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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

How might the industry encourage clients to take up BIM?

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.