The Business of Architecture*

The NSW/ACT branch is planning a three-week online forum with the mission to reconsider the culture of the architectural profession and the culture of building more widely, reports Michael Lewarne.

Professor Tom Kvan argues the case for broad access to a design-based education and points out the profound societal benefits it brings.

In the wake of the Opal Tower debacle, Michael Hegarty explores the role of the Clerk of Works, and the need to return this key project role to Australian construction sites.

Don't delay. Take the AACA's Architectural Education and the Profession Practitioner Survey before 14 December and help shape the future of education.

Michael Smith interviews Flora Samuel about the state of the profession, future challenges, and whether we need more or less architects.

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.

The Shergold-Weir Report argues for better quality documentation and improved oversight. ACA – SA President John Held digs down to see what the recommendations might mean for architects. 

John Held argues that stepping up to the small stuff is also the path to improving the profession's wider role in society.

Women make great leaders, but a seat at the top table is often elusive. Emma Williamson explores the obstacles women face on the road to the top.

Do we want a downstream future or an upstream one? The choice is ours, and the consequences are far-reaching. Peter Raisbeck outlines two scenarios.

Peter Raisbeck argues that the false opposition between design and business is crippling architecture. We need to bridge the divide to ensure the ongoing viability of the profession.

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

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.

A rapidly changing profession brings fresh opportunities for flexibility and specialisation, says emerging architect Emily Chalk.

Michael Hegarty reflects on the rise of the integrated architecture and engineering practice, arguing that we need to reframe design as process that is essential to client needs.  

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

Michael Pilkington takes a close look at the ACA – SA State of the Profession research, and argues we must take a ‘let's make the cake bigger’ approach to both practice and the way serve the community, “because, simply, we can and we do live fundamentally for some kind of human-betterment”. 

As young practitioners and thinkers deeply invested in our profession's future, Jenna Holder and Athanasios Lazarou consider the issues and make a strong call for collective action. Part of the ACA's Where to From Here series, which invites reflections on the recent ACA SA State of the Profession research. 

Sonia Sarangi and Michael Smith of Atelier Red and Black argue that we need to understand and 'own' the changes facing the profession, to help make them work for rather than against us. 

The Keith Neighbour Graduate Study Program assists those sitting registration exams in South Australia.  

Steve Kennedy contemplates the future and the coming challenges to the architectural industry in Australia. 

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

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia has recently revised the Overseas Qualification Assessment, resulting in a simpler and more direct process.

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia has launched a new online matrix enabling the comparison of registration requirements in Australia and elsewhere. This is complemented by an overview of the Australian architecture industry.

New Architects Regulations in Victoria come into effect 19 May.

The ATO has released its 2015 performance benchmarks for architecture. 

John Held reflects on the importance of the educated government client and architects who have a sophisticated understanding of the client organisation.

A new agreement signed by the AACA means that experienced registered architects can be recognised in all three countries. 

All professions grow, mature and change – Susan Shannon draws on her extensive body of research to reflect on registration and the shifting shape of the profession.

Reflecting on the opportunities ahead, Jane Cameron argues that we need to explore different modes of practice and new ways to recognise competance, and to design new business models.  

Design fees, scope creep, government projects: Alexandra Howieson reflects on the state of the nation.

Leone Lorrimer outlines ten challenges facing architecture and ten actions we can take to turn these challenges into opportunities.  

Richard Choy argues that the profession needs to clearly value professional skills and expertise, and to invest in the young.

John Held reflects on deskilling and reskilling in the profession. Have architects lost the role of ‘trusted advisor’? What do low registration rates mean and what skills do we need to be effective in the future?

The way we deliver projects is changing at an ever-increasing rate. Are we keeping up?

Michael Bleby reflects on architecture and journalism.

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

Nic MacCormac reports on a vibrant discussion in Perth on architectural business issues, changes in the industry and how we can adapt to them.

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

A roundup of discussions elsewhere about the structure and ownership models of architectural practices.

The new Code of Conduct released by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia requires extra material to be added to standard architect client agreements.