly facade and a dangerous bite. Ian Motley from Blue Turtle Consulting shows us how to use the preconditioning tactic to our advantage.

Emma Brain outlines CODA's approach to social media, which has enabled the Fremantle-based practice to build a national profile and engage with clients and colleagues across the country.

Wendy Poulton reflects on the changing landscape of risk in architectural practice, and offers a check list of ten things to look for in commercial consultancy agreements.

What will the new Unfair Contract Terms law mean for architects? Planned Cover and Jackson Macdonald take a look.

One of the least ethical negotiation tactics clients can use is the nibble. Design fee consultant Ian Motley explains what it is and how to strategise to achieve a good outcome for all.

How can your practice amplify its research capability? Peter Raisback suggests six strategies.

It's essential that Australia has a consistent approach towards BIM implementation, ensuring its future growth can support international opportunities, argues Rebecca De Cicco.

The value of a company today is based on ideas rather than assets or staff numbers, so why do architects still charge by the hour? Ceilidh Higgins explores the possibilities for non-traditional fee structures.

Lee Hillam outlines the process of becoming a B Corp and the benefits that flow from it.

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

Is architecture on the verge of the greatest change in centuries? Ceilidh Higgins looks to the future and predicts disruption of epic proportions. Part of the ACA's Where to From Here series.

Nurturing a company culture of opportunity and challenge, support and appreciation is not just about giving you a warm fuzzy feeling - it can increase your bottom line. Rena Klein makes the case.

Your staff are the best people to work out how to improve the productivity of your practice. Rena Klein explains the benefits of an Operational Improvement Charette, and provides a guide to running one.

How can small architectural practices be more profitable? Rena Klein outlines the issues to consider, and some strategies for getting started.

Is 'splitting the difference' really fair? Ian Motley explains how to respond to suggestions in fee negotiations.

Robert Macindoe has successfully used the Security of Payment Act to recover outstanding fees. He answers key questions about the process.

Ian Motley discusses body language, the power of silence and how architects can turn these tactics to their advantage.

Peter Barda argues that BIM offers a way for architects to regain their role as trusted advisor.

What are the exposures of hacking and other cyber criminal activity to your business? Alex Conlon of BJS Insurance Brokers considers the issues in this emerging risk area.

Ian Motley provides advice on how to respond when potential clients use the 'good cop / bad cop' tactic during fee negotiations.

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

Ian Motley argues that fee erosion is often the result of standard negotiation tactics. He explains how to recognise when you are ‘negotiating against yourself’ and how to avoid it.

What are the insurance implications of BIM for architects? Alex Conlon of BJS Insurance Brokers considers the issues in this emerging field.

Does your practice have an effective strategic plan? Robert Peake, of Management for Design, outlines the importance of strategy, and suggests some ways to get started.

How might the industry encourage clients to take up BIM?

How architects present in government contexts can have a large impact on their chances of getting the job, or gaining support for a project. Jill Garner, Victorian Associate Government Architect, offers some tips.

Planning lawyer Paul Vergotis offers a set of tips to help manoeuvre an architectural project through planning systems from proposal to success.

Ian Motley argues that the profession needs to radically rethink the overall approach to fees and pricing work.

Antony Di Mase canvasses the complexities of setting fees and the valuing of architectural work, arguing that we need consensus on how fees are determined.

Does excessive fee-cutting mean the profession is presiding over its own demise? George Zillante outlines the issues.

What potential risks might clients present? What are the warning signs? What strategies and structures can architects use to reduce risk?

How do you build an architectural business? Charles Justin offers 10 principles to guide a practice.

Is it reassuring or not to be told there are many definitions for ‘the Cloud’? Dean Wood reports and reflects on a recent ACA - WA event.

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

Useful tips from Prodonovich Advisory.

Jack Birrell on the things to consider when choosing your insurance provider.

An overview of changes to the Privacy Act from March 12.

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.

Peter Sarlos explains the Security of Payment Act and how architects might use it to their benefit.

Damian Harrison, of BJS Insurance Brokers, responds to Peter Sarlos’s concerns about PI insurance precluding claims for fees.

How can architects use social media effectively for business and professional development?

Damian Harrison comments on recent concerns about the ‘assumed liability’ exclusion in AS 4122-2010.

Does your PI insurance preclude claims for fees? Peter Sarlos outlines the issues.

Peter Sarlos on the challenges of calculating fees and conveying the value of an architect's work to clients.

Anna Piatkowksa provides an update on current safe design requirements and the ACA’s Safe Design Process.

Architects are increasingly being asked to release CAD files to clients. What are the implications of doing so? Damian Harrison of BJS Insurance Brokers gives an insurance perspective.