Recommended Reading

The Architects’ Guide to Fees + Contracts

Published Aug 2010    Format PDF     Price AU$67    (available in 13 currencies)

If you are thinking about becoming a freelance architect or running your own practice then The Architects' Guide to Fees + Contracts can help. This step by step guide will show you how to write effective architectural fee proposals and it explains the common contractual terms and conditions that you should be including in all your appointments.

http://blueturtlemc.com/portfolio

The Architects’ Guide to Design Fee Psychology

Published Apr 2011    Format PDF     Price AU$47    (available in 13 currencies)

New: Despite what economists would have you believe people have a tendency to make irrational and illogical decisions when addressing financially related issues. Whether or not you are proposing fair and reasonable fees may not be the determining factor in winning new work.

http://blueturtlemc.com/portfolio

Masterclass recordings

Darryl O’Brien has presented two Masterclass presentations on the New Premises Standard.

Following is the link for both Masterclass recordings.

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1167643585/f31078e466644f3d652159f09d0028cf

Feel free to contact me if you have any queries.

Kind Regards,

Cherése Audie

Office Assistant

Building Designers' Association of Queensland & Northern Territory

PO Box 651, Strathpine QLD 4500

P: (07) 3889 9119

BDAQ Technical Committee Breakfast - Join us!

Only three days to go until the BDAQ technical committee breakfast at Victoria Park Golf Club this Friday at 8.00am.

The good news is that you are invited. It’s not just for committee.

The really big news is that our guest speaker will be Ian Jennings, General Manager of the Building Services Authority. Ian has first-hand knowledge of how the building industry is going and where it is headed. His role is to monitor BSA licensees to ensure that they remain financially viable so he should know the real state of the industry. Ian also knows about the current position and future direction of national licencing.

This is a not-to-be-missed event and at just $50 it is probably the best value breakfast you will ever experience.

We do need to know in the next twenty-four hours if you and your friends will be coming so please let us know as soon as you are able.

Kind Regard,

The BDAQ Team

Gloomy outlook? Try these actions to stay on top.

It’s impossible to read the news without getting the distinct impression we’re heading for stormy weather. Here’s what you need to do

• 1. Avoid morale hoovers

If you’re prone to getting a bit freaked out by gloomy talk, make sure you keep a polite distance from those who scaremonger. While hiding under the covers may not be the best strategy; nor is moping around looking and feeling scared.

•  2. Choose your clients

If there’s ever a time to stop doing scrappy work with second-rate customers, now is that time. 

Start being the best you can be and stop burning time and energy on those who drain you.

Not sure how? This may sound cheesy, but well, buy our book and read it.      

•  3. Get raucous!

A great way to get noticed and attract new opportunities is to rattle cages. Get involved in discussions, forums, social networking and face-to-face networking and freely share knowledge and opinion about the sector within which you work.

Offer help, help and a little more help to anyone who’ll listen and savour the effect that giving has on receiving.       

• 4. Reassure

It’s tempting to discount when times are tough, but in this environment people are looking for reassurance that they’re spending their money wisely.

It’s rarely the cheapest who wins the sale; it’s the one with the safest hands.

•  5. Make a fuss

There’s one kind of dust that definitely doesn’t need a hoover - fairy dust - so sprinkle liberally on your fans and raving fans. These are the wonderful people who support your business and refer you to others, so stay in regular contact.

Finally, I can’t end without pointing out the benefits of professional development at a time like this and yes, Independents’ Day is one day of learning you really shouldn’t miss. Just see what we’ve got planned.

Robert Gerrish is one of the Flying Solo crew and supports soloists as a coach and consultant. He presents at conferences and networking events and bangs on to the media or anyone who listens, about all things micro. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business

http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/startup/business-confidence/gloomy-outlook-try-these-actions-to-stay-on-top

Common pitfalls in practice management

An article from Total Synergy

"I don’t set my rates, the market determines what we can charge. I have to settle for what the market will pay.Most accountants and lawyers earn more than double what the average architect earns. And it’s not because they are better at managing their rates – they simply charge more. A lawyer’s or accountant’s bill will list everything they did in great detail, including that hourly rate. Here’s how they do it. ....""

• "This practice runs on great design!....."
• "Of course I back up, let me show you...."
• "We don’t budget projects or track progress..."
• "I can’t afford to spend more money on software....."

read more of this article at:http://www.totalsynergy.com.au/TSweb/Pdfs/marketing/aapracticepages.pdf