1970-01-01
ACA National Webinar Program
The ACA National Webinar Program offers the opportunity for practitioners to join a national discussion on the business of architecture, while also gaining CPD.
1970-01-01
Record Keeping webinar
informed by Planned Cover is offering a 15% discount for ACA members for a timely document management webinar on 10 February.
1970-01-01
Summary of New IR Legislation
Tom Earls provides a summary of some of the main changes proposed in the Federal government’s new Industrial Relations legislation, introduced on 9 December 2020.
1970-01-01
ACA President’s Comment – December 2020
John Held takes a moment to reflect on the lessons of 2020, from the nature of community to the value of communication, and the need to be prepared and open to change.
1970-01-01
VIC/TAS Update 2020
The VIC/TAS branch looks back on a challenging but productive year, when member resources, industrial relations and advocacy were at the forefront.
1970-01-01
QLD/NT Update 2020
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.
1970-01-01
Western Australia Update 2020
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.
1970-01-01
South Australia Update 2020
The SA Committee provides a 2020 recap on advocacy, events, roundtable discussions and regular Zoom check-ins, and outlines plans for the year ahead.
1970-01-01
Last Chance to Enter Client Choice Awards
Entries for the Built and Natural Environment Consulting category of the Client Choice Awards are closing on 15 December.
1970-01-01
Architects Declare Update
Since its establishment in July 2019, Architects Declare Australia has continued to advocate and educate, with a guide to going carbon neutral and a number of webinars on topics related to biodiversity and sustainability.
1970-01-01
2020: A Year in Review
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai takes a look back on a challenging but fulfilling year and outlines the ACA’s exciting plans for the year ahead.
1970-01-01
2020 in Review and Beyond
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.
1970-01-01
New Industrial Relations Advisory
The ACA is delighted to introduce Tom Earls of Fair Work Lawyers (FWL), who will provide principal industrial relations advisory services for ACA members.
1970-01-01
NexSys IT Member Offer
The ACA’s National Principal Partner, NexSys IT, is extending its support to ACA members with an exclusive offer of Autodesk licences at cost price.
1970-01-01
Vale (Kenneth) Struan Gilfillan OAM
The ACA sadly advises that founding member of the Association in Melbourne and longtime Chairman of the National Industrial Relations Committee Struan Gilfillan passed away peacefully on 20 October 2020.
1970-01-01
Getting a Head Start with your Contracts
Join the ACA on Wednesday 16 December for our last online event for the year, with some practical guidance on contracts from lawyer and risk manager Wendy Poulton.
1970-01-01
ACA Branch Elections 2020
If you have ever wanted to contribute, lead, support or just be part of the conversations of the peak body that represents you and your practice, now is the time to nominate as an ACA Branch committee member!
1970-01-01
SA Roundtable on Post-COVID Reality
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.
1970-01-01
Christmas Drinks in WA
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.
1970-01-01
Leadership Change at the AACA
Kate Doyle will step down as CEO of the AACA in March 2021 after six years in the role. The ACA has greatly valued her contribution and wishes her well in her future endeavours.
1970-01-01
NATSPEC Universal Design TECHnotes
Australia’s ageing population means that the principles of universal design in residential design and construction are increasingly important. NATSPEC recognises the importance of universal design with the release of three new TECHnotes.
1970-01-01
Nominations Open for Australian Honours
Is there someone exceptional within the architecture profession who you would like to nominate for an Australian Honour? The Order of Australia recognises Australians for outstanding service or exceptional achievement in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavours, including architecture.
1970-01-01
Doing Documentation Better
On 11 November 2020, guest speaker Alex Chistiakoff presented an ACA webinar on delivering high quality documentation efficiently and consistently.
1970-01-01
Getting the Balance Right
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.
1970-01-01
Collaboration, profitability & technology
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.
1970-01-01
Cost Planning & Negotiation 101
Join the ACA and our expert speakers on Wednesday 21 October for an introduction to Cost Planning and Negotiation, and the crucial role these skills can play for the success of your practice.
1970-01-01
The View from the Client Side
informed by Planned Cover is offering ACA members a special discounted rate for an upcoming webinar on what clients need from their consultants.
1970-01-01
Demystifying Cyber Protection Insurance
Planned Cover demystifies cyber protection insurance, offering an explainer on terminology and what it all means for your business.
1970-01-01
Mental Wellbeing Forums Update
AMWF groups are already up and running across the ACA branches in the eastern states, with other branches following the lead shortly. Facilitators in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne offer an update on plans and how to get involved.
1970-01-01
ACA Industrial Relations & Employment Advice Service
The ACA is delighted to announce the appointment of Fair Work Lawyers (FWL) as our Industrial Relations Consultants, with FWL Partner Tom Earls providing principal advisory services.
1970-01-01
CEO Update - October 2020
Angelina Pillai reflects on the importance of prioritising culture and wellbeing in our workplaces and the wider profession, and reports on our recent inaugural, all-of-ACA-branch and national conference, which brought all our committees together for the first time.
1970-01-01
New ACA Partnership - Management for Design
The ACA is delighted to announce a new partnership with Management for Design to provide financial and business management support services to members.
1970-01-01
ACA President’s Comment
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.
1970-01-01
MCC Report on Sexual Harassment
‘Disrupting the System: Preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment’, a new report from the Male Champions of Change, aims to shift the way we understand and respond to sexual harassment. Justine Clark provides a summary.
1970-01-01
ACA - VIC/TAS News - August 2020
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.
1970-01-01
Stage 3 and 4 Restrictions in Victoria
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.
1970-01-01
Client Choice Awards 2021
Do you want to get a better sense of what your clients think of your practice and the service it provides? Enter the Client Choice Awards 2021 for Best Architecture Firm and receive a special report of invaluable client feedback.
1970-01-01
Clarification of Stage 4 Restrictions
The ACA – Victoria/Tasmania provides further clarification of COVID-19 Stage 4 restrictions, with advice on construction site access, worker permits, COVID Safe Plans and ongoing advocacy.
1970-01-01
COVID-19 Stage 4 Restrictions
On Monday 3 August, the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews announced Stage 4 Restrictions, which apply to the Melbourne area and do impact architectural practices.
1970-01-01
COVID-19 Building Industry Guidelines for Victoria
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.
1970-01-01
ACA President’s Comment – July 2020
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.
1970-01-01
CEO Update July 2020
Angelina Pillai reflects on the challenges of the past six months, as well as the positive action, advocacy and community spirit she has seen in the age of COVID-19.
1970-01-01
WA Advocacy & Business of Design
The WA branch is getting back into the swing of things, with an upcoming government meeting and the annual Business of Design lunch.
1970-01-01
New Archibiz Course Available for ACA Members
Archibiz and the ACA Business of Small Practice (BoSP) are offering another “Designing Architectural Practice Success” course to ACA members, starting on Tuesday 28 July.
1970-01-01
ACA Branch Elections
It is an election year for all ACA branches in 2020, and we invite members to get involved.
1970-01-01
Cyber Crime in the Age of COVID-19
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.
1970-01-01
2020 National Examination Paper Moves Online
The AACA has announced that the 2020 National Examination Paper will now be delivered remotely via candidates’ individual devices with online live supervision.
1970-01-01
ACA President’s Comment – June 2020
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.
1970-01-01
Design and Building Practitioners Bill
On 3 June 2020, the NSW Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 successfully passed through Parliament.
1970-01-01
Elevation Architecture’s Digital Transformation
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).
1970-01-01
ACA National Report 2020
Through the challenges of 2019-2020, the ACA has worked tirelessly to provide up-to-date advice, a jampacked business toolbox, continued advocacy, IR representation at the FWC, a dynamic and relevant online events program, and an engaging platform to share knowledge, experience and a sense of community. Here’s a recap.
1970-01-01
ACA delighted to support Monash Mental Wellbeing Research project
The ACA is proud to support the new research project Architectural Work Cultures: professional identity, education and wellbeing, led by Professor Naomi Stead of Monash University.
1970-01-01
The Power of Sharing Stories
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.
1970-01-01
Culture and Wellbeing Presentation
The full video presentation of the Architects Leadership Series Culture + Wellbeing breakfast event is now available online.
1970-01-01
ACA President’s Comment – March 2020
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.
1970-01-01
AACA National Examination Paper Postponed
Given the evolving Coronavirus situation across Australia, the AACA has postponed the APE National Examination Paper currently scheduled for 21 April until 18 August.
1970-01-01
Climate Change Consideration in Design
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?
1970-01-01
2020 National Program of Assessment
Applications for the AACA’s 2020 National Program of Assessment (NPrA) close 28 February 2020.
1970-01-01
ACA President’s Comment – February 2020
As disaster strikes, John Held discusses the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, and the broader role of the architect in society.
1970-01-01
CEO Update - February 2020
Angelina Pillai discusses the bushfire response and the ACA’s agenda for 2020, and introduces us to ACA Malaysia and our two new national sponsors.
1970-01-01
A Review of the 2019 Insurance Market
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.
1970-01-01
2019: A Year in Review
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai reviews events, advocacy and activity in 2019 and outlines plans for the year ahead.
1970-01-01
International Men’s Day Reflections
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai reflects on a week of inspirational panel discussions and events that will hopefully spur others on to further action.
1970-01-01
The Benefits of Client Feedback
Did you know that doing regular research on your clients can reap rewards when it comes to the growth of your practice? Enter the Client Choice Awards 2020 for Best Architecture Firm and receive a special report of invaluable client feedback. It's not too late to enter.
1970-01-01
When Will Architects Be in the Firing Line?
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.
1970-01-01
ACIF Forecasts - November 2019
The Australian Construction Industry Forum has released its Construction Industry Forecast for November 2019.
1970-01-01
CEO Update - October 2019
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai offers an overview of a very busy couple of months, with a state by state wrap of recent events, surveys and activity, and a look forward at conferences, awards, mental health research and advocacy.
1970-01-01
Client Choice Awards 2020
Do you know what your clients really think of your practice and the service it provides? Enter the Client Choice Awards for Best Architecture Firm and receive a special report of invaluable client feedback on everything from quality and innovation to responsiveness and value for money.
1970-01-01
A Question of Standards
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.
1970-01-01
The Built Environment Channel
Do you have the BEC in your practice yet? Michael Smith discusses the benefits of the free streaming service and gives us an update on its recent news and initiatives.
1970-01-01
State of the Insurance Market
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.
1970-01-01
How Can Architects Take Action?
As governments tackle systemic issues in the building industry, John Held outlines some of the ways that architects can make an impact.
1970-01-01
CEO Update - August 2019
Angelina Pillai reviews a very busy couple of months of advocacy and activity in the branches.
1970-01-01
Architects Declare
Hundreds of Australian architects have signed up to the Architects Declare movement, which aims to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the urgent need for action in the built environment.
1970-01-01
Partnership Protection Insurance
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.
1970-01-01
What Keeps Architects Awake at Night?
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.
1970-01-01
CEO Update - June 2019
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai takes a look at the big issues of concern to members, the ACA's ongoing work in advocacy, future plans for research and a state by state wrap.
1970-01-01
ACA National Report 2019
The ACA has never been busier, and we are pleased to provide an update on the actions and activities of the last year as well as future plans - all of which aim to support our members.
1970-01-01
Avoiding Cyber Attacks
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.
1970-01-01
A Guide to Architecture and Wellbeing
Ben Channon's new book Happy by Design: A Guide to Architecture and Wellbeing explores the ways that buildings and spaces can impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
1970-01-01
WA Cladding Update
ACA - WA President Malcolm Jones gives an overview of the WA cladding audit, issues around ACP compliance, and some early next steps.
1970-01-01
Professional and Technical Services now on the SA Product Register
Do you want your practice to be visible to SA State Government procurement staff? Then sign up to the SA Product Register.
1970-01-01
May 2019 ACIF Forecast
ACA members now have free access to the ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard, with the May forecast available from 14 May.
1970-01-01
ACA President's Comment – April 2019
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.
1970-01-01
Risk Management - A Refresher
Risk Manager Felicity Dixon takes us through the fundamentals of risk management, advising on how best to identify, manage and allocate risk.
1970-01-01
President's Report - April 2019
National President John Held discusses long hours, unpaid internships and the value in getting involved.
1970-01-01
CEO Update - April 2019
CEO Angelina Pillai reports on ACA advocacy, membership and the business toolkit, and finishes with a state by state wrap for March.
1970-01-01
ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard
ACA members will now have free access to the ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard.
1970-01-01
Registered Architects are on the List!
No more chasing around to find a JP to witness your Stat Dec. Registered architects are now authorised witnesses.
1970-01-01
CEO Message - First Month in Office!
New CEO Angelina Pillai reviews her first month at the helm of the ACA.
1970-01-01
ACA's First CEO Appointed
The ACA is delighted to announce the appointment of Angelina Pillai as Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Consulting Architects.
1970-01-01
New Construction Product Register
NATSPEC’s National Construction Product Register is a new tool to ensure quality control and reduce the number of non-conforming products in the Australian built environment. Emma Green from NATSPEC Communications tells us more about how it works.
1970-01-01
Key Findings from Non-conforming Building Products Inquiry
The final report of the inquiry into non-conforming building products was tabled by the Senate Economics References Committee in December 2018. Subtitled “the need for a coherent and robust regulatory regime”, it aims to strengthen accountability and compliance in relation to building products.
1970-01-01
AACA Seeks Participants for Focus Groups
Do you have something to say about the way practitioners can be involved in architectural education? The AACA is looking for a mix of architects to take part in focus groups nationwide.
1970-01-01
Welcome to 2019
The year has begun with a focus on quality - and the lack of it. ACA President John Held considers what architects and the ACA can do to improve the quality of the built environment.
1970-01-01
NSW Security of Payment Act
The NSW Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Bill 2018 has passed parliament.
1970-01-01
Reflections from the ACA President
ACA National President and SA branch President John Held reflects on the year's achievements and the challenges ahead.
1970-01-01
A Balanced Outlook for Construction
The Australian Construction Industry Forum has released its new ACIF Forecasts, with growth expected in non-residential building and infrastructure construction, but the decline in residential building expected to continue.
1970-01-01
1970-01-01
Non-compliant Cladding and Insurance Exclusions
Insurance specialist Laurence Gottlieb explores the issue of non-compliant cladding and other materials, warning of the changes afoot in the insurance industry.
1970-01-01
John Held, New ACA National President
John Held, long-time ACA - SA President, is the new ACA National President. He introduces himself and plans for the future.
1970-01-01
Report Identifies Widespread Sexual Harassment
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released the findings of its national survey on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.
1970-01-01
New Building Product Ban in NSW
The NSW Commissioner for Fair Trading has announced a building product ban for certain types of aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding.
1970-01-01
New BIM Ready Report Released
The Queensland BIM Taskforce has released its findings from its recent BIM Survey.
1970-01-01
ACA Announces New Partnership with BEC
The ACA is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Built Environment Channel (BEC), a free digital screen network available to practices big and small.
1970-01-01
Common Claims and How to Avoid Them
Experienced Claims Manager Kerrie McLeish discusses the most common claims she sees and gives valuable advice on how to avoid them.
1970-01-01
Pro bono Legal Advice for ACA Members
The ACA is delighted to announce a new agreement with Moray and Agnew Lawyers. This provides members with 20 minutes of pro bono legal advice from Moray and Agnew’s experienced commercial team.
1970-01-01
New BIM Taskforce
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.
1970-01-01
Update on Building Products
Risk Manager Wendy Poulton offers a comprehensive update on the latest research and investigations on building product compliance in Australia.
1970-01-01
ACA NEC meeting, Adelaide 2017
The National Executive Committee met recently in Adelaide. It was an opportunity to reflect on the activity of the past five years, and to chart a path for the next five. ACA National President Kieran Wong reports.
1970-01-01
Join the SA Practice Admin Group!
The ACA - SA Practice Administrators Group meets regularly to share knowledge, views and experiences. New members welcome.
1970-01-01
A Message from Kieran Wong, ACA National President Elect
Kieran Wong, ACA National President Elect, introduces himself and plans for the future of the ACA.
1970-01-01
Congratulations John Held!
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.
1970-01-01
Congratulations Catherine Baudet
Catherine Baudet's decades of advocacy for women in architecture has been recognised with the Paula Whitman Prize for Leadership Gender Equity.
1970-01-01
Do Your Contracts Contain ‘Unfair Terms’?
What will the new Unfair Contract Terms law mean for architects? Planned Cover and Jackson Macdonald take a look.
1970-01-01
Fast Track Pathways to Registration
The AACA has introduced two fast track pathways to registration for experienced practitioners.
1970-01-01
Measuring Up
A new report aims to explore new futures for architecture and new ways of measuring the contribition already made by the industry.
1970-01-01
Announcing the ACA Business Toolbox and ACA Salary Calculator
The ACA BUSINESS TOOLBOX provides members with the essential resources to effectively and easily operate their businesses.
1970-01-01
Non-compliant materials
The Victorian Building Authority is contacting building practitioners - including architects - to identify the possible use of non-compliant building material in the construction of buildings in Victoria.
1970-01-01
ACA Strategic Plan - An Update
The ACA has achieved an enormous amount since it released a new Strategic Plan, in 2012. National President, Steve Kennedy, outlines the achievements to date.
1970-01-01
Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice
The Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice aim to help Australian architecture move towards a more equitable profession; one that offers opportunity for all and is better positioned to meet contemporary challenges.
1970-01-01
ACIF & APCC collaborations
ACIF and the APCC have a number of projects underway relating to procurement, project team integration and BIM.