The Professional Practice stream of courses is a core subject area within the architecture program and forms a key study stream supporting design studio learning and the School of Architecture and Design's integrated practice research model.

Together, the three compulsory courses develop competencies and skills outlined in the ACCA competency standards for accreditation as well as the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Education policy, and will enable students to enter practice under the supervision of an architect and to apply for registration following completion of required practical experience. The professional practice stream also prepares students for working more broadly within an expanded field of practice and in shaping the built environment by developing an understanding of the complex systems within which the built environment is shaped, funded and procured.

The Professional Practice subject area is underpinned by the idea that professional practice and project management are tools which enable architects to turn design ideas into built outcomes. Each of the three compulsory courses is presented with case study projects and invited lectures from industry and practice with intention of highlighting the context within which architecture is practiced and innovative design projects are realised.

The objectives of the course are to:

Provide a knowledge base to prepare you for registration as an architect;

Encourage you to critically engage with areas of professional practice by introducing key legal, ethical and financial issues and concepts and project possible future scenarios for the profession;

Exercise your ability to independently research, analyse and integrate key areas of professional knowledge (law and economics), procurement methods and design skills;

Introduce you to a selection of issues and changes impacting architectural practice today and ask you to form your independent position in relation to these.

Architecture Professional Practice 2 is the second course in this stream and extends the knowledge and skills introduced in Architecture Professional Practice 1. This research based course begins by looking from outside the profession to understand the complex context within which architecture is practiced. You will be introduced to and asked to explore in detail aspects of building law, building economics, procurement models and professional conduct which shape major projects. The aim of this course is to develop your deeper and expanded understanding of the profession of architecture and to look critically at its relationship to social, economic and political environments. It will exercise your ability to research and integrate key areas of professional knowledge through your own work and asks you to establish and defend your position on key issues facing the profession and the city.

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where input from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience.