We are currently reviewing the way we do Practice Notes.

Entering the design profession is competitive, particularly for recent graduates who may have fewer projects and limited industry experience. A portfolio remains the most effective way to demonstrate capability, creativity and potential, especially when tailored to the specific role or organisation.

At the start of 2024 a Gas Substitution Roadmap (GSR) was launched in Victoria to guide the state towards achieving net-zero emissions. The roadmap includes changes to planning and building regulations, including raising standards for new homes and commercial buildings by 2025.

Superannuation is one of those topics most of us avoid. But the choices you make about super during your working life can make a big difference to your retirement. This handy guide takes you through all the superannuation basics, such as what the contribution rules are and how to decipher the jargon, so you don't need to become a financial expert to start taking charge of your money.

There are a number of methods of charging fees for industrial design. At times it may be appropriate to charge using different methods for different aspects of a project. The most common methods are outlined in this practice note.

There are a number of methods of charging fees for residential interior designers and decorators. Consultants and their clients are free to negotiate on any basis whatsoever. The most common methods are outlined in this practice note.

The simplest definition of Intellectual Property (IP) is a productive new idea. The word ‘productive’ means that the idea is commercially applied. The word ‘new’ is crucial – you must prove that you are the first to create your idea. These concepts underpin all the different types of IP rights. The most commonly used IP protection for designers are design rights.

Fee types and fee scheduling used in consulting design including some sample forms for determining and communicating fees.

This Practice Note outlines the Design Institute of Australia’s policy and process for resolving disputes relating to design services and protecting consumers of design professional services.

General outline of designer and client responsibilities in relation to contracts and the preparation of briefs. Use as a checklist when formulating contracts or price submissions.

From time to time clients may require you to sign a form to control the disclosure of commercially sensitive information during business transactions. The following is an example of a form used by clients. Alternatively, there may be circumstances when you may require your subcontractors to sign such a form.

Developing your design is just one part of a designer's work in the industry. Presenting your ideas, concepts, or finished products is the next step in finding an audience and, ultimately, a market for your work as a practising professional.

The DIA's Generative AI and AGI – Artificial General Intelligence Practice Note is a must-read for all designers and creative industry executives and a critical Resource for all design organisations.

This Practice Note builds on contemporary approaches to positive workplace culture, and includes advice for sole traders on making time for reflection and learning, and the benefits for everyone of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the DIA’s Accredited Designer™ program.

This Practice Note decodes the different types of insurance designers might need and provides tips for getting the best deal for your business.

This Practice Note unpacks the Goods and Services Tax to step you through how to handle charging clients, claim deductions and set up the right account for your business with the tax office.

This Practice Note outlines the basics of establishing a new design business, from choosing the right legal structure to meeting your tax and workplace safety responsibilities.

This Practice Note provides a comprehensive guide to developing and implementing an effective marketing and communications strategy for your design business, whatever your specialisation or budget.

This Practice Note is full of expert advice for harnessing the power of social media to build a successful design business, starting with the basics of identifying your target audience and covering everything you need to know to get your messages right, and what to do when it all goes wrong.

This Practice Note guides designers in any role through a series of questions designed to help you focus on achievements and ambitions, and also serves as a handy reference for anyone supervising designers.

This Practice Note provides a thorough explanation of the concept of supply chain transparency, how it applies to designers and best practice for reporting to clients.

This Practice Note outlines the DIA's policy on recognising the value of creative work - design should not be provided for free - and sets out conditions to ensure that design competitions are conducted fairly. It also outlines the DIA's policy on student internships and graduate placements, and provides a suggested reply to requests for free pitching.

The DIA recognises the enduring inequality experienced by cis gender and trans women, non-binary and feminine-identifying people. This Practice Note is an invitation for everyone in the design community to consider what changes they could make to help build gender equality in their workplace.