Defragging Procurement
Current fragmented systems for procuring and delivering complex building projects are compromising the built outcome, to the detriment of the consumer, the public and the built environment professions. Stephen Pearse argues that the building procurement process needs a complete defrag.
Building Commissioner Auditing Not Enough
The NSW Government announcement of a new Building Commissioner to audit building design and construction does not go far enough. Government needs to investigate the construction contracting methods, relationships and behaviours that affect building quality and safety.
Futures Forum in the 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.
NSW Security of Payment Act
The NSW Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Bill 2018 has passed parliament.
The Mill: Architecture + Design
Learning when to say no to the wrong client, the wrong project or the wrong situation in general has been valuable for Shannon Battisson of The Mill in Canberra.
New Building Product Ban in NSW
The NSW Commissioner for Fair Trading has announced a building product ban for certain types of aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding.
Mid-year Update from NSW/ACT
The ACA – NSW/ACT branch has planned a host of interesting events for the second half of 2018.
2018 Award Rates
Updated Federal Industrial Awards pay rates for the Architects Award – effective from 1 July.
The Latest News from NSW
ACA – NSW/ACT has had a busy month, with several events and initiatives.
ACA - NSW/ACT Event: Sustainability Presentation
Join the ACA – NSW/ACT for a discussion on the 'third wave' of sustainability by architect and educator Tone Wheeler.
Welcome to ACA - NSW/ACT
Come along to our latest event – Welcome to the ACA – to find out more about the ACA Toolbox and how we can help you run your business!
Be informed Briefing: Partial Services and Novation. The New Normal?
Join informed by Planned Cover to learn about the consultant’s evolving role, and what this means for your practice.
2017 Highlights from ACA - NSW/ACT
New ACA – NSW/ACT President Agi Sterling takes a closer look at the highlights of 2017.
Call for NSW Design Review Panel Members
Government Architect NSW has launched a pilot design review program and is seeking highly qualified professionals to be part of the NSW State Design Review Panel.
Fee Proposal Workshops
Blue Turtle is offering ACA members a 10% discount on its Fee Proposal Workshops being held in five cities around Australia in November.
NSW/ACT Update
ACA – NSW/ACT is moving ahead on a new program of events and initiatives.
Help Test the New ACA Member Forum
The ACA is developing a new online forum for members – help test the beta version.
Building Community with ACA - NSW/ACT
An update from Agi Sterling, the new ACA – NSW/ACT President.
Welcome Agi Sterling
Introducing Agi Sterling, the new ACA – NSW / ACT President, and her plans for the year ahead.
ACA Canberra Lunch
Canberra architects – join ACA – NSW/ACT and President Steve Kennedy at an informal round table lunch on Monday 25 June.
Short Form Architect Client Agreement
Just three pages and a cover letter, the ACA Short Form Architect Client Agreement is a fair and balanced model contract for use on small to medium sized projects.
Announcing the new Short-Form Client-Architect Agreement
Join ACA – NSW/ACT at an event to launch the latest item in the ACA Toolbox – the new Short-Form Architect-Client Agreement.
ACIF Forecasts Launch - May 2017
ACIF is launching its new ten-year forecasts for building and construction at the ACIF Briefing in Sydney on Thursday 4 May.
ACA - NSW/ACT Update
A series of roundtable discussions and the launch of two important business tools will be the focus of the ACA – NSW/ACT in coming months.
ACA Insight - the National Webinar Program
ACA Insight – the National Webinar Program gives all members the opportunity to join a national discussion on the business of architecture.
Announcing the ACA Insight 2017 Webinar Program
The ACA is delighted to announce the 2017 ACA Insight National Webinar Program. Put the dates in your diary now!
Do Unto Others
ACA National President Steve Kennedy wishes all well, and urges architectural practices to look forward to 2017 with 'optimism for ourselves but also with optimism and generosity towards our staff'.
NSW/ACT 2016 Update
Agi Sterling, ACA – NSW / ACT Vice President, reflects on a successful year.
Managing Mental Health
David Springett reports on the recent NSW ARB workshop looking at mental health in architecture.
ACA Financial Training
Greg Isaac provides an overview of the recent financial training program undertaken by all ACA elected members.
ACIF Forecasts - November 2016
ACIF has released is Construction Industry Forecast for November 2016.
ACA Member Offer - Fee Proposal Workshops
Blue Turtle is offering ACA members a 10% discount on its Fee Proposal Workshops around Australia in April
ACA - NSW/ACT Election Notice
Nominations are now open for the 2016 ACA – NSW/ACT elections.
Architects in Australia
Insightful reports by Gill Matthewson chart the professional profile of architects and the industry’s growth and development in recent years through the 2001, 2006 and 2011 Censuses.
2016 - A Year of Optimism & Promise
ACA National President, Steve Kennedy, welcomes members to an optimistic 2016.
Why switch off the lights?
Why run a webinar on closing down an architecural practice? Isn't that just too depressing? Well, no. Michael Neustein explains.
A Seven-Step Guide to using the Security of Payment Act
Robert Macindoe offers a guide to using the Secuity of Payments Act, based in firsthand experience.
What Are We Going to Do with All the Architects?
Steve Kennedy contemplates the future and the coming challenges to the architectural industry in Australia.
Going Global
The demand for architectural services in the developing world is continuing to grow. Leone Lorrimer considers how Australian architects can make the most of offshore opportunities, and gives the government some pointers on how to help.
NSW Government Advocacy
An update on ACA – NSW / ACT advocacy with the NSW state government.
Construction Market Report
What are the economic forecasts for your state? The ACIF Construction Market Report is out now.
2015 - The Year of Procurement
Steve Kennedy announces the ACA Year of Procurement, and argues for the value of enjoying what we do.
The Anganwadi Project
The ACA is pleased to announce its support of The Anganwadi Project.
What Makes a City?
The Hon Dominic Perrottet MP, NSW Minister for Finance and Services, launched the Sydney Architecture Festival with an impressive speech about the role of architects in the making of innovative cities.
Procurement Reform
Finally there is some movement on procurement reform in NSW. Steve Kennedy provides an update.
SEPP 65 Consultation
Have your say on proposed changes to NSW’s SEPP 65 – Design Quality of Residential Flat Development.
Navigating planning systems
Planning lawyer Paul Vergotis offers a set of tips to help manoeuvre an architectural project through planning systems from proposal to success.
The ACA in 2014
Steve Kennedy, ACA National President and ACA – NSW/ACT President, gives an overview of the year.
Congratulations Steve Kennedy!
Steve Kennedy, ACA National President, has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects for his sustained, long-term work for the good of the profession.
NSW ARB Research Grant
Do you have an 'innovative and forward-looking' proposal for research into the value of good design and the state of the profession? The NSW Architects Registration Board is calling for submissions for its 2014 Research Grant.
Fee Proposal Workshops
Blue Turtle is offering ACA members a discount on its Fee Proposal Workshops being held around the county in November.































































