The ACA National Webinar Program offers the opportunity for practitioners to join a national discussion on the business of architecture, while also gaining CPD.

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.

Verity Campbell offers a recap of her recent ArchiPitch event, which featured seven architectural practices pitching big ideas to a panel of social housing experts.

Sydney-based ArtMade Architects has won the Client’s Choice Award for the Best Architecture Firm for the second year running.

informed by Planned Cover is offering a 15% discount to ACA members for their follow-up webinar on the Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) on 22 April.

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.

Our good friends at ArchiTeam are offering a special discounted rate for ACA members for the ArchiTeam conference on Friday 21 May.

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

Angelina Pillai outlines ACA advocacy and activity for the first quarter of 2021, with an emphasis on strategic partnerships, research and mental wellbeing within the profession.

John Held takes a look at the issues of the day, from the Lacrosse appeal decision to the end of JobKeeper and the Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill.

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.

On Wednesday 31 March, Mecca Events will present a CPD webinar on all things heritage, from understanding heritage context and significance to regulations and compliance, materials and finishes.

The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) and Our Watch have released a report into domestic and family violence, and the impacts this has on the workplace. The resource uses evidence to tackle some common myths about domestic and family violence, and provides tools and resources for Australian businesses to become leaders in prevention. 

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.

Tickets are now available for ArchiPitch 2021 on Tuesday 30 March, which will focus on big ideas for the social housing sector.

We need to work together to advocate for improved contracts and procurement methodologies, says John Held.

The ACA welcomes the automatic mutual recognition scheme, which serves as a sound framework to create national harmonisation across the architectural labour force. However, several issues need to be addressed.

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

informed by Planned Cover is offering a 15% discount to ACA members for their next Contract Administration webinar on 18 March.

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

On Wednesday 24 February, Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers will present a free IR Update for ACA members. Book now to reserve your place.

On the 10th anniversary of Keith Neighbour’s passing, John Held fondly remembers his former mentor and friend, who was a strong advocate for mentoring, connection and support within the profession.

The ACA is delighted to to support ArchiPitch 2021, which will tackle the important topic of social housing at Melbourne Design Week.

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. 

The ACA is delighted to extend a special half-year membership offer. Head to our membership portal to find out what’s on offer.

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

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.

WSP’s Indigenous Specialist Services team and Dr Shaneen Fantin of POD (People Oriented Design) will discuss First Nations Design Principles in Architecture and Building at an upcoming CPD webinar by Mecca Events on 10 February. ACA members can access a 20% discount.

informed by Planned Cover is offering a 15% discount for ACA members for a document management and record keeping webinar at lunchtime on 10 February.

The Federal government announced its long awaited workplace relations reform package on 9 December, setting the scene for industrial relations to be at the forefront of the political agenda coming into 2021. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers provides a summary of the proposed legislation for ACA members.

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.

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.

Entries for the Built and Natural Environment Consulting category of the Client Choice Awards are closing on 15 December.

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.

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.

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.

The ACA is delighted to introduce Tom Earls of Fair Work Lawyers (FWL), who will provide principal industrial relations advisory services for ACA members.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

informed by Planned Cover is offering ACA members a special discounted rate for an upcoming webinar on what clients need from their consultants.

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

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.

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.

The ACA is delighted to announce a new partnership with Management for Design to provide financial and business management support services to members.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

It is an election year for all ACA branches in 2020, and we invite members to get involved.

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.

The AACA has announced that the 2020 National Examination Paper will now be delivered remotely via candidates’ individual devices with online live supervision.

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.

On 3 June 2020, the NSW Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 successfully passed through Parliament.

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).

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.

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.

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.

The full video presentation of the Architects Leadership Series Culture + Wellbeing breakfast event is now available online.

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.

Given the evolving Coronavirus situation across Australia, the AACA has postponed the APE National Examination Paper currently scheduled for 21 April until 18 August.

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?

Applications for the AACA’s 2020 National Program of Assessment (NPrA) close 28 February 2020.

As disaster strikes, John Held discusses the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, and the broader role of the architect in society.

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.

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.

ACA CEO Angelina Pillai reviews events, advocacy and activity in 2019 and outlines plans for the year ahead.

ACA CEO Angelina Pillai reflects on a week of inspirational panel discussions and events that will hopefully spur others on to further action.

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.

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.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum has released its Construction Industry Forecast for November 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As governments tackle systemic issues in the building industry, John Held outlines some of the ways that architects can make an impact.

Angelina Pillai reviews a very busy couple of months of advocacy and activity in the branches.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ACA - WA President Malcolm Jones gives an overview of the WA cladding audit, issues around ACP compliance, and some early next steps.

Do you want your practice to be visible to SA State Government procurement staff? Then sign up to the SA Product Register.

ACA members now have free access to the ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard, with the May forecast available from 14 May.

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.

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

National President John Held discusses long hours, unpaid internships and the value in getting involved.

CEO Angelina Pillai reports on ACA advocacy, membership and the business toolkit, and finishes with a state by state wrap for March.

ACA members will now have free access to the ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard.

No more chasing around to find a JP to witness your Stat Dec. Registered architects are now authorised witnesses.

New CEO Angelina Pillai reviews her first month at the helm of the ACA.

The ACA is delighted to announce the appointment of Angelina Pillai as Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Consulting Architects.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

ACA National President and SA branch President John Held reflects on the year's achievements and the challenges ahead.

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.

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

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

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released the findings of its national survey on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.

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

The Queensland BIM Taskforce has released its findings from its recent BIM Survey.

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.

Announcing improved access to the ACA Member Toolbox.

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

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.

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.

Risk Manager Wendy Poulton offers a comprehensive update on the latest research and investigations on building product compliance in Australia.

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.

The ACA - SA Practice Administrators Group meets regularly to share knowledge, views and experiences. New members welcome.

Kieran Wong, ACA National President Elect, introduces himself and plans for the future of the ACA.

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.

Catherine Baudet's decades of advocacy for women in architecture has been recognised with the Paula Whitman Prize for Leadership Gender Equity.

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

The AACA has introduced two fast track pathways to registration for experienced practitioners.

A new report aims to explore new futures for architecture and new ways of measuring the contribition already made by the industry.

The ACA BUSINESS TOOLBOX provides members with the essential resources to effectively and easily operate their businesses.

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.

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.

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.

ACIF and the APCC have a number of projects underway relating to procurement, project team integration and BIM.