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The business of collaboration

Collaboration between architectural practices can open doors to new projects, specialist expertise and shared resources, enabling practices of all sizes to expand their capacity and capabilities. Join the ACA and our panel of experienced practitioners for this practical CPD webinar exploring how architects can work effectively across geographic distances, practice boundaries and specialist disciplines.

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Facilitator Brad Hooper from our VIC/TAS branch will be joined by directors Leigh Rizzato (JWP Architects), Carly Martin (Akimbo Architecture) and Angus Wallace (Plico Design Studio). The panel will explore different approaches to collaboration, the opportunities these create and the challenges involved in managing shared responsibilities, project delivery and professional risk.

Through a series of project case studies, the webinar will explore:

  • Working collaboratively with other architectural practices across distance and on complex regional projects.
  • Leveraging complementary expertise, local knowledge and shared resources to strengthen project teams.
  • Managing collaborative arrangements, including agreements, allocation of services, responsibilities and professional risk.
  • Coordinating project delivery, consultants and stakeholders across multiple locations.
  • Building productive client and stakeholder relationships to create new opportunities for smaller and regional practices.

The session will conclude with a panel discussion exploring the business and professional considerations of collaboration, including the benefits, challenges and lessons learned from working across practice and geographic boundaries. The formal presentation will run for 60 minutes. Attendees are welcome to remain online afterwards for an extended discussion and Q&A with the speakers.

WHERE & WHEN

Live online or watch the recording.
1pm AEDT Tuesday 20 October 2026
(WA 10–11am, NT 11.30am–12.30pm, Qld 12–1pm, SA 12.30–1.30pm, ACT, NSW, Tas & Vic 1–2pm)

COST & BOOKING

ACA | ArchiTeam | Border Architects Forum members $30 incl GST
RAA members $51 incl GST
Non-members $60 incl GST
*One ticket per person. *All ticket holders will receive the recording registration link after the webinar.

Reserve your ticket below, or head to the booking site.

OUR SPEAKERS

  • Leigh Rizzato
  • Carly Martin

Leigh Rizzato | JWP Architects (Wodonga VIC)

Leigh Rizzato is a Practice Director and Nominated Architect at JWP Architects, an Albury-Wodonga-based practice working across northeast Victoria, southern NSW and beyond. Founded in 1993 as Jovaras Westland Partnership, JWP has grown to a team of more than 11 people and is now led by directors Leigh Rizzato and John Guthrie. The practice values an open, collaborative approach, bringing together diverse skills and perspectives across its projects.

Leigh has particular experience delivering complex regional projects, including work at Mount Hotham Alpine Resort, where projects have required close coordination across demanding site conditions, specialist consultants and multiple stakeholders. His work reflects a strong commitment to collaborative project delivery, local knowledge and responsive design, supported by productive relationships with clients, consultants, communities and project partners.

Carly Martin | Akimbo Architecture (Albury NSW)

Carly Martin is an architect and Director of Akimbo Architecture, the design studio she founded in 2019 with a focus on innovative, progressive and carefully resolved architectural outcomes. Prior to establishing Akimbo, Carly worked with Casey Brown Architecture, contributing to a number of award-winning projects including Hart House and Crackenback Stables.

Alongside practice, Carly has maintained a strong involvement in architectural education, teaching design studios at UNSW, UTS and the University of Sydney. She has also presented internationally, including as a keynote speaker at the PLAN Perspective Architectural Conference in Milan. Carly is also Chair of the Border Architects Forum, reflecting her strong commitment to professional networks, regional practice and collaboration across the architectural community.

Angus Wallace | Plico Design Studio (Melbourne VIC)

Angus Wallace is Director of Plico Design Studio, a South Melbourne-based architecture, interior design and heritage research practice specialising in the adaptation of historic places and contexts for contemporary use. The practice works across adaptive reuse, commercial, public and residential projects, predominantly in Victoria and Tasmania.

Angus brings extensive experience across all stages of project delivery, having previously held senior roles with James Millar Architects, SJB and Matyas Architects, and trained with heritage architect Robert Riddell in Queensland. His work is strongly informed by an interest in heritage, sustainability and landscape, and by the value of collaboration in responding to complex places and projects. Through Plico, Angus works with clients, specialist consultants, contractors and project partners to bring together diverse expertise and achieve thoughtful, context-responsive design outcomes.

Brad Hooper | Brad Hooper Architect (Melbourne VIC)

Brad Hooper is a sole practitioner who spent many years based in the main street of Maldon (regional Victoria), where his work ranged from new residential projects and heritage advice to building approvals and smaller community needs. Deeply embedded in regional practice, Brad values the close relationships, practical problem-solving and community engagement that come with working in a small town. He has recently transitioned his practice base to Melbourne.

Brad joined the VIC/TAS Committee in 2022 and is an active member of the ACA Regional Working Group, the AIA Victoria Chapter Regional Committee and a member of the Regional Architecture Association. A regular contributor to newspapers and radio on planning, construction and architectural issues, Brad is a strong advocate for architects playing a more visible and engaged role in their communities.

CPD

Completion of this 1 hour webinar and submission of the self-checked assessment task will deliver 1 formal CPD point.

Learning outcomes – Participants will gain an understanding of how collaboration between architectural practices can expand capacity, access specialist expertise and create new project opportunities. Through practical case studies, they will explore approaches to sharing resources and responsibilities, managing contractual and professional risks, and coordinating successful project delivery across geographic distances.

Practice Management & Professional Conduct – PC 5, PC16; Design Delivery & Construction Phase Services – PC 49.

The webinar will include time for Q&A and a CPD assessment task. Certificates will be provided following participation in the full webinar and online submission of answers to CPD questions. Points may be adjusted according to the final run time of the webinar.