Association of Consulting Architects

Sascha Byrne plays a vital role at the ACA, wearing many hats. One of the most important is her role as Wellbeing Program Manager. In this interview, she shares insights into her work with the ACA EAP program and the AMWF initiative, highlighting the fulfilment she finds in supporting practices and their staff: https://lnkd.in/g3WRTedn

It's the 5th anniversary of our landmark industry survey, and we need YOUR input! As we navigate challenging economic conditions heading into a federal election, now is the perfect time to check the pulse of Australian architecture. What began in March 2020 as a COVID-19 impact assessment has evolved into an essential industry barometer. Your participation: + Builds valuable longitudinal knowledge + Helps us provide targeted member support + Guides our advocacy with government and industry bodies + Delivers crucial benchmarking data for your practice Please complete one survey per practice (or one per state for multi-state offices) between March 31-April 14, 2025. Together, we can shape the future of Australian architecture! TAKE THE SURVEY HERE: https://lnkd.in/ghYQMYYa

Join the ACA NSW/ACT on Tuesday 29 April for exclusive insights on the latest NSW building regulation updates. Sharon Levy will provide you with critical knowledge to navigate the evolving construction landscape to increase your understanding and ensure you mitigate risks related to building compliance and liability. BOOK NOW via this link: https://lnkd.in/gf9XJFDJ

In late 2024, the federal government gave Australia’s privacy laws their biggest overhaul in decades, largely as a result of the need to update them in the age of digitalisation of the workplace. If you’re a practice owner, manager or HR professional, you need to be across the changes now, or face the possibility of legal or reputational risk. ACA HR Adviser Merilyn Speiser from Catalina Consultants provides an overview of these reforms and practical steps to ensure you comply: https://lnkd.in/gD3FtxRj

“A fascinating discussion about an urgent topic."⁠ ⁠ On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the ACA SA held a roundtable discussion on the critical and current topic of our national housing shortage. Special guests were invited to provide a 10-minute presentation each prior to a facilitated discussion of key themes, opportunities, and challenges. Head here to read an overview of this great event: https://lnkd.in/g9-RZueB

Final Call! ACA QLD's next Business of Small Practice event is this Friday! Join us over drinks as renowned business coach Ray Brown leads an expert panel - Rebecca Caldwell, Paul Butterworth and Kieron Gait - exploring critical questions facing today's architectural practices: + How do practices remain financially sustainable without comprising design or the wellbeing of their staff? + How do you balance research, design ideation and time on-site with the need to deliver profitable projects? + What lessons can we learn to improve the security and satisfaction of running our businesses? BOOK HERE: https://lnkd.in/ggKmuBUq

In his March commentary, ACA National President Paul Viney highlighted the ACA's important role, provided a rundown of branch initiatives and contributions, and examined future challenges and opportunities. This is worth reading for anyone curious about who we are and what we do: https://lnkd.in/gMG9rBS7

FINAL CALL! If you haven't got your tickets yet, now's the time to book! BoSP is back in Melbourne on 26 March, this time at Metz Tile Gallery in Collingwood. The Business of Small Practice (BoSP) forum is a fantastic opportunity for those running or interested in getting started in small practice to meet up, listen to experts, share knowledge and learn from each other. Our second event will feature an experienced panel discussing organisational structure and business planning. Speakers include Toby Ewert, Ross Clark and Shae Parker McCashen. BOOK HERE: https://lnkd.in/gFzNk367

Legislative changes in 2024 have re-complicated this area of law, with businesses facing real risks in managing independent contractors' use, particularly if their documentation is inadequate. The ACA’s IR advisor, Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers, has written a comprehensive explainer. Learn more about independent contractors and what employers need to know: https://lnkd.in/g2psg9mN

Your weekend reading has arrived!⁠ ⁠ This month's ACA newsletter includes an update from President Paul Viney on branch activities and future outlook, plus the following essential resources for architects:⁠ ⁠ + The Unfair Contract Terms Discussion Paper ⁠ + Critical explainer on new independent contractor legislation and compliance risks⁠ + Guide to the Privacy Act amendments affecting all Australian businesses⁠ + An interview with ACA Wellbeing Programs Manager (and general powerhouse), Sascha Byrne + Half-price ACA membership available until July 2025!⁠ ⁠ Read the full newsletter and access these valuable resources via this link: https://lnkd.in/ggjqZYAV