Architecture practices are operating in a challenging environment of rising construction costs, economic uncertainty, changing project pipelines and increasing commercial and contractual pressures. So how do you build a practice that can adapt, make sound decisions and continue to thrive through turbulent times?

Join us on Thursday 10 September at Oblica Melbourne for Weathering the Storm, a practical and candid panel discussion bringing together experienced practice owners and industry representatives Richard and Sarah Bryant of Bryant Alsop, Les Finnis of Finnis Architecture, and Keith Ryan from the HIA.

Drawing on experience across different economic and business cycles, the panel will explore how they are approaching the current market, the pressures they are seeing across architecture and construction, and the strategies that can help businesses remain resilient.

We’ll explore:

• Managing staffing and resources when workloads fluctuate
• Responding to cost escalation, changing client expectations and tighter budgets
• Managing commercial, contractual and financial risk
• Deciding which projects and opportunities are worth pursuing
• Adapting services, collaborating and finding new ways to generate work
• Maintaining productive architect, builder and client relationships when pressure increases
• Balancing design quality with commercial realities
• What practices can do now to position themselves for the opportunities ahead

With perspectives from both architecture practice and the building industry, this discussion will look beyond simply cutting costs, and will be an open conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and the decisions that help a business remain sustainable through changing conditions.

Whether you are running an established practice, leading a team or building a younger business, this Business of Small Practice (BoSP) event will provide practical ideas for navigating uncertainty now while positioning your practice for what comes next.

WHEN & WHERE

ACA members & ArchiTeam members $20 incl GST
Non-members $25 incl GST

MEET OUR PEAKERS

Les Finnis brings more than four decades of architectural experience to his role as mentor and Founding Director at Finnis. Les began his career at Daryl Jackson Architects before becoming Associate Director at NTMH Architects in 1985. In 1990, he founded Finnis, building a practice grounded in thoughtful design, collaboration and a strong architectural language. Today, Les combines design expertise with business acumen, while remaining closely involved in mentoring the next generation of architects. He is particularly interested in the challenges and opportunities that come with building a resilient practice - from navigating change and uncertainty to maintaining a clear design agenda. His approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity and a belief that the right question, asked at the right time, can often be more valuable than having all the answers.

Keith Ryan is the Executive Director - Victoria for the Housing Industry Association. Keith was a lawyer for over 20 years in both the private and public sectors and worked in a wide range of legal matters. He has particular experience in building and construction law, commercial law, insolvency, litigation, transport law, and government law. Keith continues to represent the interests of HIA members with respect to regulatory matters in Victoria and is a regular participant in engagement with all stakeholders about proposed and upcoming regulatory changes. He is also responsible for HIA’s Victorian operations, including Membership Services, Events, Stationery, Apprentices, Safety Services, Publications, and Training.

Sarah Bryant established Bryant Alsop Architects in 2008, returning to residential architecture after experience in the commercial, health, and hospitality sectors. She was drawn to residential design for its direct client relationships and opportunity to explore ideas collaboratively. Beyond her practice, Sarah is currently serving her second term as a Victorian Chapter Councillor for the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA). She further contributes to the profession by co-chairing the Medium Practice Forum and actively participating as a member of both the AIA Housing and Education Committees.

Richard Bryant brings over 20 years of experience across education, commercial and residential projects. He brings strong conceptual skills to his projects, with a focus on creating architecture that is tactile, personal and crafted for each client. His designs are sensitive and elegant, with a sense of lightness that reflects a rigorous and thorough approach, underpinned by clear and detailed documentation. Richard has also taught at the University of Melbourne and is actively involved in a number of industry bodies including being a member of the Victorian Committee of the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA), with a strong focus on developing the ACA’s Architect’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum.

CPD

The event will deliver 1 formal CPD point. The program will include time for Q&A and a post event CPD assessment task. Certificates will be issued following participation in the full session and online submission of answers to CPD questions.

Learning Outcomes – Participants will gain practical insight into how architecture practices can respond to economic uncertainty, cost escalation and changing project conditions. The session will build understanding of strategies for managing business and contractual risk, resourcing and staffing, client and builder relationships, and identifying opportunities that support long-term practice resilience.

AACA NSCA – Practice Management & Professional Conduct – PC4, PC5, PC7, PC9, PC16.

CONTACT

For any questions, please contact Katherine Ygosse victas@aca.org.au.

Our thanks to event host Oblica.