The Business of Architecture*

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.