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ARCT5560 ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE 1 UNIT GUIDE first semester 2007

ARCHITECTURE IN/AS PRACTICE: t h e p r o c e s s , t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l s + t h e p r o j e c t s Unit Coordinator: Sara Stace, ph 0403 980 787, [email protected] T H E F A C U L T Y O F A R C H I T E C T U R E , L A N D S C A P E + V I S U A L A R T S The Univers i t y o f Wes te rn Aus t ra l ia 35 S t i r l i ng H ighway Crawley WA 6009 Te l . 6488 2582

A R C H I T E CT U R E I N / A S P R AC T I C E : t h e p r o c e s s , t h e p r o f e ss i o n a l s + t h e p r o j e c t s

ARCT5560 ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE 1 UNIT GUIDE first semester 2007 The Faculty of Architecture, Landscape + Visual Arts—The University of Western Australia

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ARCT5560 ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE 1 First semester 2007 ARCHITECTURE IN/AS PRACTICE: the process, the professionals + the projects CONTENTS

1.0 SEMESTER SCHEDULE 3 2.0 INTRODUCTION 4

2.1 Unit description 2.2 Staff 2.3 Communication

3.0 FACULTY POLICY & PROCEDURES 4 4.0 GOALS/OBJECTIVES 4 5.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES 5 6.0 UNIT STRUCTURE/FORMATS 6 7.0 ASSESSMENT 7

7.1 Assessment mechanism 7 7.2 Assessment criteria 7 7.3 Submission of assignments 7 7.4 Assignment 1: Test 1 8 7.5 Assignment 2: Feasibility Study 8 7.6 Assignment 3: Test 2 9

8.0 READING 10

8.1 Essential 10 8.2 Relevant books 10 8.3 Relevant journal articles 12 8.4 Relevant Websites 12

9.0 WEEKLY PROGRAMME 13



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1.0 SEMESTER SCHEDULE

wk date stage of service Lecture/workshop/seminar

1 Feb 27 Scope of Architects’ Services L Blurring the Design/Practice Divide

28 W Forming Teams

2 Mar 6 Transition + Registration L Becoming and Being (a) Professional

7 W Gaining Experience: Job applications, CVs, Registration

3 Mar 13 Pre-design: The Client L The ABC of Practice: architect, brief + client

14 W Sign Here Please: briefs, sketch design, (dis)agreements

4 Mar 20 Pre-design: Feasibilities L Testing the Water: Evaluating Feasibility

INTRODUCE GROUP ASSIGNMENT

21 W Examples of Feasibilities for development + investment

5 Mar 27 Pre-design: Procurement L re-Defining Project Procurement, Design + Delivery

28 W Working with Consultants + Authorities

6 Apr 3 Design: Site Analysis + Schematic Design

L Lie of the Land: Outlining the Scheme

4 W IN-CLASS TEST 1 (30%)

Apr 10

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NO CONTACT WEEK

7 Apr 17 Design: Design Development + Development Application

L Inside the Design Team: Refining the Project

18 W Feasibility Group Assignment Q+A

8 Apr 24 Contract Documentation L All in the Translation: Communicating the Design

25 W NO WORKSHOP – Anzac Day

9 May 1 Contract Documentation L AB(I)Cs of Contracts

2 W Introducing construction contracts

10 May 8 Tendering + Negotiating L Coming to Terms: Executing the Contract

9 W ABIC-MW 1: understanding the gobbledegook

SUBMIT GROUP ASSIGNMENT (30%)

11 May 15 Contract Administration: Construction

L Getting it Built: What do I do on site anyway?

16 W IN-CLASS TEST 2 (40%)

12 May 22 Contract Administration: Post-Construction

L Practically Complete: it’s all over bar the shouting

23 W In-class Presentations: Feasibility Studies

13 May 31 NO SESSION: FOLIO WEEK

Lectures (L): Tuesdays 2:00 –3:50pm in Austin Lecture Theatre (Arts, main campus)

Workshops (W): Wednesdays 1:00 – 1:50pm in Hew Roberts Lecture Theatre (EDFAA)



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2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Unit description With the aid of the Practice Services Advisory Notes as a primary text, the unit is intended to be a kind of applied model of architectural practice, centring upon the holistic and dynamic process of design in order to make visible the connections and interdependencies not only between participants but also between the parallel and complementary facets of architectural practice: between the creative and the technical, professional, contractual and legal. Roles, rights and responsibilities of architects, clients, consultants and contractors are foregrounded in this overview of practice from project inception to post-construction. Focusing upon the everyday experience of architectural practice, the lectures for the semester are structured generally in accordance with the RAIA Scope of the Architect's Services. While this often serves as a companion document to a contract between client and architect, it also provides a useful checklist of the primary (as well as numerous supplementary) services undertaken by an architect and thus describes explicitly the processes characterising everyday practice. The range of core services discussed and illustrated throughout the semester are those included within the sequential stages of service: pre-design; site analysis; schematic design/development application; design development/development application; contract documentation; tendering and negotiating; contract administration: construction; and contract administration: post-construction. 2.2 Staff All lectures and workshops in this unit are delivered by the Unit Coordinator, Sara Stace. Staff contact details Unit Coordinator: Sara Stace Telephone: 0403 980 787 Email [email protected] Staff consultation in non-contact hours The Unit Coordinator will be available for student consultation on matters arising in the unit immediately after each class lecture or workshop. Students may arrange longer meetings out of hours. 2.3 Communication Communication from staff to students may occur by email so students should ensure (a) that they activate a University Pheme account and student email account (b) that they check their account regularly (at least weekly) (c) that they communicate with University staff ONLY through their student email account (Staff have been advised not to respond by email to any other addresses).

3.0 FACULTY POLICY AND PROCEDURES Policy and Procedural information for the Faculty is available on the web at: www.alva.uwa.edu.au/current_students/forms_and_policies 4.0 GOALS/OBJECTIVES Business! What a dilemma! If you try to please people, you become corrupt and sell yourself; if you do what you feel you must do, you cause displeasure and create a void around yourself.

—Le Corbusier The dilemma of the ‘business’ of architecture is a complex and often seemingly contradictory one. There is the perception (and very real possibility) that the imagination and ideals of an architect will conflict with (i) the wants/needs and finances of a client (individual or collective), (ii) the constraints decreed by



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society via various authorities and regulations and (iii) the capacities of the building industry to deliver the goods. While the conflict is frequently quite real, it is, in practice, generally in the interests of all parties to ease the differences. At the core of the dilemma, as Corb sees it, is the integrity of design: for the architect, whether to defer to or dominate the client’s (or community’s) wishes; to compromise or not to compromise. Not surprisingly, the majority of architecture students identify most closely perhaps with the uncompromising position of the individual architect insofar as they have mainly encountered the educational experience of design. This unit, however, is about the professional practice of architecture. It looks at the range of organisation, management and documentation services necessary to design and construct buildings, including project finance and economics, laws and regulations, and contract administration. It is concerned with the roles and responsibilities of all the participants in the architectural design process: architect, client/owner, consultants, contractor, government authorities and others. It acknowledges participants as both singular and plural, as individuals and teams, for, while much architectural history and criticism generally recognises the creation of works of architecture as the domain of an individual architect, this is to neglect the contributions of numerous others to the process and the product. And it is here, in the shared creation of a work of architecture, that compromise becomes truly constructive. Traditionally seen as leader in the building process—a role being gradually usurped by professional managers—the architect faces a multi-faceted task embracing the roles of advising, managing, communicating, inspecting and mediating (among others) in addition to designing. Each of these roles is examined during the semester. Introduced along the way are the numerous technical, professional, contractual and legal aspects that accompany the design process through sequential service stages. Most importantly, this unit is designed to apprise students of the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful practitioner of architecture and to become registered as an architect.

5.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES In this unit, students gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be an architect, including the successful completion of Registration and becoming, and remaining, professional. In addition, they will achieve an awareness of and familiarity with the definitions, concepts, methods, mechanisms and settings of the subject of architectural practice; an understanding of the procedures involved in the successful employment in, contribution to, management of and production of architecture; and an ability to apply this knowledge to given situations and solve specific problems. In accordance with the requirements of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), students taking this unit are expected to achieve: • an awareness of architects’ leadership roles from project inception, design, and design development

to contract administration, including the selection and coordination of allied disciplines, and post-construction services;

• an awareness of the ethical issues involved in the formation of professional judgments in architectural design and practice;

• an awareness of the legal context within which architects practice, the laws pertaining to professional registration and professional service contracts and an understanding of architects’ legal responsibilities;

• an understanding of the codes, regulations and standards applicable to a given site/building design; • an awareness of the fundamentals of building economics and construction cost control; • an understanding of the role of internship in professional development, and the reciprocal rights and

responsibilities of interns and employers; • an awareness of the different methods of project delivery, the corresponding forms of service

contracts and the types of documentation required for competent and responsible professional service; and



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• an understanding of the shifts in the social, political, technological, ecological, and economic factors that shape the practice of architecture.

6.0 UNIT STRUCTURE/FORMATS In general, practice is an action or performance, but the term also implies a method of action, in the sense of habitual, customary, or routine. A professional practice, then, is the customary performance of professional activities. This definition suggests two lines of inquiry that can help clarify the nature of architectural practice: what are architecture’s professional activities and how are they customarily performed? A partial answer is that architectural practice emerges through complex interactions among interested parties, from which the documents for a future building emerge. —Dana Cuff 1991 In keeping with the focus upon the everyday experience of architectural practice, the lectures for the semester are structured generally in accord with the RAIA Scope of the Architect’s Services. While this usually serves as a companion document to a contract between client and architect, it also provides a useful checklist of the primary (as well as numerous supplementary) services undertaken by an architect and thus describes explicitly the processes characterising everyday practice. The range of core services to be discussed and illustrated throughout this series of lectures and workshops includes: • Pre-Design • Site Analysis • Schematic Design/Development Application • Design Development/Development Application • Contract Documentation • Tendering and Negotiating • Contract Administration: Construction • Contract Administration: Post-Construction Core content will typically be delivered through a series of two-hour lectures (from weeks 1 through 12 inclusive) presented by the Unit Coordinator in the Austin Lecture Theatre, in the Arts Faculty buildings on main campus (east of Reid Library). These will generally be supplemented by a one-hour workshop the following day in the Hew Roberts Lecture Theatre on EDFAA campus. Attendance at all lectures and workshop/seminar sessions is a requirement of the unit.



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7.0 ASSESSMENT 7.1 Assessment Mechanism Assessment in this unit consists of two components: two in-class tests (70% total) and group assignment (30%).

# Assessment % of Total Mark Date of Assessment

1 IN-CLASS TEST 1 30% In class, 1-2pm Wednesday 4th April

2 GROUP ASSIGNMENT (Feasibility project) 30% Due Wednesday 9th May by 12 noon

3 IN-CLASS TEST 2 40% In class, 1-2pm Wednesday 16th May IMPORTANT NOTE: Readings for assignments are generally listed under associated lecture topics. Students are advised, however, that the lists are not exhaustive and further independent searches should be made. In addition, care should be taken when referring to texts tailored to American, British or other audiences: language, terminology and procedures are not always consistent with Australian practice. 7.2 Assessment Criteria The assignments and the examination are designed to test students’ comprehension of the unit content as (i) delivered in the lectures and seminar presentations and (ii) acquired from the primary texts (see Readings pp. 10-12). Each assessable component requires a demonstration of the abilities • to locate, select and organise information pertaining to the given topic or situation; and • to communicate the information clearly, unambiguously and in a professional manner within the

format specified for the task. All assignments and the examination will be assessed on the basis of a demonstration of these skills. Additional assessment criteria will be specified if applicable when particular assignments are issued. 7.3 Submission of Assignments Each assignment has a distinct submission time (see Assessment pp. 7-9) for which students are required to submit by that date all work completed to that time. All work must be submitted to the Resource Room by 12.00 noon on the due date. Late work without an approved extension will be marked with a penalty in accordance with the ALVA Late Work policy. All written work must have a cover sheet attached (available from the Resource Room). Students must keep a photocopy of all work submitted. Students must be familiar with the following Faculty guidelines/policies regarding submission of work:

(i) Extensions (ii) Late Work (iii) Digital Submissions (iv) Academic Conduct

These are all available on the web at www.alva.uwa.edu.au/current_students/forms_and_policies Return of Student Work All work submitted for assessment will be returned to students during scheduled seminar/tutorial sessions within four weeks of its submission and before the end of the Pre-Examination Study Period.



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7.4 Assignment 1: Test 1

In-Class Test 1 30% 1 – 2pm on Wednesday 4th April (Week 6) This In-class Test is a 1-hour, multiple choice test. It will assess the level of knowledge gained in lectures, readings and workshops from Weeks 1 to 6. 7.5 Assignment 2: Feasibility Study Feasibility Study 30% You have been approached by a client who wishes you to assess the development potential of a site they intend to purchase. This will require the preparation and consideration of a number of development options (at a very schematic level) in order to evaluate the viability of development and to make a recommendation to the client regarding development potential and the preferred development option. Working in groups of four, prepare a Feasibility Study that : • Evaluates development potential through the preparation of THREE development options, and • Presents a preferred development option for a given site. You are advised to follow the guidelines issued in the relevant lecture and workshop, and covered in the relevant readings (listed below and see under Weekly Programme Week 4 p. 18). Submission Requirements The Feasibility Study is to be a single document, A4 or A3 size. The submission should contain two parts: REPORT – Up to 10 pages including illustrations, to a maximum 3000 words. Exceeding the word limit will result in reduced marks. Be concise and to the point. This is an executive report for a busy client and is a business case, not a history or theory paper. APPENDIX – Up to 10 additional pages containing backup information such as photos, drawings and calculations. Do not include irrelevant information that has not been specifically referred to in the Report. 1. Report Prepare a written report that outlines the project parameters and summarises your three options for the development of the site in terms of their feasibility. In addition to briefly discussing these options you should describe how you have evaluated the various costs and benefits associated with the proposals. Your report should then make a clear recommendation for the preferred development option, and explain it in some detail. Your recommendation should be based on financial criteria, and may include demographic, social, cultural, political, ethical and/or environmental factors as well. You should make sure the proposal will meet Council guidelines for that area, or have a strong argument as to why you believe the Council will approve such a proposal. Create a convincing argument to your client about how much money and time will be involved, and why they should put their money into your recommended proposal (or, if you think nothing will work, why). Where appropriate, use photographs, diagrams or illustrations. The report must be correctly footnoted where applicable and include a comprehensive bibliography in the Appendix. 2. Drawings

Produce, to presentation standard, conceptual (schematic) land-use drawings illustrating:

(i) The current situation of the site (ie. under the zoning regulations of the Metropolitan Region Scheme MRS and any other relevant Planning Schemes or Codes); and

(ii) Your preferred development option showing proposed building envelopes and usage zones etc.



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DRAWING FORMAT: A3 or A4 size, coloured or b/w, hand drawn or computer 3. Calculations Using approximate figures obtained from real estate agents and published costing information (The Architect, Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook, etc), determine the economic feasibility of each of the three options. You are likely to go into more detail for your recommended option, in order to finesse your argument. On the cost side you should include, for example, estimated land values, floor area calculations and, if applicable, probable infrastructure costs (roads, power, water etc). Take into consideration approximate development time frames. On the revenue side, prepare projected market values in the form of rental returns and/or resale. Contact real estate agents in the area if you think that is applicable. Try to base your feasibility on real facts and real data. The economic feasibility will be used to justify the recommended development option to your client.

Submission DUE: 12.00 noon Wednesday 9th May (week 10) in the Resource Room Assessment Criteria • Evidence of understanding of the principles of the feasibility study: why and how it is useful • Conciseness and clarity of your argument • Demonstration of an appropriate response to the opportunities and constraints posed by the site • Employment of terminology and language appropriate for a feasibility / business report • Demonstration of understanding of economic, business and property matters • Demonstration of awareness of social and demographic factors relevant to the project • Demonstration of consideration of ecological and environmental issues • Demonstration of an ability to locate, select and organise relevant information • Evidence of inventiveness in searching for and locating relevant data • Demonstration of an ability to communicate the information clearly, unambiguously and in a

professional manner. Additional Reading Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook, 1998, Rawlhouse Publishing, Perth (FIZ Ref R 692.50994) The Architect (WA) (recent edition—see ‘Estimating and Construction Costs’ section) (P 720.5 P4) The Australian Financial Review (Property Section) The Australian (Property Section) The West Australian (Property Section on Wednesdays) Optional Tutorial Session There will be an optional tutorial session in WEEK 7 (Wed 19th April) to answer questions arising during preparation of the assignment. 7.6 Assignment 3: Test 2 In-Class Test 2 40% 1 – 2pm on Wednesday 16th May (Week 11) This In-class Test is a 1-hour, multiple choice test. It will assess the level of knowledge gained in lectures, readings and workshops from Weeks 1 to 10.



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8.0 READING Essential texts are held in the Resource Room [RR] and are strictly not to be removed. Some of the relevant texts are held in EDFAA Closed Reserve. The Weekly Programme lists specific readings for lectures and assignments. 8.1 Essential • Practice Services Advisory Notes [RR]

As the Notes constitutes the primary text for this unit, and will be indispensable in the future preparation for registration, students are strongly advised to purchase a set. A Student Set is available from Practice Services, Melbourne. (Contact Ann Rehn, Publications Manager, tel: 03 9650 2477 fax: 03 9650 3364.) The set comprises: • The full set of Advisory Notes on CD; • A standard building contract (ABIC MW-1 2001) in hard copy with companion contract user

guide; • Hard copy of both the long and short forms of the Client and Architect Agreement.

• Architects Act 2004 [RR or download from www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/act/consol_act/aa2004117] • RAIA Code of Professional Conduct [RR] • AACA NCSA 04 General Information for APE Candidates; AACA NCSA 05 Guide for APE Candidates;

AACA NCSA 06 Guide for Examiners; AACA NCSA 07 Log Book of Experience in Architectural Practice [RR or download from www.aaca.org.au/publications.html ]

• Log books: all graduates applying for registration are required to enter details of their practical experience in a log book. I strongly recommend all students purchase one of these and begin using it to log undergraduate work experience. Appointments should be made with the Architects Board of WA, Level 1, Bank of NSW Chambers, 899-901 Hay Street Perth. (Tel. 9287 9920)

• Technical Services Architects Award 2000 [RR] legislation covering all aspects of employment for architects including levels of pay for students and graduates, sick leave and annual leave, overtime pay etc. Note that only “respondents” to the award are required to follow these laws. See list at end.

8.2 Relevant Books – Note that some books are located in the LAW library Allinson, K. 1997, Getting There by Design: An Architect’s Guide to Design and Project Management, Architectural Press, Boston (720.68 1997 GET) Allinson, K. 1993, The Wild Card of Design: A Perspective on Architecture in a Project Management Environment, Butterworth Architecture, Oxford (720.68 1993 WIL) Bailey, Ian H. 1998, Construction Law in Australia, 2nd Edition, LBC Information Services, Sydney (LAW 343.78624 1998 CON) Beaton, R. & Colin Biggers & Paisley 1994, The Architect & The Law, 2nd edn, RAIA, Melbourne (LAW 343.78720994 1994 ARC) Chappell, D. & Willis, A. 2000, The Architect in Practice, 8th edn, Blackwell Science, Oxford (720.68 2000 ARC) Chappell, D. 1996, Report Writing for Architects and Project Managers, Blackwell Science, Oxford (808.06672 1996 REP) Cherry, E. 1999, Programming for Design: From Theory to Practice, J. Wiley, New York (720.2840285 1999 PRO) Cooke, John R. 2001, Architects, Engineers and the Law, 3rd Edition, Federation Press, Sydney (LAW 343.786240994 2001 ARC)



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Cooke, John R. 1989, Architects, Engineers and the Law: commentary and materials, Law Book Company, Sydney (LAW 343.786240994 1989 ARC) Cowan, H. J. & Smith, P. R. 1998, Dictionary of Architectural and Building Technology, 3rd edn, E & F Spon, London (R720.321 1986 DIC) Cuff, D. 1991, Architecture: The Story of Practice, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. (720.68 1991 ARC) Demkin, J. 2001, The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 13th Edition, J Wiley & Sons, New York (Q720 2001 ARC) Demkin, J. 2005, The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice: update 2005, J Wiley & Sons, New York (Q720.68 2005 ARC) Duffy, F. & Hutton, L. 1998, Architectural Knowledge: The Idea of a Profession, E & FN Spon, London (720.2341 1998 ARC) Greenstreet, B. & Chappell, D. 1994, Legal and Contractual Procedures for Architects, Butterworth, London (LAW Q 343.78720941 1994 LEG) Hubbard, B. 1995, A Theory for Practice: Architecture in Three Discourses, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. (720.1 1995 THE) Marsh, P.D.V. 1995, Contracting for Engineering and Construction Projects, 4th Edition, Brookfield, Pressman, A. 1997, Professional Practice 101: A Compendium of Business and Management Strategies in Architecture, Wiley, New York (720.68 1997 PRO) Productivity Commission of Australia, 2000, Review of legislation regulating the architectural profession: inquiry report, Productivity Commission (BUSINESS GovtPubs P328.9404 P1 2000/425 not for loan) Rogers, W. 1997, The professional practice of landscape architecture: a complete guide to starting and running your own firm, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York (Q 712.068 1997 PRO) Rosen, H. J. 1990, Construction Specifications Writing: Principles and Procedures. 3rd edn, Wiley, New York (Q 692.3 1990 CON) Standen, D. 1996, If You Practise Architecture, RAIA, Melbourne (720.1 1996 IFY) ————. 1995, Construction Industry Specifications, RAIA Practice Services, Melbourne [RR] ————. 1993, Construction Industry Terminology, 3rd edn, RAIA Practice Services, Melbourne (R 338.476240994 1993 CON) ————. 1987, Terms in Practice: A Dictionary for Australian Architects, 2nd edn, RAIA Practice Division, South Melbourne (R 720.68 1987 TER) Saunders, W. S. & Rowe, P. G. (eds). 1996, Reflections on Architectural Practices in the Nineties, Princeton Architectural Press, New York (720.68 1996 REF) Symes, M., Eley, J. & Seidel, A. D. 1995, Architects and their Practices: A Changing Profession, Butterworth Architecture, Oxford (720.68 1995 ARC)



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Wakita, OA., Linde, RM. 2003, The Professional Practice of Architectural Working Drawings, Wiley, New York (Q720.284 2003 PRO) Wallis, L., Whitman, P., Savage, S. 2005, Take 4 – Collaboration and Coalition: creating architectural knowledge in contemporary practice, RAIA, Canberra (720.994 2005 TAK) 8.3 Relevant Journal Articles Dovey, K. 1989, ‘Architectural Ethics: A dozen dilemmas’, Architecture Australia 78:5, pp. 52–6 Longstaff, S. 1999, ‘Architects: Ethics’, Architecture Australia 88:6, pp. 88–91 (P 720.5 P6) 8.4 Relevant Websites Architects Accreditation Council of Australia www.aaca.org.au

Includes information about registering as an architect and sample exam papers.

Architects Board of WA www.architectsboard.org.au

Royal Australian Institute of Architects www.architecture.com.au

Includes a guide for students about registering as an architect [go to the top tab “Students and Education”]

Australasian Legal Information Institute www.austlii.edu.au

Comprehensive database of legislation and legal cases in Australia. Includes the Architects Act 1921 and 2004

Association of Professional Architects www.apesma.asn.au As a registered organisation under the Industrial Relations Act, APESMA has the legal status that allows it to assist architects in industrial relations/employment matters. This role differentiates them from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) who are not involved in these issues.

Property Council of Australia www.propertyoz.com.au The Property Council of Australia represents organisations involved in the property industry. Its mission is to champion the interests of the property sector, and to provide advocacy and networking benefits to its members.

Real Estate Institute of WA www.reiwa.com.au

Real Estate sales sites: Commercial: www.realcommercial.com.au, www.propertylook.com.au

Residential: www.realestate.com.au



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9.0 WEEKLY PROGRAMME Week 1 Tue 27 February Scope of Architects’ Services: Blurring the Design/Practice Divide Because architecture is fundamentally an act of making, practice assumes a special role in our profession. It is practice that becomes the ultimate test of any theoretical position we may take in the creative process we call design. Practice is the way in which design is translated into professional service, and into something concrete.

—Pressman 1999 Architecture as ultimately a professional art sings; architecture as ultimately an academic discipline sucks.

—Venturi 1996 By way of introduction, this lecture foregrounds the proposition underscoring the unit that design and practice are not mutually exclusive activities but rather are fundamentally linked by and throughout the construction process. Indeed, not only is design central to practice, so too, as will be seen in the coming weeks, can practice be seen as a design problem. The lecture provides an overview of the construction industry and examines the roles of the architect in relation to other members of the sector. Key notions about the making or realising of architecture in a professional environment are addressed, including the importance in the process of ideas. The RAIA Scope of the Architect’s Services is the document around which the sequence and core content of the semester’s lectures is broadly structured and this is discussed here in some detail. Workshop Wednesday 28 February Forming Teams Students will form into teams of four. Each student will work with their team in both the workshop sessions, and on their group assignment. The aim of this workshop is to:

Form a team with whom you will work for the whole semester Get to know your team Play some team-building games.

Reading Recommended AN 01.01.300 Design services are valuable AN 10.01.101 Scope of the Architect’s Services Additional Cuff, D. Architecture, Ch. 1 ‘Why Study the Culture of Practice?’; Ch. 3 ‘Design Problems in Practice’;

Ch. 7 ‘Conclusion’ Gutman, R. Architectural Practice, Ch. 4 ‘Bigger and More Complex Buildings’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, Foreword/Preface; ‘Linking Design and Practice’ pp. 12–21;

Ch. 12 ‘The School-Practice Dichotomy’ Saunders, W. S. & Rowe, P. G. (eds) Reflections on Architectural Practices in the Nineties, ‘Overviews of

Architectural Practice and Education’ esp. ‘Introduction’ pp. 8–11; ‘Architecture as Image’ pp. 12–19; ‘The Shaping of Architectural Practice’ pp. 26–35



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Week 2 Tuesday 6 March Transition + Registration: Becoming and Being (a) Professional This lecture explores the professional image of the architect, introducing the notion of professionalism and exploring what it means to be a professional, especially in relation to the various acts, codes and organisations that are an integral and governing part of professional membership. Emphasis is on important transitions from student to graduate and then from graduate to architect. Issues discussed include the factors involved in moving from the university to the professional environment (such as seeking and applying for work in an office; interview techniques and what employers look for in graduates) as well as the factors involved in becoming an architect and the kinds of practical experience necessary. The reasons, requirements and procedures involved in Registration are explained in depth. Workshop Wednesday 7 March Gaining Experience: Job Applications, CVs, Interviews + Registration Students will examine how to gain the right work experience in order to register as an Architect. The aim of this workshop is to discuss:

How to apply for a job – what do employers look for? Putting together a winning CV and introduction letter Job Interviews and presenting your portfolio Gaining the right experience – step by step, project by project Filling in your log book What is the Registration process? What is the Architect’s Award? Hint: it’s not about your design skill but does affect your pay!

Sample Exam Questions • Discuss the Architect’s Code of Professional Conduct in relation to the Architects Act. • Explain the differences between the Architects Board (ABWA), the Royal Australian Institute of

Architects (RAIA) and the Association of Professional Architects (APA through APESMA) • Explain in detail how the Architects Act affects the practice of architecture. Reading Recommended AN 03.01 Series: Professional development AN 06.01.300 Interviewing AN 06.01.301 Employment of staff under “contract” AN 06.01.302 Guidelines for the employment of architects AN 06.01.304 Registration—Practical experience for undergraduates and graduates in preparation for registration AN 08.02.100 Architects’ liability AN 08.02.402 The standard of care of the professional AN 08.02.408 The Trade Practices Act and ‘misleading conduct’ AN 08.02.409 Law for architects—An ABC of how not to be found wanting AN 08.02.412 Mushrooming professional liability in the construction industry AN 08.02.600 Experience and inexperience AN 08.02.607 Defamation—Watch what you say and how you say it AN 10.01.109 Student commissions AN 10.02.100 Architects and copyright AN 10.02.101 Moral rights—Some common questions and answers AN 10.02.102 Moral rights—An overview of the Act



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Additional AACA NCSA 04 General Information for APE Candidates AACA NCSA 05 Guide for APE Candidates RAIA Code of Professional Conduct Architects Act 2004 Technical Services - Architects Award 2000 Allinson, K. The Wild Card of Design, Ch. 1 ‘Projects, Professionals and Managers’ Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 8 ‘The Architect and the Public’ Cooke, JR, Architects, Engineers and the Law:

o Ch 4, ‘Duty of Care’ o Ch 12, ‘Professional Conduct’

Duffy, F. & Hutton, L. Architectural Knowledge, Preface; Ch. 13 ‘The Professional in the Built Environment’; Part 3 ‘The Profession of Architecture: Partnership in an Intelligent Market’

Hubbard, B. A Theory for Practice, ‘Introduction: Thinking Like an Architect’; Ch. 3 ‘A Way to Think about Practice’; Ch. 4 ‘Working with Other Ways of Thinking’

Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101: o Ch. 1 ‘Practice, Practice, Practice’ esp. pp. 1–12; o Ch. 2 ‘Do the Right Thing’ esp. pp. 45–58; o ‘Advice to Students’ pp. 131–2, 136

Saunders, W. S. & Rowe, P. G. (eds), Reflections on Architectural Practices in the Nineties, ‘Professional Responsibilities and Ethics’ pp. 82–122

Standen, D. If You Practice Architecture, 2.04 ‘Professions?’; 2.11 ‘Ethics or Morals?’ Symes, M., Eley, J. & Seidel, A. D. Architects and their Practices, Part One ‘Architecture as a Profession’;

Ch. 3 ‘The Profession as a Whole’; ‘Professional Legitimacy’ pp. 45–6 On Resumes and Job Applications Curtis, 2000, Strategic Interviewing: skills and tactics for savvy executives [BUSINESS 658.31124 2000 STR] Stevens, 2003, The Australian Resume Guide, [BUSINESSS 650.14 2003 AUS] Jay, 1999, 101 More Best Resumes [HSS 808.06665 199 ONE] Noble, 2004, Gallery of Best Resumes [MEDICAL 650.142 204 GAL] Greene, 2004, Get the Interview Every Time, [MEDICAL 650.14 2004 GET] Gene, 2004, How to Write Better Resumes, [BUSINESS 650.14 2004 HOW] Bright, 2000, Resumes that get Shortlisted, [MEDICAL 808.06665 2000 RES] Schmidt, 1999, Results oriented interviewing [BUSINESS 658.31124 1999 RES]



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Week 3 Tuesday 13 March Pre-Design: The ABC of Practice: Architect, Brief + Client To those clients without whose challenges, understanding, and trust we could not be artists.

—Venturi 1996 Whether in relation to traditional or new forms of project procurement, design and delivery, all building projects exist only because there is a client (owner) and there is a brief. The client may be a single person or a collective body and the brief may be short or long but always necessarily concise. In architectural, though obviously not all building, projects there is always an architect, although the involvement of the architect is, as was discovered last week, determined to a large extent by the mode of service adopted. There are, of course, other components equally essential to practice but this lecture examines the relationships between and key parts played by architect and client and brief throughout a design project, and especially in the initial stages. The roles, responsibilities, liabilities and rights of the client and the architect in a contractual arrangement (such as the RAIA Client-Architect Agreement) are discussed, along with fees and conditions. Also studied are the means by which a detailed set of requirements—a brief—is prepared with and/or for the client. Considerations include, for example: design objectives, limitations and criteria; space requirements and relations; number and functional responsibilities of personnel; flexibility and provision for growth; special equipment and systems; site requirements; budget requirements; programming and so on. Workshop Wednesday 14 March Sign here please: briefing, sketch design and (dis) agreements Clients are of utmost importance to an architectural practice – after all, they write the cheques! The client is the customer of the service you provide and, like any business, the customer must be kept happy. If successful, your relationship will last for years and lead to ongoing work through recommendations and new commissions. In this workshop, students will gain insight into the relationship between architect and client from the first handshake. The aim of the workshop is to find out:

What makes a good client brief? Do you want to work with this person for the next few years? Sign here please – getting the client to sign a client-architect agreement Preparing sketch designs Walking the client through your design proposal

Sample Exam Questions • You are approached by a corporate client to design an office building in Perth. Outline the sequence

of correspondences necessary to confirm the commission and describe in detail the information contained in the correspondences.

• Define the ‘brief’: outline what it contains, who produces it and how, and what it is used for. • Describe how an architect establishes a fee for their various services. Reading Recommended AN 02.01.300 Communications in management AN 02.03 Series: Fees AN 04.01.100 Quality control checklist AN 07.03.700 Qualification Based Selection AN 09.01.000 Introduction to Guide Letters AN 09.01.001 Conditions of engagement—Advice to clients on terms AN 09.01.002 Conditions of engagement—Confirmation to clients of terms AN 09.01.009 Expenditure additional to agreed fees—Recommendation to clients



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AN 09.01.011 Architect’s fees due—Advice to clients AN 09.01.014 Professional service—Advice to clients at completion of stage AN 10.01 Series: Client and architect agreement, especially the following:

AN 10.01.100 Client-Architect Agreement 1993 (long form) with interleaved notes AN 10.01.102 Client-Architect Agreement 1998 (short form) with interleaved notes AN 10.01.103 Client and architect conditions of engagement AN 10.01.105 Resigning commissions AN 10.01.106 Accepting architectural commissions AN 10.01.110 Australian Standards and client and architect agreements AN 10.01.400 Conflict of interest in architectural commissions AN 10.01.401 Getting paid when the job does not proceed AN 10.01.402 The client and architect agreement and the vital importance of adequate documentation AN 10.01.600 Fees and conditions—Get them agreed and get them in writing AN 10.01.601 Do you ‘include by reference’? AN 10.01.602 Are you dealing with a legal person? AN 10.01.605 Don’t let the fees mount up AN 10.01.607 Ensure that your contracts are not ‘personal’ unless you are doing it all yourself AN 10.01.609 Avoiding fee disputes AN 10.01.610 Site safety

AN 10.02.110 Architects’ fees—The value of copyright in designs AN 10.03.100 The design brief AN 10.04 Series: Invitations and expressions of interest AN 10.06.854 Architects’ fees AN 10.06.864 Your brief to your architect AN 11.01 Series: Project records AN 13.03.601 Do you keep your client informed? AN 20.01.004 Competition policy and the architectural profession Repeat AN 01.01.300 Design services are valuable AN 08.02.100 Architects’ Liability AN 10.01.101 Scope of the architect’s Services Additional Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 2 ‘The Construction Industry’; Ch. 3 ‘Careers in

Architecture’ esp. pp. 1–2; Ch. 5 ‘The Selection of an Architect’; Ch. 9 ‘Owner-Architect Agreements’; Ch. 11 ‘Project Procedures’

Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure, Ch. 2 ‘Services Offered’; Ch. 3 ‘The Client and his Brief’

Cuff, D. Architecture, Ch. 5 esp. pp. 171–3; Ch. 6 ‘Excellent Practice’ esp. pp. 232–5 Gutman, R. Architectural Practice, Ch. 2 ‘The New Structure of Demand’ pp. 13–22; Ch. 6 ‘The

Organization Client’ pp. 50–60 Hubbard, B. A Theory for Practice, Ch. 1 ‘Other Ways to Think about a Building’ Jenkins, F. Architect and Patron Lapidus, M. Architecture: A Profession and a Business, Ch. 9 ‘Public Relations and Salesmanship’; Ch. 11

‘Establishing Rapport with your Client’; Ch. 13 ‘How to Write a Contract and How to Collect Fees’; Ch. 20 ‘Convictions and Compromise’; Ch. 21 ‘The Good Guys and the Bad Guys—Your Clients’

Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 3 ‘The Consumers’; Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, Ch. 6 ‘To Market, to market, to buy a fat … commission’;

‘Thinking Ahead in the Architect-Client Relationship’ pp. 202–12 Saunders, WS & Rowe, PG Reflections on Architectural Practices in the Nineties, ‘Patronage and Power’ Sharp, D. The Business of Architectural Practice, Ch. 2 ‘Getting Work and Keeping Clients’; Ch. 8 ‘The

Client and Project Management’



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Week 4 Tuesday 20 March Pre-Design: Testing the Water: Evaluating Feasibility In addition to reaching agreement upon the conditions of the client-architect relationship and formulating a brief, the Pre-Design stage involves the evaluation of the project costs and benefits, that is, the preparation of a Feasibility Study. This lecture examines the role of such a study and its means of preparation, including, for instance, analysis of the project brief, formation of an initial area concept, recognition of project costs and probable income as well as probable return on investment. It discusses the concepts of cost and benefit in not simply economic but more broadly social terms. The lecture also introduces the notion of the Opinion of Probable Cost (as distinct from an estimate) as another key service provided by an architect at a number of stages throughout the design process. INTRODUCE GROUP ASSIGNMENT – Feasibility Project Workshop Wednesday 21 March Examples of Feasibilities used for development + investment Students will be shown examples of Feasibility Studies used in the development and construction industry. These include feasibilities carried out in Sydney, London and Perth for property developers, building owners and clients. The aim of the workshop will be to:

Facilitate students with their group assignment Find out who commissions feasibilities and due diligence reports Understand that the design and the client’s investment decision must be aligned Understand when and why a feasibility study might be conducted Look at several examples of different feasibility studies used for various purposes

Sample Exam Questions • How does the architect provide advice to clients on estimated costs of projects and what are the

architect’s responsibilities and liabilities in regard to such opinions of probable cost? Reading Recommended AN 07.01.100 Financing of buildings AN 10.06.855 How much will the building cost? AN 13.03 Series: Estimates, especially the following:

AN 13.03.102 Project cost control AN 13.03.106 Feasibility studies—Financial analyses AN 13.03.108 Measurement of building areas

AN 13.04.103 Life cycle cost analysis AN 13.04.104 Value management Additional Australian Property Journal (online resource) Carn, N. 1988, Real estate market analysis, Prentice-Hall, NJ [Business 333.33 1988 REA] Chappell, D. Report Writing for Architects and Project Managers, Journal of Property Valuation and Investment (online resource) Ling, D. 2005, Real estate principles: a value approach, McGraw-Hill, Mass [Business Q333.332 2005 REA] Whipple, RTM. 1995, Property Valuation and Analysis [2006 edition ordered for LAW on 6/12/06]

[LAW 333.3320994 1995 PRO]



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Week 5 Tuesday 27 March Modes of Practice: re-Defining Project Procurement, Design + Delivery …practice is really one of the most interesting design problems right now…

—Thomas Fisher 1997 The lecture in week 1 discussed the traditional mode of architectural practice as represented by the RAIA Scope of the Architect’s Services. For the sake of clarity and in order to illustrate key principles of architectural practice, the lectures in this unit generally address and are structured in accordance with this conventional model. However, the construction industry is moving more and more to new methods of project procurement, design and delivery. This lecture surveys a number of the most common variations and alternatives to convention, including Design-Construct, Project Management, Partnering, Bridging, Novating and Construction Management. It explains the stages at which decisions are made regarding the adoption of an alternative mode of delivery as well as the roles, rights, liabilities and responsibilities of all the parties involved in the design and building process, comparing them to those characterising the traditional practice model. Professional, contractual and other legal issues arising with these modes of service are addressed and the role of design in the processes is highlighted. Workshop Wednesday 28 March Working with Consultants and Authorities The “Design” team involves several different individuals and organisations who all contribute to the design process. For any given project, these might include:

The Client (eg. Couple building their own home, a Developer, a Project Manager, etc) In-house design and documentation team Consultants (eg. Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Environmental Engineers; Planners;

Traffic Planners; Heritage Consultants; Landscape Architects, other Architects, etc) The Builder Marketing/ Real Estate professionals

In addition, the local Council will need to be dealt with. The Council provides the interface between your design proposal and the community and neighbours who will be affected by it. The role of the Architect is to orchestrate all of these inputs and keep lines of communication open. Sample Exam Questions • Outline a range of non-traditional means of project procurement describing the advantages and

disadvantages of each with respect to the positions of both client and architect • Outline the various consultants used in a large project and describe their roles in the design and

documentation process

Reading Recommended AN 10.01.701 The use of novation contracts in building delivery AN 10.05 Series: Other forms of service AN 10.06.853 Can my architect also be my builder? AN 10.06.866 The independent role of the project manager AN 16.01.403 The legal ramifications of the role of the architect in the administration of some recent contracts AN 16.01.603 Avoid partial contract administration AN 16.01.701 Partnering AN 16.01.702 Project alliancing contracts in the building industry Repeat AN 01.01.300 Design services are valuable



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AN 08.02.100 Architects’ liability AN 10.02.100 Architects and copyright AN 10.02.101 Moral rights—Some common questions and answers AN 10.02.102 Moral rights—An overview of the Act Additional Gutman, R. Architectural Practice, Ch. 5 ‘The Construction Industry’; Ch. 8 ‘Competitiveness among

Architects’; Ch. 10 ‘Challenges to Architecture’ Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 5 ‘The Constructors’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, Ch. 4 ‘Project Management’ esp. pp. 133–7; Ch. 9 ‘New Modes

of Service and Project Delivery’; Ch. 10 ‘Nontraditional Practice’ Saunders, W. S. & Rowe, P. G. (eds) Reflections on Architectural Practices in the Nineties Standen, D. Construction Industry Terminology Standen, D. If You Practice Architecture, 2.06 ‘Inventiveness in Ways of Bringing about New Projects’ Symes, M., Eley, J. & Seidel, A. D. Architects and their Practices, Of general relevance and esp. Part One

‘Architecture as a Profession’; Part Two ‘Architects Today’; Part Five ‘Questions for the Future’



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Week 6 Tuesday 3 April Design - Site Analysis and Schematic Design: Lie of the Land: Outlining the Scheme The final aspect of ‘project definition’ involves the undertaking of extensive investigative activities. These include consultations with authorities, site surveys, analysis of existing site conditions, off-site services studies, rezoning applications and research into all applicable laws, statutes, codes, standards and regulations affecting the project. This lecture discusses these activities and, in addition, Architectural Design services, for project definition also necessarily relates to the preparation of a Schematic Design. This represents the preliminary response by an architect to the parameters set by client, brief, budget and all other research and site investigations. The lecture introduces the Development Application (DA)—the submission to local government planning authorities requesting planning approval—which represents the completion of the Schematic Design Stage. The DA will be discussed in detail in week 7. Workshop Wednesday 4 April IN-CLASS TEST 1 (30%) This is a 1-hour test conducted in class. It will test your knowledge of the material covered in lectures and workshops from Week 1 to Week 6. Please refer to the section on Assessment (pages 7 to 9 of this course guide) for more information. Sample Exam Questions • Describe the laws, regulations, codes and statutes that would affect the design and construction of a

commercial art gallery to be built on Rokeby Road, Subiaco. • Given the commission to undertake full architectural services for a commercial office building on the

riverfront in the new East Perth Redevelopment Area, (i) report on the kinds of investigations you would undertake with regard to site analysis and (ii) list the authorities and relevant acts governing building in WA that would apply to this site.

• Outline the procedures and documents required to submit a Development Application (DA). Describe the avenues available should the DA be rejected by the local government authority.

Reading Recommended AN 05.01.001 The use of Australian standards in architectural practice AN 5.01.600 Australian standards—Before you quote them, understand them AN 09.01.010 Site—Request to clients for information AN 09.01.013 Authorities—Advice to clients on conditions of approval AN 10.06.863 The Disability Discrimination Act—Taking disabled people into account AN 13.01 Series: Design generally, especially the following:

AN 13.01.101 Survey information AN 13.01.102 Party walls

AN 13.02 Series: Authorities AN 13.04.100 Architects’ inspection services AN 13.05 Series: Universal Access AN 14.01.100 The use of Australian standards AN 18.01.401 Adverse possession—Ensuring the building is on the right site Repeat AN 09.01.011 Architect’s fees due—Advice to clients AN 09.01.012 Consultant’s fee accounts—Recommendation to clients AN 09.01.014 Professional service—Advice to clients at completion of stage AN 10.01.605 Don’t let the fees mount up AN 10.06.855 How much will the building cost? AN 11.01 Series: Project records



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AN 13.03 Series: Estimates Additional Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 11 ‘Project Procedures’; Ch. 15 ‘Construction Cost

Analysis’ Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure, Ch. 4 ‘The Site’; Ch. 5 ‘Existing Buildings’; Ch. 6

‘The Design’; Ch. 20 ‘Financial Control from Estimate to Final Account’ Cuff, D. Architecture, Ch. 3 ‘Design Problems in Practice’ Hubbard, B. A Theory for Practice, Ch. 1 ‘Other Ways to Think about a Building’ Lapidus, M. Architecture: A Profession and a Business, Ch. 10 ‘Persuasive Presentation’; Ch. 16 ‘Fees and

Controls’; Ch. 17 ‘Controls and More Controls’ Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, Ch. 7 esp. Nos 3, 4, 5 pp. 208–9; Ch. 11 esp. ‘Selling out or

selling yourself?’ pp. 322–30

10 April and 11 April

NO CONTACT WEEK Week 7 Tuesday 18 April Design - Development Application: Inside the Design Team: Refining the Project Good architecture requires fractions of inches as well as ideas.

—Venturi 1996 After a number of lectures in which the building project was given definition, this week is dedicated to project refinement. This is the stage of Design Development during which time the brief continues to evolve and the schematic design is explored and developed in greater detail prior to the preparation of working drawings. This lecture examines the Architectural Design services offered at this stage, comprising the expansion of schematic design documents (in plans, sections, elevations), typical construction details, three-dimensional sketches, refining materials and finishes schedule and selections, establishing equipment layouts, preliminary design and layout of furniture and fittings and liaison with and coordination of consultants. Having introduced the appointment of consultants in week 6, this lecture looks closely at the design team—the members of which are both within the architectural office and external to it in the form of a range of consultants representing diverse areas of expertise. Workshop Wednesday 19 April Feasibility Assignment – Q+A (optional) Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about their assignments. Sample Exam Questions • You have had some discussions and reach basic agreement with a client who owns a suburban block

of land on which she wants to erect an office building. She wants to commission your practice to undertake the project but in three successive stages: (a) Design documents, sufficient to obtain a Development Approval; (b) Documentation sufficient to obtain a Building Licence and a price from a builder; (c) ‘Keep an eye’ on the building during construction. Write a letter to your client setting out all the specifics of the commission agreement including fee structure, and given subconsultants will be required, outline the ways in which they may be selected and engaged.

• You are commissioned to refurbish the old East Perth Power Station, converting it into a convention centre. Outline the need for consultants, list the types of consultants required for the job and provide a time schedule for their involvement with the project.



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Reading Recommended AN 02.01.302 Meetings in architectural practice and management AN 06.02.302 Teamwork AN 08.02.406 The architect and the negligent engineer AN 08.02.800 The architect’s duty to correct and warn AN 09.01.003 Consultants—Advice to clients AN 09.01.004 Consultants—Request to consultants for information AN 09.01.005 Consultant engagement—Advice to clients AN 09.01.006 Consultants (appointment by clients)—Request to clients for information AN 09.01.007 Consultant (appointment)—Confirmation to consultant AN 09.01.008 Briefing of consultants AN 09.01.016 Terms of reference—Advice to clients on implications of change AN 10.01.108 AS 4121 (Int)—1993 Code of ethics and procedures for the selection of consultants AN 11.02.100 Issuing CAD files to builders and consultants AN 12.00 Series: SUBCONSULTANTS AN 13.01 Series: Design generally, especially the following:

AN 13.01.702 Buildability—The effects of design and management on construction Repeat AN 04.01.100 Quality control checklist AN 08.02.100 Architects’ liability AN 09.01.012 Consultant’s fee accounts—Recommendation to clients AN 10.03.100 The design brief AN 11.01 Series: Project records Additional Allinson, K. The Wild Card of Design, Ch. 6 ‘The project as a Winning Team’ Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 10 ‘The Architect and his Consultants’; Ch. 11 ‘Project

Procedures’ Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure, Ch. 7 ‘The Design Team’; Ch. 8 ‘The Quantity

Surveyor’ Cooke, JR, Architects, Engineers and the Law:

o Ch 13, ‘Delegation of Design’ Cuff, D. Architecture, Ch. 3 ‘Design Problems in Practice’:

o Ch. 5 esp. ‘Design Interactions’ pp. 173–84, o Ch. 6 esp. ‘Dynamic Forces and Principles for Uncertainty’ pp. 235–43; o Ch. 7 esp. ‘The Individual and the Collective’ pp. 251–4

Hubbard, B. A Theory for Practice, Ch. 1 ‘Other Ways to Think about a Building’ Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 4 ‘The Design Professionals’; Ch. 6 ‘Consultants, Specialists and Other

Participants’; Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’ Lapidus, M. Architecture: A Profession and a Business, Ch. 5 ‘the Hazards and Benefits of Group

Practice’; Ch. 8 ‘The Architect and his Consultant Team’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, ‘The Challenge of Group Projects’ pp. 151–8



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Week 8 Tuesday 24 April Contract Documentation: It’s all in the Translation: Communicating the Design If verbal and written exchange between client, architect and consultants feature in the early parts of the design process, then in the latter stages effective and accurate communication is paramount in the successful realisation of a building project. Foregrounded in the next two lectures (8 + 9) is the importance of unambiguous and precise written, drawn and verbal transmission of project information to a contractor (as well as client and authorities) via the contract documents. These documents are in effect the translation into fact of the schematic design ideas. This lecture studies the Contract Documents—including Working Drawings, Specifications and Bills of Quantities—and discusses the kinds of information best contained in each component. It also looks at the requirements for the preparation and lodgement to Council of a Building Licence Application. Workshop Wednesday 25 April No Workshop – ANZAC Day Sample Exam Questions • Discuss, with reference to the written specification and the contract drawings, the kinds of

information best contained in each, and the safety mechanisms available to protect against ambiguity and conflict of information.

Reading Recommended AN 04.02 Series: Quality in documentation AN 09.01.015 Pre-contract progress—Advice to clients AN 09.01.017 Clerk of works (employment)—Recommendation to clients AN 09.01.019 Pre-setting time extension costs—Advice to clients AN 09.01.020 Contract sum adjustment rates for variations—Recommendations to clients AN 09.01.021 Contract conditions—Confirmation to clients AN 09.01.036 Practical completion—Advice to clients AN 10.05.602 What constitutes ‘building work’? AN 10.06.868 Contingency sum AN 12.01.100 The architect and secondary consultants AN 13.01.400 Competent design—Council approval is not enough An 13.02.00.600 BCA certification AN 13.03.003 Quantity surveyors’ estimates AN 14.03.100 Specification writing technique AN 14.03.103 Specification preliminaries AN 16.01.100 Shop drawings AN 16.04.102 Dealing with substitutions and the ‘or equal’ clause AN 16.05.101 The contingency sum Repeat AN 02.01.300 Communications in management AN 02.01.302 Meetings in architectural practice and management AN 04.01.100 Quality control checklist AN 08.02.100 Architects’ liability AN 08.02.800 Architect’s duty to correct and warn AN 09.01.016 Terms of reference—Advice to clients on implications of change AN 09.01.018 Building works contracts—Advice to clients AN 10.03.100 The design brief AN 10.06.861 Choosing the contract AN 11.01 Series: Project records AN 11.02.100 Issuing CAD files to builders and consultants



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Additional Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice:

o Ch. 11 ‘Project Procedures’; o Ch. 12 ‘Working Drawings’; o Ch. 14 ‘Specifications’

Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure: o Ch. 11 ‘Specification’; o Ch. 12 ‘Production Drawings’; o Ch. 13 ‘Bills of Quantity’

NATSPEC Building Reference Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, ‘The Role of Computing in Architecture’ pp. 255–68 Standen, D. Construction Industry Specifications Rosen, H. J. & Heineman, T. Construction Specifications Writing



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Week 9 Tuesday 1 May Pre-Design: AB(I)Cs of Contracts While the building contract assumes greatest importance in latter parts of the design and construction process, it is nonetheless advisable in the Pre-Design stages of a project to suggest to the client/owner (i) which form of building contract(s) may be considered for the administration of the project and (ii) which consultants will be employed during various stages of the design and construction processes. The lecture discusses the selection and engagement of consultants and the respective advantages and disadvantages of each method of appointment. In addition, the lecture examines the concept of the contract as a framework, outlining its major features and explaining its functions and capacities. The Australian Building Industry Contract (ABIC) is used to illustrate the explanation. The contract between client and architect (discussed in week 3) is supplemented here by contracts formed variously with consultants and contractors. Workshop Wednesday 2 May Introducing Construction Contracts This workshop begins our examination of construction contracts:

Why doesn’t the architect sign the construction contract? How many construction contract types are out there, and how do you choose? Can I advise the client on which type of contract to use? The clients’ lawyer wants to make some changes. What do I say? Why have a contract at all? Who does it protect? What happens if the parties haven’t signed yet? “When is a contract a contract?”

In addition, we will look at the other documents that make up the contract and how they fit together: Specifications Schedules – finishes, fixtures and fittings Construction drawings

Sample Exam Questions • Explain the fundamental principles of a ‘contract’, making clear at what point a contract between two

parties is actually established. • Outline at least four different types of building contract, indicating the most appropriate uses for

each respectively. Reading Recommended AN 05.01.101 Standards Australia building contracts—The main differences between AS 4000 and AS 2124 AN 09.01.012 Consultant’s fee accounts—Recommendation to clients AN 09.01.018 Building works contracts—Advice to clients AN 10.06.859 The dangers of amending standard building contracts AN 10.06.861 Choosing the contract AN 15.00 Series: BUILDING CONTRACTS AND TENDERING, especially the following:

AN 15.01 Series: Building contracts generally, especially: AN 15.01.400 The components of a building contract

AN 15.20.100 ABIC MW-1 2001 major works contract—user guide AN 15.20.110 ABIC MW-1 2001 major works contract—Architect’s copy

Additional Chappell, D. & Willis, A. The Architect in Practice, Ch. 7 ‘Consultants’ pp.133–5; Ch. 9. ‘Contract selection and implications’ pp. 195–9 Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, Ch. 7 ‘Laws and Order’



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Week 10 Tuesday 8 May Tendering and Negotiating: Coming to Terms: Executing the Contract Continuing the emphasis from last week upon the communicating of the project, this lecture examines the means by which a building contract is established between a client and a contractor, beginning with the Tendering and Negotiating process. Following an introduction to the tender documents, the lecture outlines the steps involved in the tender process, explaining also the various forms of tender. Once a contract package has been reached that is acceptable to both the client and the successful tendering contractor, the contract documents are signed. Known as the ‘execution of the contract’, this process is also discussed using the ABIC MW-1 as example. SUBMIT GROUP ASSIGNMENT – Feasibility Project The Group Assignment for the Feasibility Project is due by 12 noon Wednesday 9th May. Please refer to the section on Assessment (pages 7 to 9 of this unit guide) for more information. Workshop Wednesday 9 May ABIC-MW1 – understanding the gobbledegook This workshop examines the ABIC-MW1 contract in detail. The aim of the workshop is to:

Study a typical construction contract Understand the terminology and meaning behind some of the clauses Understand the architect’s role in administering the contract Find out what the obligations of the client and builder are What happens when it all goes wrong? The client told the builder to make some changes – can they do that? Variations – what are they, what am I meant to do, and who pays?

The workshop will be illustrated with real-life examples!

Sample Exam Questions • Write to your client outlining the process involved in the preparation for and signing of the contract

documents. Reading Recommended AN 09.01.022 Pre-tender information—Registration of builders AN 09.01.023 Tender details—Confirmation to clients AN 09.01.024 Tender report—Recommendations to clients (See also AN 09.01.001/.002) AN 09.01.025 Successful tenderer—Advice AN 09.01.026 Unsuccessful tenderers—Advice AN 09.01.027 Successful tenderer—Request for information AN 09.01.028 Insurance—Request to builder for evidence AN 09.01.029 Clerk of works (employment)—Advice to builder AN 09.01.030 Execution of contract—Instructions to clients AN 09.01.031 Nominated sub-contracts and/or supply agreements—Advice to builder of proposed tenderers AN 10.06.865 Changes otherwise called variations AN 13.01.600 Take care when making money-saving revisions AN 14.02 Series: Warranties and guarantees AN 14.03.101 Tender/contract documents—Overview AN 14.03.102 Notice to tenderers and conditions of tendering AN 14.03.104 Contract documents AN 15.00 Series: BUILDING CONTRACTS AND TENDERING, especially the following:

AN 15.01 Series: Building contracts generally



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AN 15.08 Series: Tendering AN 16.01.103 Letters of intent AN 16.02.100 Payment for unfixed materials and goods—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.04.100 Valuations of variations—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.04.101 Contract sum adjustments—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.06.100 Time extension costs—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.10.100 Nominated or identified subcontracts—Under standard lump sum contracts Repeat AN 04.01.100 Quality control checklist AN 09.01.011 Architect’s fees due—Advice to clients AN 09.01.012 Consultant’s fee accounts—Recommendation to clients AN 09.01.014 Professional service—Advice to clients at completion of stage AN 09.01.016 Terms of reference—Advice to clients on implications of change AN 09.01.017 Clerk of works (employment)—Recommendation to clients AN 09.01.018 Building works contracts AN 09.01.019 Pre-setting time extension costs AN 09.01.020 Contract sum adjustment rates for variations—Advice to clients AN 09.01.021 Contract conditions—Confirmation to clients AN 10.06.859 The dangers of amending standard building contracts AN 10.06.861 Choosing the contract AN 10.06.868 Contingency sum AN 11.01 Series: Project records AN 15.20.100 ABIC MW-1 2001 major works contract—user guide AN 15.20.110 ABIC MW-1 2001 major works contract—Architect’s copy AN 16.05.101 The contingency sum Additional Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 16 ‘Selection of Contractors’; Ch. 17 ‘Owner-

Contractor Agreements’ Bailey, I, Construction Law in Australia. Especially:

o Ch 5, ‘Law of Contract,’ pages 70-75 on offer and acceptance of contracts; o Ch 6, ‘Building and Engineering Contracts’ pages 98-106 outlining main categories of contract;

and tendering procedures; and o Ch 12, ‘Professional Liability’ pages 304 -315 on legal responsibility in contract and tort.

Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure, o Ch. 10 ‘Procurement—Tendering’; o Ch. 15 ‘PC (Prime Cost) Sums and Provisional Sums’

Lapidus, M. Architecture: A Profession and a Business, Ch. 19 ‘Legal problems and Pitfalls’ Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’



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Week 11 Tuesday 15 May Contract Administration: Getting it Built (Right )…or ‘What do I do on site anyway?’ The unforgiving medium: you can’t modify it once it’s up.

—Venturi 1996 The final two lectures represent the construction phase of the project. Although the job is now on site, and the design is finally being realised, there is still much for the architect to do in the office in the form of Contract Administration. This lecture examines the various responsibilities of the architect (and, of course, those of client, consultants and contractor) both on site and within the office. It covers such administrative duties as records maintenance, preparation of variation orders, monitoring of contract time, issuing of instructions to the contractor, liaising with consultants, making site inspections and certifying payments. The focus is upon the administering of the contract up until the point at which the building is deemed to have reached ‘Practical Completion’, a term which will be discussed in the next lecture. Workshop Wednesday 16 May IN-CLASS TEST 2 (40%) This is a 1-hour test conducted in class. It will test your knowledge of the material covered in lectures and workshops from Week 1 to Week 10. Please refer to the section on Assessment (pages 7 to 9 of this course guide) for more information. Sample Exam Questions • In your absence the client has instructed the builder to add an extra window. What do you need to do

now, to ensure the correct procedures are followed? Reading Recommended AN 09.01.032 Variations/cost adjustments—Recommendations to clients AN 09.01.033 Provisional sums (expenditure)—Recommendation to clients AN 09.01.034 Building progress—Advice to clients AN 09.01.035 Builder’s default—Advice to clients AN 10.06.852 Progress payments AN 10.06.862 Opening up and testing the works AN 10.06.867 The quality of finish in your building AN 13.03.002 Architect’s estimates AN 13.03.004 Preparing an architect’s estimate AN 15.01.105 Proprietor’s obligations and rights under the building contract AN 16.00 Series: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, especially the following:

AN 16.01 Series: Contract Administration generally, especially the following: AN 16.01.101 The clerk of works AN 16.01.400 The liability of local councils for inspections AN 16.01.600 Immediate physical danger AN 16.01.601 Don’t do the work of the builder AN 16.01.605 Builders supervise building work—Architects do not AN 16.01.700 Site inspection

AN 16.02.101 Contract Administration—The architect’s duty of fairness AN 16.02.104 Progress payments—Planning the cash flow AN 16.02.105 Certification of completed work by builder AN 16.02.401 The architect’s responsibilities in issuing certificates AN 16.02.402 The effect of progress certificates AN 16.02.600 Beware the client who tries to obstruct the issue of a certificate



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AN 16.02.601 Be wary if the proprietor and the builder both want you to issue a certificate AN 16.02.603 Arbitration—Progress payments AN 16.03.102 Bank guarantees and retention fund AN 16.03.103 Building contract financial control AN 16.03.601 Bank guarantees—Beware of the monetary amount and the time limits not complying with the contract AN 16.04.402 A limit to the power to order variations AN 16.05 Series: Provisional sums and quantities AN 16.06 Series: Contract time AN 16.10 Series: Nominated subcontracts AN 16.11 Series: Builders insolvency

Repeat AN 02.01.302 Meetings in architectural practice and management AN 04.01.100 Quality control checklist AN 08.02.100 Architects’ liability AN 08.02.800 The architect’s duty to correct and warn AN 09.01.016 Terms of reference—Advice to clients on implications of change AN 09.01.029 Clerk of works (employment)—Advice to builder AN 10.06.855 How much will the building cost? AN 11.01 Series: Project records AN 12.01.100 The architect and secondary consultants AN 13.03.601 Do you keep your client informed? AN 13.04.100 Architects’ inspection services AN 16.01.100 Shop drawings AN 16.02.100 Payment for unfixed materials and goods—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.04.100 Valuation of variations—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.04.101 Contract sum variations—Under standard lump sum contracts AN 16.04.102 Dealing with substitutions and the ‘or equal’ clause Additional Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 18 ‘Construction Contract Administration’ Bailey, I, Construction Law in Australia. Especially:

o Ch 6, ‘Building and Engineering Contracts’ pages 112-125 on variations, certificates and payments; and

o Ch 12, ‘Professional Liability’ pages 304 -315 on legal responsibility in contract and tort. Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure. Especially:

o Ch. 15 ‘PC (Prime Cost) Sums and Provisional Sums’; o Ch 16. ‘Instructions and Variations’; o Ch. 17 ‘Certificates’; o Ch. 18 ‘Inspection of Works in Progress’; o Ch. 19 ‘Site Inspectors’; o Ch. 20 ‘Financial Control from Estimate to Final Account’

Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 5 ‘The Constructors’; Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, Nos 7 & 8 pp. 210–11; ‘The Relationship of the Architect and

Contractor’ pp. 212–19



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Week 12 Tuesday 22 May Contract Administration: Post-Construction: Practically Complete, or…it’s all over bar the shouting… This lecture continues the Contract Administration stage introduced last week, resuming at the point of Practical Completion. This is a critical moment in the building process, giving rise to a number of important implications (regarding insurance and the changes in the various parties’ responsibilities) that are discussed in some detail. Many of the issues raised last week in regard to contract time, finance and certification are reiterated here, before the lecture moves from the ‘Construction’ phase into ‘Post-Construction’. With this last of the architect’s core services on a building project, the lecture examines the time after Practical Completion (once the building is occupied) known as the Defects Liability Period and then concludes with an explanation of the Final Certificate and its effects and implications. Workshop Wednesday 23 May IN CLASS PRESENTATIONS - Feasibility Studies Groups will be selected at random to present their Feasibility Studies. Presentations will be very brief (max 5 mins) with little or no pre-preparation required. Students will end the session by voting on which project they would choose to invest in! Sample Exam Questions • Mid-way through construction your client advises that they wish to add additional openings to their

new house. Write to them explaining how the variations may be accommodated and describe the implications regarding costs for design, construction and time of completion.

• You are the architect providing full services for an office building. You have made an inspection as requested by the builder before practical completion. The remedial work is being carried out and should be completed soon. Write a letter to your client explaining the effect of the Notice of Practical Completion that you will be issuing and the responsibilities of each party to the contract.

• Within one month of occupation you have received a phone call from the client criticising several aspects of the building you recently designed and completed. Outline the broad categories into which these (possible) faults may fall (ie client, architect, builder) and the steps taken in responding to one fault in each category.

Reading Recommended AN 08.02.101 When a client asks for your file AN 09.01.037 Practical completion—Advice to builder of date and notice AN 09.01.038 Defects—Confirmation to clients AN 09.01.039 Defects—Advice to builder AN 09.01.040 Completion—Thanking builder AN 10.06.858 Practical completion AN 16.00 Series: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, especially the following:

AN 16.02 Series: Progress and final certificates AN 16.07 Series: Practical completion AN 16.08 Series: Defects liability AN 16.09.400 The date for assessment of damages in building cases AN 16.09.402 Are faxes good enough?

Repeat AN 09.01.036 Practical completion—Advice to clients AN 11.01 Series: Project records AN 15.01.105 Proprietor’s obligations and rights under the building contract AN 16.03.102 Bank guarantees and retention fund



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Additional Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Ch. 18 ‘Construction Contract Administration’ Bailey, I, Construction Law in Australia. Especially:

o Ch 6, ‘Building and Engineering Contracts’ pages 127-133 on practical completion and defects. Bennett, P. H. P. Architectural Practice and Procedure. Especially:

o Ch. 16 ‘Instructions and Variations’; o Ch. 17 ‘Certificates’; o Ch. 18 ‘Inspection of Works in Progress’; o Ch. 19 ‘Site Inspectors’; o Ch. 20 ‘Financial Control from Estimate to Final Account’

Orr, F. Professional Practice, Ch. 14 ‘The Project Processes’ Pressman, A. Professional Practice 101, No. 10 p. 212; ‘The Relationship of the Architect and

Contractor’ pp. 212–19