1970-01-01

ACA President’s Comment

27 September 2020

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA President’s Comment – July 2020

14 July 2020

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA President’s Comment – June 2020

9 June 2020

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

The Power of Sharing Stories

21 April 2020

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA President’s Comment – March 2020

24 March 2020

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA President’s Comment – February 2020

3 February 2020

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

When Will Architects Be in the Firing Line?

7 November 2019

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

A Question of Standards

12 September 2019

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

How Can Architects Take Action?

3 September 2019

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

What Keeps Architects Awake at Night?

9 July 2019

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA President's Comment – April 2019

28 April 2019

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

President's Report - April 2019

2 April 2019

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

Building Commissioner Auditing Not Enough

13 February 2019

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

John Held, New ACA National President

21 September 2018

John Held, long-time ACA - SA President, is the new ACA National President. He introduces himself and plans for the future.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA August Update

18 August 2018

Read More >

1970-01-01

Building Confidence

18 August 2018

John Held provides an overview on recent discussions at the COAG Building Ministers Forum regarding the Shergold-Weir Report, Building Confidence.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA Update

16 July 2018

Read More >

1970-01-01

Fee Redemption: A mutually assured future

19 June 2018

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Building Confidence: The Shergold-Weir Report and its Implications for Architects

11 May 2018

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA April Update

16 April 2018

The latest advocacy and events in South Australia.

Read More >

1970-01-01

A Year of Highlights for ACA - SA

17 December 2017

This year has been a busy one for ACA - SA, with increased membership and plenty of new initiatives for research, advocacy and engagement.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA November Update

14 November 2017

There is a real opportunity to work on the new 'design-led' schools program in South Australia. John Held explains - and how ACA can help.

Read More >

1970-01-01

News from SA - August

21 August 2017

30 years of ACA - SA. John Held outlines current work, and reviews the last year of advocacy and action.

Read More >

1970-01-01

News from South Australia

13 July 2017

John Held with all the news from South Australia.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Step Up, Don’t Step Back

13 July 2017

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA SA June Update

9 June 2017

An update on activity from ACA - SA.

Read More >

1970-01-01

What Does the 2017 Federal Budget Mean for Architects?

6 June 2017

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

May News from SA

11 May 2017

ACA - SA is forging ahead with advocacy around the procrement of STEM works and proposed changes to government contracts.

Read More >

1970-01-01

SA April news

17 April 2017

An update from ACA - SA.

Read More >

1970-01-01

News from ACA - SA

19 March 2017

The ACA - SA's latest update features a strong program of events and advocacy for 2017.


Read More >

1970-01-01

Research in Practice

14 March 2017

John Held reflects on conjunctions of research and practice in a talk presented at the Australian Institute of Architects Flipped Forum, which asked ‘Can practice lead research?’

Read More >

1970-01-01

An update from the ACA National Executive Committee

17 February 2017

Read More >

1970-01-01

News from SA

17 February 2017

There is a lot planned in SA for 2017. John Held provides an update.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Learning Environment Opportunity Study

17 February 2017

ACA - SA has been working closely with the SA Department of Education and Child Development to introduce a new type of planning study for schools.

Read More >

1970-01-01

SA 2016: A year in review

15 December 2016

President John Held reports on a busy year for ACA in South Australia. Membership has risen, there’s generally a better vibe about the amount of work around.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA November 2016

10 November 2016

Advocacy and action continues apace in South Australia.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Give SA graduates a chance!

6 October 2016

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.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Local Content

22 September 2016

Specifying local content is important to South Australia's economy. A recent ACA - SA Round Table explored the issue with Industry Participation Advocate Ian Nightingale.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA August Update

19 August 2016

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA 2016 President's Report

19 June 2016

It’s been another busy year for the SA branch of the ACA. Membership has increased and feedback is positive.

Read More >

1970-01-01

What Does the 2016 Federal Budget Mean For Architects?

17 May 2016

The 2016 Budget Impact Survey indicates a fairly neutral overall response to the 2016 Federal Budget by architectural practices. The good news is that a over half of respondents are busier than last year, although not all are more profitable. John Held considers the findings.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA Action in SA

19 April 2016

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA March 2016

10 March 2016

Procurement, research, registration and roundtables - a brief update on a very active month at ACA - SA.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA December Update

4 December 2015

The last SA update for 2015. (Have you done the State of the Profession Survey yet?)

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA August 2015 Update

13 August 2015

News from ACA - SA.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA July 2015

21 July 2015

An overview of activities in South Australia this month.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA June Update

13 June 2015

John Held updates members on ACA - SA activities and discussions.

Read More >

1970-01-01

What does the 2015 Federal Budget mean for architecture?

23 May 2015

The message from the 2015 Federal Budget Impact Survey is clear - some short-term gains for some, but few long terms benefits.

Read More >

1970-01-01

May News from ACA - SA

12 May 2015

ACA - SA President John Held provides an update for May 2015.

Read More >

1970-01-01

The Gap Between Authority and Expertise - BIM and Government Procurement

12 April 2015

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA March Update

11 March 2015

An update on all things ACA - SA.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Improving Government Procurement in South Australia

10 February 2015

ACA - SA is on the front foot with changes in government procurement - a report on the recent DPTI priorities survey.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Deskilling and Reskilling

21 November 2014

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?

Read More >

1970-01-01

Do We Need a Construction Happiness Index?

4 November 2014

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA September Update

7 October 2014

This month’s activities in South Australia.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA August Update

2 September 2014

The August monthly update from ACA - SA.

Read More >

1970-01-01

July Update

4 August 2014

It is always busy at ACA - SA. John Held outlines recent events and activities.

Read More >

1970-01-01

SA President’s Report, 2013 - 2014

17 June 2014

John Held, ACA - SA President, reports on the previous year and on plans for the future.

Read More >

1970-01-01

I've Looked at Clouds From Both Sides Now ...

9 April 2014

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

Celebrating 50 years of ACA - SA

26 February 2014

ACA - SA celebrates 50 years with an event at the SA Architecture Museum.

Read More >

1970-01-01

ACA - SA Advocacy - February update

26 February 2014

ACA - SA has kicked off 2014 with energy and enthusiasm. John Held provides an update on recent advocacy and initiatives.

Read More >

1970-01-01

SA Workplace Health & Safety Working Group

12 December 2013

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

Read More >

1970-01-01

SA President's Report

1 December 2013

John Held provides an overview of SA activities in 2013.

Read More >

1970-01-01

Australian Construction Industry Forum Update

9 October 2013

John Held provides an update on recent ACIF activities.

Read More >

The ACA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Australia.