ARCH 7020 - Professional Practice (M)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

This course examines practice management and project management in the built environment professions, particularly architecture and landscape architecture. Topics in practice management include: ethical practice; the character and operation of practices; legal requirements; cash flow and profitability; running a business; professional memberships and registration; risk and professional liability; and personal career planning. Topics in project management include: project stages; procurement and feasibility; statutory requirements; management of time, cost and quality; and contracts and contract administration in private and public realms. Alternative and innovative pathways through the profession are also considered.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ARCH 7020
    Course Professional Practice (M)
    Coordinating Unit School of Architecture and Built Environment
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Corequisites ARCH 7019 or LARCH 7019
    Incompatible ARCH 7014 or LARCH 7014
    Restrictions Available to M Arch (Cswk) and M L Arch students only
    Assessment Seminar papers, reports, quizzes
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Katharine Bartsch

    Professional Practice is designed and coordinated by Industry Professor Tony Giannone (Tectvs) and Industry Professor James Hayter (Oxigen) supported by Interim Head of School, Associate Professor Katharine Bartsch.


    Delivery of Professional Practice is supported by staff from Tectvs and Oxigen.

    Industry Professor Tony Giannone https://www.tectvs.com/

    Please direct content related queries to Tony during scheduled class time.


    Industry Professor James Hayter http://www.oxigen.net.au/

    Please direct content related queries to James during scheduled class time.

    STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
    Please respect the facilities throughout the University.

    In the School of Architecture and Built Environment students are required to fabricate models, projects and other hands-on creative activities. Of course, you will make a mess in the process! No problem! Please clean up after yourself. If the materials are recyclable and you don't want to reuse them yourself, put them in the recycling bins. Don't leave paper/cardboard/offcuts on the floor or table, put them in the bin. Don't leave broken blades etc. on tables, put them in a sharps bin. Don't leave work (models, drawings etc) in a space (tutorial room, computer lab, studio) and expect to find it when you come back. The facilities are shared. The School recommends that you store your work in a locker available from ASA or in Hub Central.

    The tables in the learning and teaching spaces (tutorial rooms, computer labs, studios) are NOT cutting mats. Would you use an exacto knife or a scalpel to cut model making materials directly on your dining table at home? No? Don't do it at the University. Use a cutting mat. If you don't have one, buy one. All students should have a cutting mat in their Equipment Kit. You are expected to bring this with you if you are model-making, using glue etc.

    Students are permitted to bring food and drink into the learning and teaching spaces. Please respect your peers. When you have finished your bottle of water, coffee cup, bubble tea, Coke, juice, Boost, Red Bull etc. etc. put it in the bin. Don't leave your takeaway meal festering on a table cultivating mould. Put it in the bin.

    The importance of hygiene and cleanliness is amplified during COVID 19. Respect your peers. Respect your facilities. Please clean up after yourself at all times. This is your responsibility.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Please refer to Course Planner for the Timetable.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Professional Practice is designed to provide an insight into a number of topics relevant to graduate employment, professional conduct and the practice of architecture and landscape architecture. Lectures, tutorials and assignments are designed to encourage an awareness and basic knowledge of the nature of design practice, business and professional roles, organisational frameworks, management and legal procedures, business and project-based activities, in order to further develop and apply this knowledge in graduates early working lives.

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of professional practice 
    2 Demonstrate knowledge of the staging of a project from client engagement, design and documentation, tendering work, superintendence and construction administration through to post-construction 
    3 Demonstrate knowledge of project programming and time management
    4 Identify available procurement methods and demonstrate knowledge of the selection process for appropriately qualified contractors in accordance with the procurement method and project contract
    5 Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical obligations in regard to practice management, IP, and provision of professional services
    6 Demonstrate knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and obligations in regard to architectural practice, practice management and registration as an architect/landscape architect
    7 Demonstrate knowledge of professional communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout the project 
    8 Prepare a professional portfolio
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-8

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-8

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1-8

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-8

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    7, 8
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The resources for this course are identified in MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    Rory Hyde, 2012, ‘FUTURE PRACTICE Conversations from the Edge of Architecture’, Routledge.

    Australian Institute of Architects www.architecture.com.au
    Australian Institute of Landscape Architects www.aila.org.au

    The Writing Centre:
    The Writing Centre offers practical advice and strategies for students to master reading, writing, note-taking, and referencing techniques for success at university. Please note, the drop-in service is not an editing or grammar checking service but the Centre can help you develop your written English. Consult “The Writing Centre” for on-line resources re: essay writing guides, study guides, referencing.

    You can book a virtual meeting with writing mentors. Details are available at the website. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/
    Online Learning
    MyUni / Canvas
    MyUni / Canvas is an essential online tool which will be used to communicate information regarding the course including details of assignments and interim grades. There are many other learning resources provided on MyUni. Therefore it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the various functions of MyUni and employ it to its fullest extent. https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au

    All Course communication is via MyUni. Please check your course MyUni account regularly as all important Course-related announcements will be communicated via this means. Based on this communication, it will be assumed you are aware and prepared before each studio, lecture or scheduled meeting time. Tutors will NOT respond to individual email correspondence. Be prepared to ask your questions in class, preparation before class is therefore essential so you can make full use of this time to communicate and seek advice from tutors.

    Given the many professional commitments of the course coordinators, consultation will only be available during the scheduled tutorials.

    University Email
    The School of Architecture and Built Environment uses the University email system to get in touch with the students. So it is imperative that you check your email regularly and keep up to date with any new announcements.

    Discussion Board: Social
    A social discussion forum is available on MyUni to assist you in connecting with your peers - whether you are studying from campus or remotely. This discussion board is provided as a way to introduce yourself to others in the course, share thoughts and ideas, or talk about how you are handling your studies.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Students in this course are expected to listen to all of the online lectures throughout the semester and attend one 2hr tutorial each week.

    Classes will be held weekly. Tutorial groups are listed in the course planner. There is only one tutorial session and all students are expected to participate.

    Tutorials are an important component of your learning in this course. The communication skills developed in tutorials by regularly and actively participating in discussions are considered to be most important by the School and are highly regarded by employers and professional bodies.

    Details of the online engagement in 2022 will be provided in MyUni.

    Lectures
    All lectures are pre-recorded and can be viewed any time after they are published in MyUni.
    Please check MyUni once enrolled for details regarding when individual lectures will be published.

    Tutorials

    #13860 TU01 Tuesday 9am - 11am Barr Smith South, 522a, This class will be delivered both online and face to face. Please refer to MyUni for details once enrolled.

    #13859 TU02 Tuesday 9am - 11am Barr Smith South, 522b, This class will be delivered both online and face to face. Please refer to MyUni for details once enrolled.

    #13858 TU03 Tuesday 11am - 1pm Barr Smith South, 522a, This class will be delivered both online and face to face. Please refer to MyUni for details once enrolled.

    #13857 TU04 Tuesday 1pm - 3pm Barr Smith South, 522b, This class will be delivered both online and face to face. Please refer to MyUni for details once enrolled.



    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (ie. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote at least 48 hours per week to their studies. Accordingly, students undertaking this 3 unit course are expected to devote 12 hours per week to contact activities and self-guided studying.

    The 120 hours for Professional Practice should be used towards preparation of weekly tasks and for completion of the various assignments associated with the course, including development of various skills required
    to complete the same. Please organise your time wisely.


    Assignment 1
    VALUE SYSTEMS 30%
    Assessment: 30%

    AIM. Prepare a simple house extension or garden concept design that articulates your current personal Ethics and Social and Environmental value system.

    Assignment 2
    PROJECT CONTROL AND PROGRAM 30%

    AIM. Prepare a pro-forma for a package of documents that are required to be tendered with a contract and complete contract schedules and annexures. Use the material/information provided in the lectures to develop these documents as a set to be delivered to the client.

    Assignment 3
    PRACTICAL APPLICATION 40%

    AIM. Prepare a package of documents that are required for a job application that will be provided to a potential employer. Incorporate what has been learnt over the course to develop these documents.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week 1. Overview. Professional Practice
    From Graduation to Registration to Practice
    Careers and how practice is changing
    Ethics + Codes of Practice
    Social responsibility + Sustainability
    UN Sustainable Development Goals
    Continuing Professional Development
    Associations: AIA, AILA: IFLA, UIA
    Mentors
    Skills required for practice

    Week 2. Setting up a Practice
    Legislation + Registration
    Studio setup
    Insurances PI + Public Liability
    OHS
    Business management
    Resources
    Mentors
    CPD
    Employing staff

    Week 3. Project Control
    Client - Practitioner Agreement
    Services provided
    Responsibilities + Obligations of Practitioner + Client
    Cost of the Works
    Programme
    Fees
    Authority
    Specialist Consultants required + engagement
    Intellectual property
    Insurances + Liability
    Disputes
    Special Conditions

    Week 4. Staging a Project: Tendering Work
    Client Brief
    Preparing a proposal
    Marketing/website/social media/wards/industry reputation
    Methods of determining fees

    Week 5: Staging a Project: Engaging with a Client
    Obligations of all parties to a contract
    Australian Standards and forms of engagement

    Week 6. Staging a Project: Schematics and Documentation
    Concept design + Approvals (Development Plan)
    Design Development
    Construction Documentation – not necessarily drawings
    Drawings, specification, schedules, contract
    NCC and BCA
    Approvals – DA and BRC

    Week 7. Staging a Project: Superintendence and Construction Administration
    Roles of Superintendent, Contractor and Principal
    Contractor tender + evaluation
    Australian Standards
    Standard forms + management of construction
    Administering the contract

    Week 8. Staging a Project: Post Construction
    Practical Completion
    Defects Period

    Week 9. Programming and Management
    Importance of time management
    Techniques
    Keeping timesheets and equating these to fees

    Week 10. Staff Obligations and Employment
    OHS+W
    Legal obligations
    Salary awards

    Week 11. Industry Participation and Community Obligation
    Industry networks
    Professional Associations
    Pro bono work
    Specialisation and planning your career

    Week 12. Personal Portfolio
    Your Portfolio


    Specific Course Requirements
    All specific course requirements are communicated on MyUni.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assignment 1
    VALUE SYSTEMS 30%
    Assessment: 30%

    AIM. Prepare a simple house extension or garden concept design that articulates your current personal Ethics and Social and Environmental value system.

    Assignment 2
    PROJECT CONTROL AND PROGRAM 30%

    AIM. Prepare a pro-forma for a package of documents that are required to be tendered with a contract and complete contract schedules and annexures. Use the material/information provided in the lectures to develop these documents as a set to be delivered to the client.

    Assignment 3
    PRACTICAL APPLICATION 40%

    AIM. Prepare a package of documents that are required for a job application that will be provided to a potential employer. Incorporate what has been learnt over the course to develop these documents.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    All assessment related requirements are communicated on MyUni.
    Assessment Detail
    All assessment details are provided on MyUni.
    Submission
    All submission details are provided on MyUni.

    All assignments must be submitted via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.