The Business of Architecture*

The COVID crisis continues to pose many challenges for employers, often involving areas of the laws that were largely unexplored until the pandemic. The next such challenge relates to employers mandating vaccines. Tom Earls explores the issues for ACA members.

The Federal government announced its long awaited workplace relations reform package on 9 December, setting the scene for industrial relations to be at the forefront of the political agenda coming into 2021. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers provides a summary of the proposed legislation for ACA members.

Management for Design responds to some frequently asked questions for ACA members, covering everything from strategic plans and building a team, to resource and project management, profitability and financial control, and the critical ingredients to successful leadership.

The ACA’s National Principal Partner, NexSys IT, is extending its support to ACA members with an exclusive offer of Autodesk licences at cost price.

ACA members have access to financial and business management support through an advisory service from Management for Design.

ACA members practices can access a 15-minute consultation with Fair Work Lawyers on employment matters and industrial relations issues.

ACA members have the opportunity to access 20 minutes of legal advice from one of the senior members of the Moray & Agnew team.

Comprehensive and written in plain English, the HR Policy Templates can be readily tailored to suit the needs of specific practices.

Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers summarises the findings of an important high court decision about personal leave accrual for ACA members.

The various classifications of the Clerks Award can cause confusion. Tom Earls of Fair Work Lawyers clears up some common areas of conflict.

The updated ACA Employment Agreement Templates are available for all members to download and use in their practice.

By 1 July 2020, Victoria will introduce industrial manslaughter laws for the first time. At the same time, Australia continues its efforts to contain COVID-19, including significant restrictions on work and workplaces. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers explores the issues for ACA members.

The ACA Resource Sharing System (RSS) is a very timely employment initiative designed to assist members in retaining valuable staff by entering into short-term secondment agreements.

On 20 May 2020, the full bench of the Federal Court redefined what constitutes a casual worker. Michael Corrigan digs into the detail.

The ACA Architects' Time/Cost Calculator Version 3 helps practices assess the time and costs involved in providing an appropriate level of service for a broad range of building types.

Special conditions for the ABIC SW and ABIC MW contracts introduce the concept of Force Majeure, including pandemics.

Tom Earls and David Putland from Fair Work Lawyers provide an update on key considerations for employers when circumstances force them to stand down parts of their workforce.

With COVID-19 threatening to have significant impacts on businesses and workplaces around Australia in the coming weeks and months, Tom Earls and David Putland from Fair Work Lawyers provide insights into the complex and often competing legal concepts relating to employment.

The ACA Salary Calculator provides architectural practices with a clear methodology for determining the appropriate award-compliant salaries.

Special conditions allow the ABIC Commercial Basic Works Contract to be adapted for use on small residential projects in New South Wales.

Novation can create confusion for architects and builders alike. Christopher Larcos offers a legal primer to the contractual rights and obligations of a novated project.

Just three pages and a cover letter, the ACA Short Form Client Architect Agreement is a fair and balanced model contract for use on small- to medium-sized projects. Edition 4 out now (updated March 2021)!

The findings of the 2018 National Salary Survey, with analysis by Dr Gill Matthewson, are now out. There is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!

The ACA Guide IFA Agreement provides member practices with a guide document to review and adjust to suit their particular practice.

The ACA provides new Guide Agreements to assist members meet their obligations under recent changes to the Architects Award.

The findings of the 2017 National Salary Survey, with analysis by Dr Gill Matthewson, are now out - salaries are up very slightly, but worrying trends continue for the third year. There is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!

The ACA's Safe Design Proformas help architects to meet their obligations under the Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and state-specific regulations.

ACA - SA has developed a model checklist for roof access on site inspections.

The ACA has released the report on findings of the 2015 National Salary Survey. The outlines the broad trends identified this year and compares these to the results from the previous two years.

A new Professional Services Subcontract is available for members to use when a back-to-back agreement is required with the Lead Consultant.

The ACA is pleased to release a report on findings of the first two iterations of the National Salary Survey.

A Guide Employment Agreement for Contractors Employed in an Architect’s Office.