The Business of Architecture*

Are you doing enough to protect your employees’ personal information? ACA partner Cbus explores the issues, identifying resources to assist in the protection of your employees and your practice.

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 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.

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.

What difficulties can ensue if client and architect fall out? Christopher Larcos has prepared a fascinating case note on a recent court decision that could affect architects who take over mid-project.

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

The Queensland government recently issued a series of reforms to improve security of payment for subcontractors. Risk Manager Cordilia Thomas looks at the detail.

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.

The ACA – WA recently held its second Business of Small Practice event, talking shares, trusts, asset protection and employee ownership.

The second independent survey of business and practice management systems has uncovered some interesting findings. 

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.

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.

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

Warwick Mihaly outlines the findings of the recent survey on the banks and ABIC contracts. The worrying results provided the foundation for the joint submission to the Banking Royal Commission by the ACA, ArchiTeam and the Institute of Architects.   

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

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.

Have you have been involved in a project that has been impacted by the banks’ resistance to loan against ABIC or AS contracts? Tell us all about it!

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. 

Is reintroducing fee scales and further regulation the solution to fee slashing and ‘the race for the bottom’ among architects? Is this really feasible in a world of increasing globalisation and diversification of service providers? Ceilidh Higgins considers other options.

The conversation about fees is taking off across social media. John Held argues that many of the contemporary problems facing architects derive from unpriced risk, and that nationwide research and smarter business practices are part of the solution. 

Special Counsel Sarah Wood outlines the insurance implications of sexual harassment claims, and suggests risk mitigation strategies for architectural practices.

Kieran Wong argues that the National Indigenous Housing Guide must be mandated by law to ensure the best housing outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Katherine Czoch and Chetan Shukla offer a comprehensive state by state review of the latest audits, regulation, court decisions and insurer responses to non-compliant cladding.

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. 

Broadening the procurement process to consider the value of good design brings economic benefits to the state, argues SA Industry Advocate Ian Nightingale.

Providing support and easing the transition for an employee returning to work makes good business sense, argues Jennekin Dicks.

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

Is the limit on your professional indemnity insurance policy enough? Planned Cover’s Kerrie McLeish explores the issues.    

Delegating your technology needs to your IT team is a mistake, argues Robert Peake. As a leader you need to understand and drive the IT strategy within your business.

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.

Is the limit on your professional indemnity insurance policy enough? Planned Cover’s Kerrie McLeish outlines the issues to consider when reviewing your insurance. 

How does your practice address sexual harassment at work? Merilyn Speiser from Catalina Consultants offers a 10-step approach to keep your business harassment-free.

Merging your firm can make good business sense. Robert Peake outlines the many benefits that a company merge can have for small practice owners.

Social media should be an important part of the every architectural practice's communication program, but not all architects know how to proceed. Kate Potter explains how to get started.

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

Peter Raisbeck provides a snappy outline of the ten profit drivers of small architectural practice.

Do you know where to start when choosing a new business management system for your practice? 

Do your construction project contracts reflect your appetite for risk? Mark Glynn explores the issues.

Dynamic leadership, talented employees, exciting projects and appreciative clients mean little if a firm is stressed and struggling with its bottom line, says Jennekin Dicks. Managing profitability well can make all the difference.

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

Self-care is often not a top priority in the life of the small business owner, but it is the most fundamental – not only to your personal health and wellbeing but the success of your business. 

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

The topic of mental health is receiving increasing attention in architecture. So, how can you ensure that your practice is safe and healthy? ACA partner Cbus works with SuperFriend to provide knowledge and resources about mental health, some of which is shared below. 

For better or worse, it seems that novation is here to stay. So, how can consultants get the best outcomes on novated projects? Wendy Poulton of informed suggested five key factors that can lead to a better novation experience.

The 2017/18 Federal Budget includes a few announcements that may impact both your business and your employees. ACA corporate partner Cbus provides an update.

How do you increase the value of your business and put your clients front and centre? Lindy Johnson shares six helpful tips.

John Held reflects on the findings of the 2017 ACA Federal Budget Impact Survey.

What does the 2017 Federal Budget mean for architectural practices and the profession?

Preconditioning is a negotiation tactic with a friendly facade and a dangerous bite. Ian Motley from Blue Turtle Consulting shows us how to use the preconditioning tactic to our advantage.

Emma Brain outlines CODA's approach to social media, which has enabled the Fremantle-based practice to build a national profile and engage with clients and colleagues across the country. 

ACIF is launching its new ten-year forecasts for building and construction at the ACIF Briefing in Sydney on Thursday 4 May.

Wendy Poulton reflects on the changing landscape of risk in architectural practice, and offers a check list of ten things to look for in commercial consultancy agreements. 

Lee Hillam reflects on the long-hours culture in architecture.

Poor workplace cultures and conditions are bad for everyone – employee, employer and the wider profession. David Wagner responds to one recent account. 

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.

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

An interview with ACA – WA President Kieran Wong about the ACA and potential collaborations with the Institute of Architects. 

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.

One of the least ethical negotiation tactics clients can use is the nibble. Design fee consultant Ian Motley explains what it is and how to strategise to achieve a good outcome for all.

How can your practice amplify its research capability? Peter Raisback suggests six strategies. 

It's essential that Australia has a consistent approach towards BIM implementation, ensuring its future growth can support international opportunities, argues Rebecca De Cicco.

The value of a company today is based on ideas rather than assets or staff numbers, so why do architects still charge by the hour? Ceilidh Higgins explores the possibilities for non-traditional fee structures.

South Australia produces some great architecture graduates. ACA – SA argues that they should also have the chance to design buildings for their universities as they proceed with their careers.  

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.

The ACA – SA Practice Administrators Group meets informally to discuss matters of common interest.

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.

Nurturing a company culture of opportunity and challenge, support and appreciation is not just about giving you a warm fuzzy feeling – it can increase your bottom line. Rena Klein makes the case.

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. 

Your staff are the best people to work out how to improve the productivity of your practice. Rena Klein explains the benefits of an Operational Improvement Charette, and provides a guide to running one. 

What is productivity and how should we measure it? Robert Peake reports on recent survey findings and suggests strategies for architectural practices.

How can small architectural practices be more profitable? Rena Klein outlines the issues to consider, and some strategies for getting started.

Is 'splitting the difference' really fair? Ian Motley explains how to respond to suggestions in fee negotiations. 

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

An update on the Australian Government’s response to the “Harper Review” into competition policy.

Ian Motley discusses body language, the power of silence and how architects can turn these tactics to their advantage. 

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.

What are the exposures of hacking and other cyber criminal activity to your business? Alex Conlon of BJS Insurance Brokers considers the issues in this emerging risk area.

Ian Motley provides advice on how to respond when potential clients use the 'good cop / bad cop' tactic during fee negotiations.

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.

A new report from ASBEC – Investing in Cities – calls for action by at all levels of government “to increase the productivity, prosperity and liveability of Australia’s cities”. 

The Growth, Ownership and Exit Strategies conference will exploreinternal and external options for transitioning ownership in professional services firms of all kinds.

New Architects Regulations in Victoria come into effect 19 May.

The ATO has released its 2015 performance benchmarks for architecture. 

Taxable Payments Reports for businesses in the construction industry are now due on 28 August. 

PPP projects do not always deliver all that is claimed – and architects rarely benefit. Ann Gorey reflects on the perceived advantages, claimed benefits and actual costs of this common procurement method.  

Ian Motley argues that fee erosion is often the result of standard negotiation tactics. He explains how to recognise when you are ‘negotiating against yourself’  and how to avoid it. 

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

The RIBA has released guidelines to explain how client organisations can get the best possible outcomes when they procure architectural services.

A new report from Consult Australia argues that there are many opportunities for better and more efficient procurement of professional services on government projects. 

How do you develop a clear, effective process for succession in your practice? Robert Peake outlines the key issues and strategies, and warns of problems you may encounter. 

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

What are the insurance implications of BIM for architects? Alex Conlon of BJS Insurance Brokers considers the issues in this emerging field.

The ACA is delighted to announce the launch of the Architects' Time/Cost Calculation Guide.

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.

Steve Kennedy announces the ACA Year of Procurement, and argues for the value of enjoying what we do. 

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

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

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

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.  

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?

Does your practice have an effective strategic plan? Robert Peake, of Management for Design, outlines the importance of strategy, and suggests some ways to get started. 

Michael Bleby reflects on architecture and journalism.

How might the industry encourage clients to take up BIM?

John Held on happiness, mental health and the construction industry.

How architects present in government contexts can have a large impact on their chances of getting the job, or gaining support for a project. Jill Garner, Victorian Associate Government Architect, offers some tips. 

The Infrastructure Q Directions Statement from the Queensland Government.

Planning lawyer Paul Vergotis offers a set of tips to help manoeuvre an architectural project through planning systems from proposal to success. 

Ian Motley argues that the profession needs to radically rethink the overall approach to fees and pricing work. 

Antony Di Mase canvasses the complexities of setting fees and the valuing of architectural work, arguing that we need consensus on how fees are determined. 

How do we ensure the community reaps the benefits of a well-designed built environment? Peter Barda considers what types of policy might be effective. 

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.

The ACA welcomes the release of the final inquiry report of the Productivity Commission into Public Infrastructure.

Step into the creative sandpit – two workshops in Tasmania with John Pastorelli.  

How do you build an architectural business? Charles Justin offers 10 principles to guide a 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.

How can financiers, architects and lawyers find better and fairer ways of working together? Ian Hore reports on a recent ACA – SA round table discussion.

Is it reassuring or not to be told there are many definitions for ‘the Cloud’? Dean Wood reports and reflects on a recent ACA – WA event.

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

Useful tips from Prodonovich Advisory.

Anna Piatkowska invites members to help develop a set of guidelines on architects’ duties as employers under health and safety legislation.

A discussion paper and the terms of reference for the review of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme are now available.

Jack Birrell on the things to consider when choosing your insurance provider.

An overview of changes to the Privacy Act from March 12. 

The terms of reference have been released for the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

ACA – WA's first event for 2014 asks, What can cloud technology do for an architectural practice?

What is the current situation for insurance? Damian Harrison overviews the PI insurance landscape as it pertains to architecture.

Peter Sarlos explains the Security of Payment Act and how architects might use it to their benefit.

Damian Harrison, of BJS Insurance Brokers, responds to Peter Sarlos’s concerns about PI insurance precluding claims for fees.

Consult Australia has released its 2013 Workforce Diversity Industry Snapshot. 

How can architects use social media effectively for business and professional development?

A collection of articles to help you think about the role of marketing in your practice.

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

A new working group in South Australia aims to rationalise the work health and safety material presented to architects.

The RBA Chart Pack includes material of interest to architecture and construction.

Infrastructure Australia has released the National Infrastructure Plan, a report to the Council of Australian Governments.

The Productivity Commission has released the report from its study of major project development assessment processes. 

John Held reflects on how the ACIF Forecasts are used at Russell and Yelland.

Where is the construction industry heading? Peter Barda outlines November ACIF Forecasts findings. 

Damian Harrison comments on recent concerns about the ‘assumed liability’ exclusion in AS 4122–2010.

Does your PI insurance preclude claims for fees? Peter Sarlos outlines the issues. 

The federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has released its fourth State of Australian Cities report.

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.

Why are IT products more expensive in Australia and what is being done about it?

Peter Sarlos on the challenges of calculating fees and conveying the value of an architect's work to clients.

Anna Piatkowksa provides an update on current safe design requirements and the ACA’s Safe Design Process.

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.

ACA Safe Design documents are being been adapted for South Australia.