Architectural Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)

It is recommended students do not enrol in this subject in the same semester they enrol in ABPL90169 Design Thesis.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This intensive subject covers a wide range of objectives related to Architectural Practice.

The course is intended to introduce students to and cover the following AACA National Competency Standards (2008): Unit 3 Project Management (Elements 3.1.1-3.1.5 and 3.2.1-3.2.6. 3.3.1 and 3.3.2) Unit 4 Practice Management (Elements 4.1.1-4.1.5.)

At the conclusion of the course students should be able demonstrate the following competencies:

1. To articulate understanding of the Australian architectural profession including its professional norms, ethics, registration pathways, and regulatory context.
2. To prepare fee proposals by choosing and costing various architectural services for different types of building projects.
3. The ability to communicate in writing to clients the specific legal and ethical aspects of architectural services in a given project situation. In particular those related to: Negligence, Contract Responsibilities, Insurance, Planning and Regulatory Issues, and Intellectual Property.
4. To communicate in writing to clients in order to manage client expectations and project risks.
5. To analyse situations in order to prepare for and develop appropriate tactics in different negotiation contexts.
6. To anticipate, manage and propose solutions for the project risks that might arise in architectural the practice lifecycle.
7. Nascent project management skills commensurate with the students individual architectural experience.

1. Four written assignments (4 x 500 words), due Week 5, (40%);
2. A group( 3- 4 students) assignment/report (1500-2000 word equivalent), due End of semester, (30%);
3. A 2 hour written exam (1500 word equivalent), due End of semester, (30%).

Acumen. The AIA online practice advisory service for architects. Access available via unimelb library.

A good general textbook is: Emmitt, Stephen. Design management for architects. Oxford, Blackwell, 2007.

For negotiations an essential text is: Roger Fisher and William Ury, Getting to Yes : negotiating an agreement without giving in. New York, Penguin Books, 1983.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Particular attention is given, both in lecture and assignment content, to the development of the following abilities:

1. To anticipate and solve problems within the context of architectural practice.
2. To understand the different modes and protocols of business communication and negotiation.
3. To work in small teams and to understand issues of leadership and performance that affect team outcomes.
4. To negotiate in different situations and contexts.
5. Project management skills.