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What (if anything) is a “thought leader”?

Posted May 28, 2015 by Charles Nelson

Being a “thought leader” is the new, hot cliché of the decade. How can you tell if somebody really “leads thinking”, or if they just are showing a flash of previously concealed hubris, or simply trying to hitch a ride to where the action might be? If somebody labels themselves as a “thought leader” in...Continue Reading

The Changing Role of Risk in Architecture

Posted May 26, 2015 by Charles Nelson

The Australian Institute of Architects this May held its annual conference on the theme The Changing Role of Risk in Architecture. A fantastic group of international speakers prodded and poked the idea of risk from all angles, but mainly from a higher plane than we typically think about it: “How to stay away from claims”....Continue Reading

Risk 2015 Conference: The Elephant in the Room

Posted May 17, 2015 by Charles Nelson

The terrific Australian Institute of Architects RISK 2015 national conference just finished – and for sure the big, hairy elephant in the room was RISK. A battalion of great presenters felt its various parts, reported what they found, and a few even dared to take off their dark glasses. Just as in the ancient parable,...Continue Reading

ETHICS JUNCTION: Brand Ave & Financial Way, Architecture City

Posted April 13, 2015 by Charles Nelson

It’s not simple; it’s possible to lose your way navigating the options. ETHICS are moral principles that govern behaviour. Architects have 4 levels of ethical issues to consider: Client relationships – listen, make and keep promises, solve problems, spend the client’s money wisely, and deal fairly; Professional relationships – respecting prior agreements between clients and...Continue Reading

Walk the hot coals without getting burned

Posted April 10, 2015 by Charles Nelson

Managing risk in design & construction is a bit like fire-walking: The trick is to get to the other side without getting burned. Some can, some can’t. But read up on the risky art of fire-walking, and it turns out that the coals have to be cool enough not to burn your feet. Moral of the...Continue Reading