South Australian CPD & Education

The SA Chapter offers formal CPD points through the National Seminar Series, held annually from February - November. The series aims to present topics that are inspiring and tangible, providing knowledge that attendees can put into practice. Additional local based CPD seminars, project site tours and other events provide members with informal CPD points.

The Chapter Education Committee is a sub-committee of the Institute's National Education Committee, and brings together representatives from South Australian practices, schools of architecture, the registration board and students. The Committee organises the long-standing Student Mentor Scheme, develops and reviews of the Chapter CPD program and promotes the profession of architecture through specific educational and / or research programs.

CPD in South Australia

What is the difference between using an architect and a building designer?  This is a common question asked by people outside the profession and one that is important to be able to answer clearly.
 
The key differences are education, insurance and the code of ethics. All three aspects act to protect the client and the public. None are required of designers outside the profession. 
 
The education component has two facets.  The first is study at a tertiary level at an accredited school of architecture, which is structured to promote holistic and lateral thinking that enables architects to arrive at well resolved, fit for purpose, delightful outcomes.  The second is ongoing education post graduation, required to ensure that architects remain up to date with the rapidly changing world we operate in.
 
In South Australia the quantum of continuing education to be completed per year is not mandated as a requirement of Registration.  However, this does not mean that continuing education is optional.  It is still required under the Act, with a minimum of 20 points per year the national standard recommended by the Institute and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.
 
For those architects who are unclear about the obligation to undertake ongoing education post graduation a first step should be to familiarise yourself with the Architectural Practice Board of SA Code of Conduct and Guidance Note 4 – Continuing Architectural Education, both of which can be found on the Board’s website www.archboardsa.org.au

Voluntary activities can also count towards CPD and download a list of CPD-approved voluntary activities, see the Continuing professional development page for more information.

Members may be interested in getting involved in other SA Chapter activities, which the following CPD points can be attained for every hour of involvement:

• Nominating as a Chapter Council member (up to 6 informal points)
• Participating as an Awards Juror in the 2018 SA Architecture Awards program (up to 6 informal points)
• Speaking or curating one of the Architecture on Show Series in your local Council area
• Mentoring students in the Student Mentor Scheme (up to 6 informal points)
• Speaker during the Practice of Architecture Learning Series (up to 3 formal points)

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CPD Events

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NCC 2016 Volume One Amendment 1 - National Seminar Series Seminar Outline Our last seminar for this year addressed the use of inappropriate external cladding materials installed on high-rise buildings that have been identified as a major contributor to substantial fires in Australia, the United Kingdom, China and the Gulf region. These fires have been the catalyst for an amendment to Volume One of the 2016 edition of the National Construction Code. The background and an overview of this amendment will be presented. Diverse means of facilitating the use of appropriate cladding materials will also be presented. Stay tuned for further details for next year's program.

Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS)

SA Chapter PALS program tutorials.

PALS is comprised of 15 online modules integrated with face to face tutorials facilitated by practicing architects and local experts and held in the local state and territory offices. The emphasis is on adult learning principles so you study the online modules in your own time and attend sessions that give you an opportunity to gain expert advice, share knowledge amongst your peers and get in touch with a broad range of Institute events. 

 Face to Face Tutorials

Our tutorial program is conducted by Institute member architects and other building industry professionals who share their experiences to highlight key issues and processes for your consideration and to focus your learning. The sessions are held once a year in the lead up to the Session 2 APE and run for eight (8) consecutive weeks during May-June.

For more information and to subscribe to PALS, visit https://pals.architecture.com.au/

To register for the SA PALS tutorial program, please email Zafiro Papanikitas at zafiro.papanikitas@architecture.com.au

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Student Mentor Scheme

In the early 70s, the SA Chapter established a student mentorship scheme to bring together our youngest members of the profession with practicing architects to foster work experience opportunities and provide students with an introduction to architectural practice within the working environment.

The scheme allows for mentors and students to meet on a regular basis and discuss design, documentation, management and general issues relating to the practice of architecture and to explore the transition between university and the working environment. Our experience shows that the advice, guidance and support given by mentors helps our young colleagues to become better architects and equip them for the real world.

Conditions of Application

• Mentors must be current registered Institute members or non-registered members employed in A+ Practices, whereby the Practice assumes the mentoring role and assigns the actual contact with SONA members at its own discretion.  Mentors may have more than one mentee.

• Students must be enrolled in a recognised full or part-time university architectural program in their 4^th or 5^th year levels and be current SONA members of the Australian Institute of Architects.

The Student Mentor Scheme is proudly presented by the Australian Institute of Architects and SONA.

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Co-opertition Network

Co-Opertition is an initiative run by the SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects to assist the needs of local emerging practices, sole operators or established small firms, by linking members into a community of like-minded people.

Our aim is to foster the spirit of collaboration amongst architects with the understanding that we live in a competitive world and that through collaborative relationships we may be more competitive.

The program provides social networking and targeted professional development opportunities to help members successfully strengthen their practices. Topics are varied but specific to the demands of establishing your business and servicing clients.

Co-opertition is for but not exclusive to Institute members, who are sole practitioners and or work in small practices of 2-5 staff.

The program is sponsored by the Institute’s Corporate Partner Architecture Window Systems (AWS) and is directed by the Co-Opertition Committee, chaired by David Brown, BB Architects and members Sarah Paddick, Total Space Design and Adam Brown, KHAB Architects.

NETWORK/DESIGN Friday night drinks accompanied by practice/project profile slideshow from host office

SMALL PRACTICE & GUIDANCE SESSIONS Workshops and open forum discussions on practice related topics delivered by guest presenters and senior Institute members.

If you would like to be included on the Co-Opertition mailing list, please email sa@architecture.com.au

 

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