The ACA University Engagement Working Group aims to connect with the tertiary education sector and promote the value of architectural practice and business to university students. Topics of interest to the group include models of internships, the sharing of business-related tools and resources, and education around the Business of Architecture.
The University Engagement Working Group (UEWG) has representatives from each of the ACA state and territory branches. It aims to work with the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA) to connect with the tertiary sector and promote the value of architectural practice and business to university students. We also aim to offer students appropriate access to ACA tools, resources and content to assist with their business-related learning. The group will:
- Identify and arrange activities, initiatives and ideas for the ACA to engage with university students and academics.
- Investigate how ACA Tools (such as the Time Cost Calculator Guide) can be accessed by university students.
- Consider models of internship across universities with the assistance of QUT PhD student Sarah Briant.
- Explore how the ACA can enhance our efforts and connections with the universities through lectures and presentations that promote the ACA and the business of architecture.
The ACA will continue to support relevant university research efforts linked to the business of architecture, including ACA’s involvement in the ARC funded Wellbeing of Architects project and the Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing Research.
Why engage with universities and students?
ACA members are architectural businesses made up of employers, many of whom manage and lead employees, including students. Anecdotal statistics indicate that 50% of architecture graduates set up their own practice, yet many have little or no knowledge of how to run a practice, manage employees, pay the correct salaries, undertake sound financial control, and the long list of other key elements of running a profitable, productive, ethical and/or equitable business. With that as the context, the ACA is delighted to announce that at our AGM on 27 November, the ACA passed a Constitutional change to include a new grade of membership – Student Affiliate. This new student affiliate grade is about bringing the ACA to the university sector and future-proofing our profession for the next generation.
Get in touch
The ACA welcomes input from members on issues related to architectural education, universities and students. If you are interested in developing relationships with universities, contact your local branch for more information.
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