The business of architecture
According to the standard client and architect agreement published by the Australian Institute of Architects, there are three traditional methods by which an architect can charge fees to her client: Percentage fee Lump sum fee Hourly rates[1] There's a fourth method that's emerging amongst younger practices, inspired by the lean startup strategy and the practice of web-based design platforms... Continue Reading →
The Australian Institute of Architects' annual national conference, How Soon Is Now?, was held last month in Adelaide. Creatively directed by Cameron Bruhn, Sam Spurr and Ben Hewett, it explored the "agency of architecture to make real changes in the world."[1] The directors identified the expansive conversation of last year's conference, Risk, as a precursor, and proposed to... Continue Reading →
In recent months, members of the Australian Institute of Architects have received a stream of emails addressing substantial changes underway within the organisation. The changes target the very heart of the Institute and systematically rethink the way it functions. This is a subject I've discussed previously (see Why I'm a member of the AIA and A better AIA), so have followed the proposed... Continue Reading →
This is the 6th of twenty-one lessons for design students, gathered from the combined experience of being a student, and teaching students. I will published one lesson each weekday until they're done. 6. The triangle offensive At the Australian Institute of Architects national conference this year, keynote speaker Gregg Pasquarelli suggested a powerful test of any idea: A good... Continue Reading →
Last month, I wrote an article asking why I'm a member of the Australian Institute of Architects. I acknowledged that the principle reasons are altruistic: the AIA allows me to participate in my profession; it forges a strong profession; and it articulates ambition for our collective future. I also acknowledged that while there is of course a... Continue Reading →
What was it? The Australian Institute of Architects‘ annual architecture conference, held two weeks ago in Melbourne. Creatively directed by Donald Bates, Hamish Lyon and Andrew Mackenzie, it explored the changing role of risk in architecture. The directors framed the discussion by observing that "No one wants to be a safe architect. Safety assumes the conventional and the predictable. Who wants... Continue Reading →
Last week, the Victorian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects hosted its second annual members forum. Chapter Councillors Amy Muir and Stuart Harrison chaired a panel that fielded questions "on the role and direction of the profession, with a focus on media and engagement".[1] The event was free and intended for members' ears only, a deliberate... Continue Reading →
Marketing is a constant source of intrigue for the architecture profession. We don't understand it very well, so regard it with reverential awe. Marketing, we think, is the magic lamp that will make us rich. So we talk about it all the time, we ask our colleagues in hushed whispers for the secrets of their success,... Continue Reading →
When we are first approached by prospective clients, we have found that few fully understand what an architect does. Many interview draftspeople and volume builders also, and find it difficult to distinguish between the various levels of expertise and design engagement on offer. Invariably, a large part of our first discussion is devoted to explaining how... Continue Reading →
Jo Noero is the principal architect of Noero Architects, based in Cape Town, South Africa. Noero is renown for his work within the shack settlements of South African cities, and is as outspoken on issues of ethics, professionalism and the built environment as his projects are engaging. Noero visited Australia recently to present a lecture for the... Continue Reading →