Acumen Practice Notes is an online resource of architectural practice material, providing an extensive database of advisory notes on managing architectural practice and projects in Australia. The practice notes are continuously updated with new and revised notes, informed by the Acumen Content Review Panel, and include downloadable resources such as the ABIC reference contracts (as applicable to all states and territories), digital versions of the Institute's Client Architect Agreement and the Client Architect Agreement for Limited Services, Guide letters and Client information notes.
The precursor to Acumen, the Practice Notes, began publication in 1964, following the establishment and work of a practice group formed in 1962 to provide mutual support and advice in practice matters.
Acumen covers the primary streams: Practice, Project, Resource and Environment.
Environment
The Environment section (added in 2018) incorporates the Institute’s Environment Design Guide (EDG), comprising over 170 peer-reviewed design notes on built-environment sustainability. All Environment notes were subject to a review process in 2018 to determine their status as approved for currency, retained for legacy or archived. The Environment notes are subject to ongoing review and update, informed by the Environment Advisory Group.
EDG was launched in 1995, with its mission to promote sustainable practice in the built environment and has been recognised by the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). New and updated Environment notes are available exclusively on the Acumen Practice Notes platform.
Acumen Practice Notes is available exclusively to Australian Institute of Architects’ members and subscribing tertiary institutions.