The Institute has a range of on demand formal CPD courses available for you to undertake at your own pace for a period of 12 months.
In Harm’s Way (Module 1) – Urban Water and Resilient Cities QLD (2 Points) – The first module of the formal CPD series “In Harm’s Way” this presentation will enhance your understanding of how urban water metabolism evaluation plays a critical role in resilient and water sensitive urban design intervention, the principles of innovative and water-sensitive design in Queensland context and explore strategies for sustainable water-sensitive design governance. Read More
Building Commission NSW 2024 Update (2 Points) – The Building Commission NSW is the state’s first ever dedicated building regulator. A new, fit-for-purpose building regulator, the Commission brings together teams from NSW Fair Trading and the Office of the Building Commissioner into one to provide an integrated and consistent approach to ensuring confidence in residential building quality in NSW. This Institute of Architects event provides the opportunity to hear directly from NSW Building Commissioner and his team. Read more This course is also available as a free informal CPD here
Competition Law Compliance: Free Informal CPD Course – This informal CPD course will bring you up to speed with current regulatory context around competition law compliance. Read more
Modernist Legacy and Adaptive Revival Series (QLD)
This series aims to equip you with a comprehension of the best practices of cultural conservation, adaptive reuse and sustainable retrofitting of a heritage-listed building. Sessions present a case study of the West’s Furniture Showroom at 620 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Australia.
Part 1: Go West..The Burra Way (QLD) (1 Point) – The former West’s Furniture Showroom was designed by Dr Karl Langer and completed in early 1953. Explore its cultural significance and conservation and adaptive reuse by Riddel Architecture.
Part 2: Trusting the Process – In this session, Michael Lavery discusses the development of the Project Brief for the new RAIA Queensland Headquarters project with the primary author of that document, Mark Jones. Further, Fiona Gardiner, Michael Lavery, and Mark Jones discuss the criteria for selecting a design team for this project. Read more
Improving Energy Efficiency of Residential Buildings QLD (3 points) – This formal 3 point CPD aims to provide a better understanding of how the 2022 NCC changes and requirements for residential energy efficiency and QLD Resilient Home Guidance may impact the design, climate resilience and affordability of housing in QLD.
On Country in the Colony (1 Point) – This program addresses non-Indigenous designers who are seeking a more ethical practice on Aboriginal Country, in relationship with First Peoples, picking up on the non-Indigenous responsibility to engage. It asks how do we engage with First People’s ontologies of Country without continuing the violence and erasure that is our colonial legacy?
Beyond BAL: Designing Bushfire Resilience (1 Point) – As we experience more worrying bushfire seasons across Australia each year, we need to prepare for greater fire intensity, frequency and widespread house losses as a result of climate change. Nigel Bell of ECOdesign Architects highlights some of the most outstanding projects exemplifying recent bushfire resilient design.
NCC 2022 Update 01: Fire Safety
NCC 2022 Update 02: Energy Budgets
NCC 2022 Update 03: Condensation
NCC 2022 Update 04: Livability and Accessibility
BIM Implementation Strategies for Complex Projects (2 Points) – How is BIM is being used to improve collaboration and communication between architects, engineers, and contractors? Can BIM reduce costs and improve efficiency? In this session we explore the latest advances in BIM software and technology, with approaches to skilling-up your team on BIM and leveraging tech advancements on highly integrated projects.
Digital Design Tools: Change Management (2 Points) – This course has been designed to assist practices looking to move from one design software to another, and in particular, those who are making the transition to a BIM system. Our panel will talk through everything you need to consider when making a change, addressing both the big picture and the small details, as well as looking at what options might best suit your practice beyond the Revit vs Archicad debate.
Suggestions for those registered in NSW looking to add mandatory topics to their CPD record (see full categories further below)
National Construction Code
NCC 2022 Update 01: Fire Safety (2 points)
NCC 2022 Update 02: Energy Budgets (2 points)
NCC 2022 Update 03: Condensation (2 points)
NCC 2022 Update 04: Livability and Accessibility (2 points)
Sustainability, life cycle assessment and whole life carbon
Beyond BAL: Designing Bushfire Resilience (1 Point)
Zero Carbon Design Series 1-7 (7 points) (also available as individual sessions)
Meeting Higher BASIX Standards (2 Points)
Understanding and Respecting Country
On Country in the Colony (1 Point)
First Nations Competency Crash Course (8 points)
Understanding NSCA Competencies – Country and First Nations (2 points)
Respecting Country Through Design (1 point)
Indigenous Ecosystem Corridors and Nodes – Masterclass (4 points)
As we experience more worrying bushfire seasons across Australia each year, we need to prepare for greater fire intensity, frequency and widespread house losses as a result of climate change. Nigel Bell of ECOdesign Architects highlights some of the most outstanding projects exemplifying recent bushfire resilient design.
Ecology and Impact explores the impact of mega-fires in Australia and how the industry can adapt to support fire suppression in the future; natural landscape and bushfire ecology and bushfire attack from a building’s perspective leading to an outline of BAL-ratings. See More
Bushfire Design investigates proven weak-points prone to building ignition and what this means for architects, planners and landscapers; reflections on a client’s perspective and a conversation exploring the cost of rebuilding after bushfires. See more
Planning, Building and Landscape explores the bushfire regulations and national controls (codes and standards), their requirements and contradictions. BAL zones are considered, including common problems and possible solutions. This session also provides an insight into measures that can be taken within garden and property boundary zones to create defensible space and the way in which the surrounding terrain informs a bushfire response strategy. See more
In this presentation Jenny Donovan explores how architects can best help communities recover from disasters, how it is different to normal circumstances and the personal qualities required to truly make a difference.
This session is part of the Institute’s response to the unprecedented bush fires of 2019/2020. It is also applicable to other situations, disasters or extreme events causing trauma.
Architects engage at a very personal level with people looking to rebuild in the future after disasters. This session considers the effects of trauma on the mind. Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert Rob Gordon outlines the characteristics of continuing stress applicable to situations, disasters or extreme events causing trauma
This program introduces the key principles behind accessible design. Our presenters address the structure of the regulatory framework for accessibility of the Australian built environment and unpack important design concepts for accessibility. See More
Using a real case study of a large apartment complex, Presenter Ross Taylor will show how the leaks originate well before the waterproofer turns up with a bucket of goo and a 20-year warranty. The second half of the seminar will be devoted to workshopping the analysis of an actual high rise apartment design. Ross will provide insights into the key issues to look for in defect prevention and the documentation necessary to manage your practices’ risk.
Colour has always played a large role in human society and in the spaces we live and interact. We are constantly absorbing environments and their colours, and our brains process these colours as messages, drawing conclusions and setting expectations, however objective or subjective. When colour is used in architecture and interior design, it means much more than a simple aesthetic choice. See More
Urban anxieties and cultural differences are examined through the microcosm of an Alice Springs architectural practice. Alice Springs has a suburban fringe but this is not where its edges lie. Knives, exit plans, a swamp and a science fiction-posed paradigm offer insight and a framework for review of recent public and commercial projects from the Susan Dugdale and Associates team, in particular the CBD Revitalisation, an urban renewal project. See More
The fundamentals that underpin BIM and Sustainability will be explored by highlighting when and why environmental analysis should be undertaken and what tools are available within BIM software packages. This seminar will explain what each analysis is, how it works and why it’s important. It will also explore non-BIM tools and other considerations beyond BIM that designers should be mindful of when creating truly sustainable designs.
This session is suitable for both the novice and expert in BIM and similarly so in sustainability.
How is BIM is being used to improve collaboration and communication between architects, engineers, and contractors? Can BIM reduce costs and improve efficiency? In this session we explore the latest advances in BIM software and technology, with approaches to skilling-up your team on BIM and leveraging tech advancements on highly integrated projects.
This seminar will explore how to be sure that the building products you specify for a project are compliant and how to reduce your risk when choosing products.
Kristin Brookfield from the HIA will discuss the APCC Procurement of Construction Products: A Guide to Achieving Compliance and offer guidance on how to determine whether a building product is suitable to use. See More
Dr Marisha McAuliffe will expand on the role of colour in architecture and design, highlighting how it is used to influence behavioural response in the built environment.
The seminar will explore metamerism and the role of natural and artificial light, as well as practical application, context, perception, and physiological response to colour in architectural environments. In this context, Marisha will address in detail the three essential considerations when working with colour in architecture and design; Who? What? Where? See More
In this two-part series we showcase single dwelling and multi-residential projects from across Australia and representing architecture in a range of climate zones that have achieved high NatHERS ratings. See More
In this session we showcase single dwelling projects from across Australia and representing architecture in a range of climate zones that have achieved high NatHERS ratings. See More
In this session we showcase multi-residential projects from across Australia and representing architecture in a range of climate zones that have achieved high NatHERS ratings. See More
This course has been designed to assist practices looking to move from one design software to another, and in particular, those who are making the transition to a BIM system. Our panel will talk through everything you need to consider when making a change, addressing both the big picture and the small details, as well as looking at what options might best suit your practice beyond the Revit vs Archicad debate.
What is permanent, and what is the real lifecycle of a building? Nazrine Seraji discusses Design as Agency – architecture as a living agent using historical examples and her own projects to critically review the many approaches to urban planning from small towns to super cities and explores the relationship between public realm amenity and built form that is necessary for sustainable urbanism. See More
Moshe Safdie explains how the combination of densification, congestion and the new dominant typologies have brought about a dramatic deterioration of the public realm. He details how the single-use, multi-level mall disconnects from its surroundings and siphons energy off the traditional streets and piazzas, with the latter also severely affected by congestion and traffic. Moshe uses projects from his practice (such as the Habitat 67 complex) as case studies to show how they have tackled the challenge of mixed-use complexes throughout Asia, with the objective of restoring the public realm, befitting our times, culture and economy.
What if our health became the basis for judging every building and every public space? What if each of us—every person, everywhere—asked, “Does this place cause health? How does it make me feel?”
The architects involved in this session have design expectations that serve to optimise wellbeing and inspire. This session will explore health facilities that make people better and educational buildings that encourage learning and “teach” students. Case studies from Canada and Australia will be presented with clear examples of the benefits of human-centric design.
Through a selection of his resort projects and his design of the Thailand Pavilion in the Venice Biennale Architectural Exhibition in 2014, ‘Lek’ Mathar Bunnag shares the significant factors that inform, influence and shape his work. People, nature, cultural heritage and cosmic forces are all keys to his work, as well as the concept of architecture as art – sculpture, painting, poetry, dance and music are all part of the architecture.
Discover Bunnag’s interpretation of cultural heritage in relation to the individual and as a source of inspiration, not definition. Bunnag discusses how the intangible informs the tangible and the purpose of architecture – to provide serenity and joy.
This seminar explores the in-between spaces often found in the architecture of Moreau Kusunoki; between two buildings there is a space open to possibilities, where exchange and life happens. The appropriation of this in-between space by the users is the sign of a building’s success.
Nicolas Moreau and Hiroko Kusunoki talk about the history and philosophy of their practice and showcase their 1st prize-winning entry in the Guggenheim Helsinki Design Competition. They discuss the intersection of cultures and how to design cultural public spaces accordingly – as people and their culture ultimately complete the architecture. See More
In this presentation, Thomas Fisher talks about the architectural impact of the media revolution and the importance of architecture in our new economy and social function. Thomas explores concepts such as “Third Wave Thinking” and the “Third Industrial Revolution” and how the design and architectural community can find new ways to meet people’s needs. See More
In biological terms, the edge between two ecosystems is called an ecotone. In urban habitats, architects and urban planners must understand the importance of this edge as an ecosystem itself. This seminar will explore these concepts through several examples of recent works by OAB that confront the circumstances of working at the edge – not only a physical edge but most importantly an intellectual one.
Aesthetics, technicalities, collaboration and fundamentals of Passive House design. This event will explain the essentials of Passive House design and how aesthetics are integrated into the design. It will discuss a range of typologies and dissect the design processes and challenges from each of the building types.
The focus will be on educational, high rise and commercial projects, not residential. Finally, this session will address the technicalities that come with Passive House design and outline what a successful project looks like.
This course will introduce the concept of regenerative design, take a deep dive into the principles of the field, and provide the tools to incorporate regenerative design into practice. Initially held as a workshop in South Australia this course is presented by two leading experts in the emerging field of regenerative design. See More
Jeremy Till addresses the theme of risk through his work as Head of Central Saint Martins in London, widely considered one of the world’s leading centres for art and design education, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of the Arts London. Jeremy addresses risk-averse authorities and regulations with humour and insight.
Case studies include the pioneering building, 9 Stock Orchard Street, winner of the RIBA sustainability prize with Sarah Wigglesworth Architects. See More
Real or perceived edges help us to locate ourselves in space and place, and define the boundaries of those places across the scales, from regional and urban boundaries to neighbourhoods, buildings, and even our bodies. Sarah Manning’s Space agency is a design and research practice that sits at the edge of different disciplines – urban design, architecture, product and information design.
The practice considers the work they do as the human interface to the built environment. Through this interface, the practice helps people to better read their environment and adds a narrative layer onto architecture. Space agency finds that it is at the edge that we are able to push the boundaries of what architecture is and to expand the boundaries of our knowledge and practice.
Ethics and ethical practices interact with everything the architect does—from the seemingly trivial through to the seriously life threatening.
Moral rights are also incredibly important for the architect—in terms of respecting the work of others as well as protecting your own work, and for providing a meaningful and valuable built environment legacy for future generations.
This program addresses non-Indigenous designers who are seeking a more ethical practice on Aboriginal Country, in relationship with First Peoples, picking up on the non-Indigenous responsibility to engage. It asks how do we engage with First People’s ontologies of Country without continuing the violence and erasure that is our colonial legacy?
Developed in consultation with the First Nations Advisory Working Group and Cultural Reference Panel this course is an introduction to Indigenous knowledge, values, cultural practices, and histories. It covers each aspect of the NSCA 2021 competencies relating to Country and First Nations peoples. Our program explores connecting, engaging and designing with Country; through a series of case studies we explore approaches to embedding cultural expressions in design and planning from the concept design phase through project delivery to completion and beyond.
Developed in consultation with the Institute’s First Nations Advisory Working Group and Cultural Reference Panel this course covers each aspect of the NSCA 2021 competencies relating to Country and First Nations peoples.
This course explores the concept of a diverse people, a great place and how and where we create spaces to come together. Through many perspectives and lenses, following the stories of acclaimed artists, architects, designers, singers and poets, we will look at the stories that bind us to place and remind us of what is important to reclaim and repair as we step into the footsteps of the future.
Reconciliation between non-Indigenous and First Nations peoples of Australia is one of the most urgent challenges facing the architectural profession. Architecture is fundamentally connected to Country, and architects require competency in navigating the relationship with Indigenous lands and peoples as part of everyday practice. This CPD event hosts three speakers who offer extensive insight from the Indigenous perspective and provide guidance for practitioners on how to approach this competency in a culturally respectful way. The overarching question posed is: how can architects honour Country through design, while bringing the client along for the reconciliation journey?
This innovative two-part online course explores the proposition of introducing Indigenous Ecosystem Corridors and Nodes into urban developments, with an aim of mitigating and combatting the ecological damage inflicted upon the earth by millennia of human settlement and population growth. This program will unpack the benefits and challenges attendant to this enterprise, with contributions from a range of scholars and leading practitioners. See More
This intensive six-hour masterclass is designed to equip you with a most comprehensive understanding of best practice in adaptive reuse design. Presented by an unrivaled panel of industry leaders this event represents the standard for Formal CPD in this area.
In this session, award winning conservation architect, urban designer and author Elizabeth Vines explores heritage conservation frameworks in an Australian and international context, providing an overview of key tools, standards, targets and the ethics and attitudes underpinning them. Following this, Yugumbir man and principal architect for the Government Architect NSW Dillon Kombumerri presents illuminating knowledge and perspectives for reading and respecting Indigenous cultural heritage, helping to build attendees’ First Nations cultural literacy in line with new NSCA performance criteria.
Architect and senior heritage consultant Suzanne Zahra will walk attendees through the what, when and how to of Conservation Management Plans, Heritage Impact Assessment/Statement of Heritage Effects, and the appeal process. Attendees will then move into their nominated break out group for expert-led discussions focusing on the legislative, regulatory and policy landscapes specific to state/territory jurisdictions.
In this third of our Heritage HIIT Sessions, we will examine the stuff of conservation – traditional materials and trades. Covering both 19th and 20th Century building typologies this session is a mix of the pragmatic and theoretical, assisting you to bridge the gap between the generalist and specialist aspects of heritage practice from initial analysis to documentation and delivery on site.
This seminar looks at a series of in-progress and recently completed case studies from across Australia to demonstrate how real world refurbishment and adaptive reuse projects for places of heritage significance have addressed issues of climate change, sustainability, equity of access, fire code compliance and seismic considerations. Our presenters include Melissa Hughes, George Phillips, Mat Hinds, David Brown, and Dimmity Walker.
In this installment our panel of award winning architects and consultants takes us on a journey through four heritage projects representing a range of periods and typologies.
Come with us on a journey through the range of considerations when recording and documenting buildings and sites. This program will address traditional methods of measuring and recording buildings including site measuring, drawing and photographs, equipment required, tips for difficult areas, the most appropriate drawing scales, and examples of traditional measured drawings.
In this practical and pragmatic program we will drill-down into exactly how architects can collaborate and work with their heritage specialists across all stages of the design process.
Join us to explore the cultural significance of the former West’s Furniture Showroom, its bold modernist design by Dr Karl Langer in 1953, and its recent conservation and adaptive reuse by Riddell Architecture. The conservation project was awarded a Gold Medal in the National Trust of Queensland Awards and the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Heritage Award.
This session opens a forthcoming series hosted by the Institute’s Queensland Chapter exploring the modernist legacy and adaptive revival of this fascinating building.
In this session, Michael Lavery discusses the development of the Project Brief for the new RAIA Queensland Headquarters project with the primary author of that document, Mark Jones. Further, Fiona Gardiner, Michael Lavery, and Mark Jones discuss the criteria for selecting a design team for this project. Read more
Featuring current research from the University of Newcastle and Deakin University this session is an overview of a variety of issues related to innovation in design.
In this presentation, Thomas Fisher talks about the architectural impact of the media revolution and the importance of architecture in our new economy and social function. Thomas explores concepts such as “Third Wave Thinking” and the “Third Industrial Revolution” and how the design and architectural community can find new ways to meet people’s needs. See More
Architects operate in a complex, changing environment. This is not likely to diminish with technological disruption, client expectations, work practices and professional standards constantly evolving. To be successful, it isn’t enough to survive such changes. Instead, you need to be equipped to thrive through them.
This session will provide you with insights, tools and techniques so you can thrive in today’s changing environment and ultimately maintain high levels of agility, effectiveness, productivity and employee morale.
The Building Commission NSW is the state’s first ever dedicated building regulator. The Commission brings together teams from NSW Fair Trading and the Office of the Building Commissioner into one, to provide an integrated and consistent approach to ensuring confidence in residential building quality in NSW. This Institute of Architects event provides the opportunity to hear directly from the NSW Building Commissioner and his team. Read more
With this course we will guide you through the intent, obligations and process of new compliance documentation requirements for practitioners engaging with Class 2 builds in New South Wales. Our course responds to changes introduced on 1 July 2021 by the NSW Office of Fair Trading under the Design and Building Practitioners Act, which seek both to restore consumer confidence in apartment construction, and to safeguard practitioners by improving compliance documentation and declaration practices. See more
This seminar will explore how to be sure that the building products you specify for a project are compliant and how to reduce your risk when choosing products.
Kristin Brookfield from the HIA will discuss the APCC Procurement of Construction Products: A Guide to Achieving Compliance and offer guidance on how to determine whether a building product is suitable to use. See More
The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and Regulation will effect major change for the construction industry, with significant implications for architects practicing in NSW. Co-hosted by the NSW Architects Registration Board, this session provides practitioners with critical information direct from Building Commissioner David Chandler, Director of the Office of the Building Commissioner Matt Press, Registrar Dr Kirsten Orr and key Institute members who have been involved in the development of the Act and Regulation.
Co-hosted by Consult Australia and Engineers Australia, this panel brings together the Office of the Building Commissioner with representatives from key industry groups including architects, engineers and other consultants to walk through a sample design and construction project, explaining processes, roles and responsibilities under the new system.
Co-hosted by Engineers Australia, this course provides practitioners with critical information direct from Building Commissioner David Chandler, Digital Director of Construct NSW Yin Man, the Institute’s NSW Chapter President Laura Cockburn, and Engineers Australia’s Karlie Collis.
Join the Building Commissioner, David Chandler to hear how far we have come as of June 2022, and where we are going next with the NSW Building Reforms under the Design and Building Act and Regulation. Matthew Whitton and Matt provide strategic updates and offer their authoritative insights into the next steps moving forward. In addition, this program includes reporting from the Audit Review team on what they have found in the process of auditing Design Practitioners. This program represents crucial learnings for all Registered Architects regarding these important reforms. See more
In this presentation our presenters will address the legal implications for architects coming out of the Lacrosse judgement and the legacy of its use in Australia. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in the Australian Capital Territory. See more
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in New South Wales. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in NT. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in Queensland. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in South Australia. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in Tasmania. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in Victoria. See More
The Security of Payment Legislation is some of the most critical legislation across the building and construction industry in Australia. The legislation impacts on nearly all projects across the country.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this terrain and manage claims under the legislation?
Hear seasoned lawyers discuss the fundamentals of security of payment legislation applicable in Western Australia. See More
Changing consumer behaviour means that 70% of transactions now begin with an online search. This course helps architects understand how their various marketing activities should be optimised for success in this new eCommerce landscape. Based on Sounds Like Design’s six-channel system, which helps practices raise awareness about the value of architecture and generate new business this session includes access to a free Marketing Metrics spreadsheet tracker, which enabling architects to collect and analyse their most useful performance data and metrics across the six channels. See More
In this expert workshop, copywriter and marketing strategist Nikita Morell explains why words are important and how to use the words on your website to get more of the clients you really, really want.
Recently, Nikita studied and analysed over 663 architecture websites – in her talk she’ll share her findings, ways to immediately improve your own practice website, and include real-life architecture practice examples
Communications expert Alison Carter will discuss the art of concise communication to help you prepare a strategic and sophisticated verbal presentation and find both your project’s narrative and your own authentic voice. Award-winning architect Jon Jacka will share his experience as an entrant in the award process. Seasoned juror and award-winning architect Georgina Wilson will provide insight into the process from the dual perspectives of entrant and juror. Katherine Lu will discuss the art of architectural photography and give practical guidance about selecting the right photographer for your project, shaping your brief to them and preparing the project for a professional shoot.
A cost-based approach to proposing design fees frequently leaves architects competing on fee to win new work, bartering for a position at the negotiation table and writing proposals that fail to capture the interest of their intended audience. By following an interest-based approach architects can write proposals that separate their services from the competition, cater to the needs of a larger client base and offer solutions that clients want to pay for.
Examine ways of articulating your clients’ requirements more thoroughly to avoid common pitfalls in communication and find the ways to gain best use of the brief throughout design and delivery stages. See More
This program has been developed to bring you up to speed with the new changes to the NCC, and how they will impact your work.
Each session in this series comprises a two-hour (2 formal CPD-point) presentation, and the full series provides a total of 8 formal CPD points. Each 2 formal CPD-point session can be purchased individually. See More
In this session, Mathew Freeman provides a comprehensive update on the new fire safety provisions relating to a range of issues and typologies including external wall combustibility, bush fire prone zones, fire detection and early warning, and early childcare centres and primary schools in high rise buildings. Read More
Develop your understanding of newly introduced home energy budgets and how to achieve them, determine requirements relating to on-site renewables, battery storage and electric vehicle charging, and gain further insight into the expansion of the NABERS energy verification method. For this session we welcome from the University of New South Wales Dr. Anir Upadhyay as our presenter. Read More
In this session, Scott Flett and Dr. Mark Dewsbury will examine the improved provisions within the Code that will apply to condensation management for residential buildings. Read More
Learn about the new livable housing design requirements applicable to all new Class 1a and Class 2 buildings and intended to help increase the stock of Australian housing that can be adapted to meet the needs of older people and people with mobility limitations. Read More
Urban anxieties and cultural differences are examined through the microcosm of an Alice Springs architectural practice. Alice Springs has a suburban fringe but this is not where its edges lie. Knives, exit plans, a swamp and a science fiction-posed paradigm offer insight and a framework for review of recent public and commercial projects from the SDA team, in particular the CBD Revitalisation, an urban renewal project.
What is permanent, and what is the real lifecycle of a building? Nazrine Seraji discusses Design as Agency – architecture as a living agent using historical examples and her own projects to critically review the many approaches to urban planning from small towns to super cities and explores the relationship between public realm amenity and built form that is necessary for sustainable urbanism.
Moshe Safdie explains how the combination of densification, congestion and the new dominant typologies have brought about a dramatic deterioration of the public realm. He details how the single-use, multi-level mall disconnects from its surroundings and siphons energy off the traditional streets and piazzas, with the latter also severely affected by congestion and traffic. Moshe uses projects from his practice (such as the Habitat 67 complex) as case studies to show how they have tackled the challenge of mixed-use complexes throughout Asia, with the objective of restoring the public realm, befitting our times, culture and economy.
In biological terms, the edge between two ecosystems is called an ecotone. In urban habitats, architects and urban planners must understand the importance of this edge as an ecosystem itself. This seminar will explore these concepts through several examples of recent works by OAB that confront the circumstances of working at the edge – not only a physical edge but most importantly an intellectual one.
Aimed to assist graduates and architects with two to eight years of experience and more to have a better understanding of authority approvals, planning controls and how these matters affect the practice of architecture. Other standards such as NCC and DDA that affect your work during the preparation of development applications will also be introduced.
Changing consumer behaviour means that 70% of transactions now begin with an online search. This course helps architects understand how their various marketing activities should be optimised for success in this new eCommerce landscape. Based on Sounds Like Design’s six-channel system, which helps practices raise awareness about the value of architecture and generate new business this session includes access to a free Marketing Metrics spreadsheet tracker, which enabling architects to collect and analyse their most useful performance data and metrics across the six channels. See More
In this expert workshop, copywriter and marketing strategist Nikita Morell explains why words are important and how to use the words on your website to get more of the clients you really, really want.
Recently, Nikita studied and analysed over 663 architecture websites – in her talk she’ll share her findings, ways to immediately improve your own practice website, and include real-life architecture practice examples
This course offers a guide to understanding your attribution and intellectual property rights. Lawyer Adam Rosser provides an overview the Copyright Act and how it applies to architects, including case studies to illustrate how the Act has been applied.
Flexible working arrangements are essential to achieving gender equity in the workplace.
What are the challenges, what works, what doesn’t, and how have other practices implemented flexible conditions for their staff? These are some of the questions to be discussed and debated at this entertaining and informative roundtable discussion.
Outstanding work cultures engender outstanding work, driving attraction and retention of staff and clients alike. But how is such a culture established and nurtured?
Four practices awarded for their achievements in this space present on how they have fostered a strong, unique culture and how it has benefited project outcomes and business performance.
A panel discussion with speakers facilitated by Bespoke Career’s Krista Shearer follows.
Joint ventures and other collaborations between practices enable the profession to respond flexibly to projects. They can allow access to specialist expertise and enable resource sharing in response to fluctuating work loads. This seminar, held as a workshop in South Australia will explore the structures for collaborative practice and consider the details that need to be resolved to manage risk and maximise benefit. See More
This seminar will examine the new contract provisions and mechanisms in detail, how to administer these, as well as looking at the supporting guidance materials and templates available to users of the contracts.
Communications expert Alison Carter will discuss the art of concise communication to help you prepare a strategic and sophisticated verbal presentation and find both your project’s narrative and your own authentic voice. Award-winning architect Jon Jacka will share his experience as an entrant in the award process. Seasoned juror and award-winning architect Georgina Wilson will provide insight into the process from the dual perspectives of entrant and juror. Katherine Lu will discuss the art of architectural photography and give practical guidance about selecting the right photographer for your project, shaping your brief to them and preparing the project for a professional shoot.
Aimed to assist graduates and architects with two to eight years of experience and more to have a better understanding of authority approvals, planning controls and how these matters affect the practice of architecture. Other standards such as NCC and DDA that affect your work during the preparation of development applications will also be introduced.
This module introduces the various types of building contracts and aspects to consider when selecting which contract to use. It will then cover providing advice to clients and how they may be included in tender processes and the issues likely to be faced when administering the contract.
Having sound knowledge of the client-architect agreement and all its different components is critical to a successful project outcome. The scope of services and associated fee structure put in place needs to be well understood to ensure a project can be properly serviced.
This module deals predominately with the early parts of architects’ interactions with a potential client.
This module will cover:
How architects market their services and secure new commissions
How architects respond appropriately to invitations when they arrive
How architects go about creating a project brief, which is a fundamental step in setting out the client’s requirements for the project
Architects are not the only professionals required to provide design and other services for construction projects. The architect works with consultants from up to dozens of other disciplines to obtain expert advice and design inputs. The selection of, engagement of and collaboration with these consultants brings a range of risks and responsibilities that architects must carefully manage for the success of the project. This module introduces the fundamentals of architects’ working arrangements with consultants to help candidates understand how to manage these roles.
This module provides an outline and understanding of the principles of lump sum contracts with regard to financial aspects, how to manage changes to the works and the contract price, how to make payment for the works and keeping the client informed of costs during construction.
This module covers the role of the architect in relation to contracts and the related administrative essentials.
This module focuses on the specific terms and conditions contained within a standard form construction contract, again using the ABIC Simple Works Contract as the example.
This module works through the contract schedules and explains why they are relevant, before covering the key terms and conditions throughout the Simple Works Contract.
Ethics and ethical practices interact with everything the architect does—from the seemingly trivial through to the seriously life threatening.
Moral rights are also incredibly important for the architect—in terms of respecting the work of others as well as protecting your own work, and for providing a meaningful and valuable built environment legacy for future generations.
This module covers a range of topics from the establishment of a practice through to its successful operation. Speaker: Mark Boffa
This module covers a range of topics from the establishment of a practice through to its successful operation. Speaker: Melonie Bayl-Smith
Professional indemnity insurances are some of the most important insurances that an architect needs to undertake business and can prevent it from going under in the event of a claim. This module will discuss:
This module discusses areas of risk arising in architectural practice including avoidable and unavoidable risks, and introduces a number of tools that assist architects in managing risk in the delivery of designs.
Contract law exists so that there is as much consistency and certainty as possible in everyone’s relations with one another. In the business sector, businesspeople must be able to hold each other to their promises. On the other hand, it is clear that in certain situations, statements made by a party should not be taken by another as a promise. Contract law aims to strike a balance between these considerations.
This module outlines the legal obligations of an architect and the consequences of breaching them. It focuses on five key areas of special importance: negligence, contracts, the Architects Acts, the National Construction Code, and safe design
A cost-based approach to proposing design fees frequently leaves architects competing on fee to win new work, bartering for a position at the negotiation table and writing proposals that fail to capture the interest of their intended audience. By following an interest-based approach architects can write proposals that separate their services from the competition, cater to the needs of a larger client base and offer solutions that clients want to pay for.
In this session, David Gianotten will address the theme of risk and focus on the ways his work engages risk as a productive element within their work.
OMA Projects currently under his design and supervision include the Taipei Performing Arts Centre in Taiwan, the Hanwha Galleria in Busan Korea, the Taiyuan Industrial Heritage master plan in China and the Prince Plaza Building in Shenzhen China.
Through case studies and expert presentations, this special program explores key touch points for building a successful practice. It examines fee structures, risk management, intellectual property, business resilience, client relationships, practice culture and work/life, brand development, and leveraging Institute membership for maximum benefit.
This seminar will explore the world of competitive tendering. It will allow you to better navigate the tender process, from pursuit through to submission. The seminar will provide insights into how to select the right partners, how to maximise the likelihood of being shortlisted, how to strengthen your contribution to major tender processes and how to develop a tender strategy and translate that into action.
The seminar will be presented in modules based on the business development cycle and covering pursuit, return on investment, tender and post tender.
Architects operate in a complex, changing environment. This is not likely to diminish with technological disruption, client expectations, work practices and professional standards constantly evolving. To be successful, it isn’t enough to survive such changes. Instead, you need to be equipped to thrive through them.
Humans are hardwired to resist change, however, this can be overcome with deliberate learning and practice. This session will provide you with insights, tools and techniques so you can thrive in today’s changing environment and ultimately maintain high levels of agility, effectiveness, productivity and employee morale.
Aimed to assist graduates and architects with two to eight years of experience and more to have a better understanding of authority approvals, planning controls and how these matters affect the practice of architecture. Other standards such as NCC and DDA that affect your work during the preparation of development applications will also be introduced.
This module introduces the various types of building contracts and aspects to consider when selecting which contract to use. It will then cover providing advice to clients and how they may be included in tender processes and the issues likely to be faced when administering the contract.
Having sound knowledge of the client-architect agreement and all its different components is critical to a successful project outcome. The scope of services and associated fee structure put in place needs to be well understood to ensure a project can be properly serviced.
This module deals predominately with the early parts of architects’ interactions with a potential client.
This module will cover:
How architects market their services and secure new commissions
How architects respond appropriately to invitations when they arrive
How architects go about creating a project brief, which is a fundamental step in setting out the client’s requirements for the project
Architects are not the only professionals required to provide design and other services for construction projects. The architect works with consultants from up to dozens of other disciplines to obtain expert advice and design inputs. The selection of, engagement of and collaboration with these consultants brings a range of risks and responsibilities that architects must carefully manage for the success of the project. This module introduces the fundamentals of architects’ working arrangements with consultants to help candidates understand how to manage these roles.
This module provides an outline and understanding of the principles of lump sum contracts with regard to financial aspects, how to manage changes to the works and the contract price, how to make payment for the works and keeping the client informed of costs during construction.
This module covers the role of the architect in relation to contracts and the related administrative essentials.
This module focuses on the specific terms and conditions contained within a standard form construction contract, again using the ABIC Simple Works Contract as the example.
This module works through the contract schedules and explains why they are relevant, before covering the key terms and conditions throughout the Simple Works Contract.
Ethics and ethical practices interact with everything the architect does—from the seemingly trivial through to the seriously life threatening.
Moral rights are also incredibly important for the architect—in terms of respecting the work of others as well as protecting your own work, and for providing a meaningful and valuable built environment legacy for future generations.
This module covers a range of topics from the establishment of a practice through to its successful operation. Speaker: Mark Boffa
This module covers a range of topics from the establishment of a practice through to its successful operation. Speaker: Melonie Bayl-Smith
Professional indemnity insurances are some of the most important insurances that an architect needs to undertake business and can prevent it from going under in the event of a claim. This module will discuss:
This module discusses areas of risk arising in architectural practice including avoidable and unavoidable risks, and introduces a number of tools that assist architects in managing risk in the delivery of designs.
Contract law exists so that there is as much consistency and certainty as possible in everyone’s relations with one another. In the business sector, businesspeople must be able to hold each other to their promises. On the other hand, it is clear that in certain situations, statements made by a party should not be taken by another as a promise. Contract law aims to strike a balance between these considerations.
This module outlines the legal obligations of an architect and the consequences of breaching them. It focuses on five key areas of special importance: negligence, contracts, the Architects Acts, the National Construction Code, and safe design
The fundamentals that underpin BIM and Sustainability will be explored by highlighting when and why environmental analysis should be undertaken and what tools are available within BIM software packages. This seminar will explain what each analysis is, how it works and why it’s important. It will also explore non-BIM tools and other considerations beyond BIM that designers should be mindful of when creating truly sustainable designs.
This session is suitable for both the novice and expert in BIM and similarly so in sustainability.
In this two-part series we showcase single dwelling and multi-residential projects from across Australia and representing architecture in a range of climate zones that have achieved high NatHERS ratings. See More
In this session we showcase single dwelling projects from across Australia and representing architecture in a range of climate zones that have achieved high NatHERS ratings. See More
In this session we showcase multi-residential projects from across Australia and representing architecture in a range of climate zones that have achieved high NatHERS ratings. See More
This formal 3 point CPD aims to provide a better understanding of how the 2022 NCC changes and requirements for residential energy efficiency and QLD Resilient Home Guidance may impact the design, climate resilience and affordability of housing in QLD. Read More
Following National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 updates relating to energy efficiency, the NSW Government is introducing important equivalent changes that will apply from 1 October 2023 under the state’s ramped up Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) scheme to improve energy efficiency. Among the strongest sustainable planning measures to be adopted in Australia, the new BASIX requirements will apply to all new residential projects as well as renovations and extensions valued at more than $50,000. An essential session for all architects working on residential projects in NSW, undertake this course to hear directly from Planning NSW’s Mary O’Neill about the revised BASIX requirements and assessment tool, and learn design strategies to for achieving the new performance standards through case studies presented by ESD experts Tracey Cools and Troy Daly.
Aesthetics, technicalities, collaboration and fundamentals of Passive House design. This event will explain the essentials of Passive House design and how aesthetics are integrated into the design. It will discuss a range of typologies and dissect the design processes and challenges from each of the building types.
The focus will be on educational, high rise and commercial projects, not residential. Finally, this session will address the technicalities that come with Passive House design and outline what a successful project looks like.
This course will introduce the concept of regenerative design, take a deep dive into the principles of the field, and provide the tools to incorporate regenerative design into practice. Initially held as a workshop in South Australia this course is presented by two leading experts in the emerging field of regenerative design. See more
This CPD session showcases current research from the University of Wellington, University of Western Australia and Deakin University will discuss a variety of issues related to sustainability and research.
The world faces an urgent challenge in creating a living future that is “culturally rich, socially just and ecologically restorative”. How can we ensure good standards of living for all, while having a positive rather than a negative impact on the world? The architectural profession can have a crucial role in this opportunity, with good, smart housing a great place to start. Caroline Pidcock will address the leading approaches to zero-emission housing around the world and how this could affect Australian directions in the future.
This seminar will also explore how integrated design teams and responses are integral to achieving these goals.
With nearly 40 percent of the world’s pollution generated by construction it’s undeniable that the industry has a significant impact on the planet.
This is exacerbated by inefficient production processes, considerable displacement of supplies, and excessive waste during various other stages of construction. At the end of this presentation you should be able to:
1. Examine microrecycling science and zero waste
2. Discuss the challenges & benefits that underpins the issues relating to zero waste
3. Understand how through good design strategies, technology and materials can provide sustainable solutions
4. Prepare design lessons by developing a product from concept to reality
5. Explore through case studies methods to bring your client along the journey to better environmental outcomes
This seven lecture seminar series provides practical guidelines and case study insights enabling practitioners to ready themselves to design to zero carbon parameters by 2025.
Individal Modules in the series are also available for purchase.
This module explores:
This lecture will discuss how building design can affect energy demand in different ways in different climactic zones. It will discuss how the energy supply solutions chosen might be different in different locations and for different building typologies, including:
This module provides an overview of Life Cycle Design and why it is important for the low carbon economy and low carbon buildings., offering a demonstration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a design process – the story of a zero carbon building design. It will also cover LCA in practice (via the software demonstration).
This module explores:
Building Waste – It’s time to Design it Out.
This module explores:
This module explores:
This module explores:
Two vital steps to project success are communicating the client’s needs (in the brief) and communicating the detail of how those needs will be met (in specifications). The last two decades have seen great shifts in the responsibility of clients, consultants and builders for these key decisions. Shortcomings and shortcuts in these areas are regular contributors to defects and disputes.
Through case studies of claims, the legally qualified Risk Managers from informed by Planned Cover will discuss an architect’s duty of care when it comes to briefing and specifications, and look at ways to reduce the risks of errors and claims.
This seminar will provide a refresher on the work health and safety legislation in relation to designer responsibilities and discuss how designers can achieve a safe design approach in their projects. The focus will include what designers should endeavour to eliminate from the workplace and design innovations which can create productive workplaces free from injury and disease.
The seminar will address methods of communicating safe design in documents, plans and reports to ensure that design intent is not lost in the build process.
Examine ways of articulating your clients’ requirements more thoroughly to avoid common pitfalls in communication and find the ways to gain best use of the brief throughout design and delivery stages. See More
The way we design and organize our living environments can fundamentally impact our social connections, and quality of life including our physical and mental health. Place Agency presents a series of conversations with six prominent architectural practitioners and academics in Australia and the UK, considering the intersection between design, social value and the power of social connection.
This program introduces the key principles behind accessible design. Our presenters address the structure of the regulatory framework for accessibility of the Australian built environment and unpack important design concepts for accessibility. See more
What role can architects play in the rebuilding of communities after natural disasters?
In this presentation Jenny Donovan explores how architects can best help communities recover from disasters, how it is different to normal circumstances and the personal qualities required to truly make a difference.
This session is applicable to disasters or extreme events causing trauma.
Through a selection of his resort projects and his design of the Thailand Pavilion in the Venice Biennale Architectural Exhibition in 2014, ‘Lek’ Mathar Bunnag shares the significant factors that inform, influence and shape his work. People, nature, cultural heritage and cosmic forces are all keys to his work, as well as the concept of architecture as art – sculpture, painting, poetry, dance and music are all part of the architecture.
Discover Bunnag’s interpretation of cultural heritage in relation to the individual and as a source of inspiration, not definition. Bunnag discusses how the intangible informs the tangible and the purpose of architecture – to provide serenity and joy.
Flexible working arrangements are essential to achieving gender equity in the workplace.
What are the challenges, what works, what doesn’t, and how have other practices implemented flexible conditions for their staff? These are some of the questions discussed and debated at this entertaining and informative roundtable discussion.
The Liveable Housing Australia Design Guidelines are increasingly being referred to by local planning authorities. Clare Paterson will discuss how their application has been used in various housing situations and the steps required to have a project LHA Certified.
With a focus on the acute hospital environment, Ellie Newman will give you a better understanding on how dementia can affect the way a person experiences and interacts with the built environment. The seminar will be an interactive experience session’ that will engage and enlighten attendees on what it is like to live with dementia or reduced abilities along with highlighting design changes that can enable them to maintain independence. Two volunteers will wear an ageing suit to demonstrate the impact of ageing on the body and be able to experience the visual, hearing and physical disabilities than can accompany old age and dementia.
Social Sustainability is about ensuring the sustenance of the diverse social relations that exist in healthy communities. Creating the physical, cultural and social places that support wellbeing and a sense of community involves a process of engagement with the people who inhabit and frequent those places. This presentation will discuss the growing public policy emphasis on wellbeing and performance of public spaces, how we can respond, what this means for innovation in design practice, who is involved in delivering Social Sustainability, why it is important, and what happens if we do not.
Architects engage at a very personal level with people looking to rebuild in the future after disasters. This session considers the effects of trauma on the mind. Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert Rob Gordon outlines the characteristics of continuing stress and how to recognize and interact with someone in this state.
Our CPD team always appreciates your feedback regarding our programs. If you have any topic suggestions for the development of further CPD course content, please let us know.
For further information, contact our CPD Team:
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
