ACA National President John Held questions the narrow focus of a recent Cladding Victoria report, which assigns blame for the cladding crisis to a few professionals rather than addressing widespread systemic failures.

Why would an architect move to project management? Is it better money, more fulfilment, a clearer career path, better life balance? ACA President John Held ponders why people make the shift and the work the profession needs to do to hold onto its promising young talent.

ACA National President John Held reflects on the nature of quality in the built environment, from design, documentation, construction and environmental aspects to the quality of the profession itself, from graduates up to senior architects.

As the year comes to a close, ACA National President John Held reflects on the expanding activities of the organisation, from IR and the nuts and bolts of profitable practice, to mental wellbeing, business planning and marketing, and advocating for students, graduates, managers and leaders.

It’s been a busy month of advocacy for the ACA. National President John Held outlines some of the ACA’s current advocacy work and emphasises the importance of collaboration when trying to make a difference.

ACA National President John Held reflects on education, ongoing learning, obstacles for students and graduates, and ACA advocacy and support of the latest research.

As yet another year draws to a close, ACA CEO Angelina Pillai and ACA President John Held reflect on the hard work, activities and priorities of the ACA over 2022, and exciting plans for the year ahead.

ACA President John Held takes us through the highs and lows of the month, from an uplifting NEC meeting in Adelaide to the profitless boom, regulatory battles and poor procurement practices, and the need to work towards better quality of life for practice owners, their staff, their clients, our society and the planet.

Pandemics, personal tragedies and economic downturns strike unexpectedly. We need to look for ways to support others and help our profession be better, writes ACA National President John Held.

ACA National President John Held discusses some of the current issues dogging the construction industry, including price rises, materials shortages, labour scarcity and delays, and the resultant impacts on building contracts.

ACA President John Held reviews the ACA’s advocacy, activities and priorities over the last six months, covering automatic mutual recognition, flexibility, mental wellbeing and equity in practice.

As we embark on another pandemic year full of uncertainty and disruption, John Held invites members to ask questions and give feedback to help the ACA provide assistance in the months ahead.

As we prepare to farewell 2021, ACA President John Held reflects on the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned over the last year.

The effects of low fees and long hours on mental wellbeing in the architecture profession is becoming increasingly clear, but if fees went up, would the time or the profit trickle down? John Held explores the issues.

John Held writes on the topics of the day, including vaccination, ventilation and air quality, and the ACA’s joint advocacy around the National Registration Framework.

John Held reflects on the challenges of the past year and the ACA’s ongoing commitment to gain recognition, raise awareness and advocate to government and the wider community.

New building legislation in NSW and proposed changes in Victoria will have wide-ranging impacts on the profession, and it’s critical that architects ask questions, give feedback and engage with government, says John Held.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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