The Business of Architecture*

Mario Dreosti reflects on the SA branch’s ongoing work on resources and advocacy for fair and effective contracts. In the past 18 months, the branch has supported two major projects for the ACA Business Toolbox, benefitting ACA members around the country.

The ACA is pleased to share the 2025 HR Policy Templates, updated and expanded to reflect the changing needs of architectural practices and recent legislation. Developed by our HR advisors Catalina Consultants, these plain-English templates offer practical, customisable support for every member practice. 

How can understanding people’s natural strengths transform the way architectural teams work? Ryan Loveday, Director at Fulton Trotter Architects, explores the ideas behind Patrick Lencioni’s The 6 Types of Working Genius – and reflects on how self-awareness and recognising different “genius” types can shape project teams, leadership, and practice culture.

Navigating architectural fees is one of the most important – and most challenging – aspects of practice. Join the ACA’s Business of Small Practice (BoSP) forum on Thursday 6 November for a night with the In Detail podcast team, and a timely conversation about fees. Our speakers will share experiences and insights on the key factors shaping how fees are structured, communicated and managed. Book now!

The ACA is once again pleased to support Consult Australia’s End of Year Tender campaign, encouraging everyone across the industry to pause procurement activities over the Christmas break. Together, we can build a culture that values wellbeing and supports more balanced workplaces for everyone.

For more than 30 years, Smartsoftware has been helping architecture practices streamline their business systems and project management. Founder Andrew Jones discusses the company’s evolution, emerging tech trends, and the growing role of AI in transforming professional services.

The ACA SA Committee was delighted to host Philip Thalis as their guest speaker at the recent annual Business of Design lunch. Philip is the principal of Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, a practice recognised for its independent standpoint and design expertise across a range of project types and scales.

ACA Knowledge Partner Moddex shares practical information on the what, why and how of powder coating steel handrails, balustrades and barrier systems.

To mark World Architecture Day 2025 on 8 October, the ACA QLD/NT hosted Building for Success – a panel discussion on sustaining a successful architectural practice in today’s environment. Rozzy Middleton shares a recap.

An important ACA member benefit is our suite of Employment Agreement templates to support members. Our IR advisor Fair Work Lawyers undertakes a review of our template employment contracts regularly, ensuring they are user friendly and legally compliant, and reflect recent legislative changes. Download the 2025 update today!

A recent decision of the Federal Court has unsettled longstanding employer practices in relation to two key areas: the capacity for set-off clauses to cover award entitlements for salaried employees; and strict requirements for employee record-keeping. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers sets out the key takeaways from this decision.

The Victorian Parliament is currently considering the Domestic Building Contracts Amendment Bill 2025, and the ACA has made a comprehensive submission supporting its intent while proposing key improvements to better protect homeowners and support small builders.

Client insights are one of the most powerful tools for building a stronger practice, helping you refine services and deepen relationships. Sign up for the 2026 Client Choice Awards for Best Architecture Firm and gain a tailored report with invaluable client feedback. 

We are pleased to share the ACA’s new membership brochure, a colourful, easy-to-read booklet that outlines the many ways the ACA supports and advocates for Australian architecture practices. It highlights our role as a trusted business advisor, with benefits including practical tools, contracts and advisories, regular business-focused updates and webinars, and advocacy and research.

It’s critical that all architectural businesses understand their obligations under the Architects Award. The update of the Architects Award and other Awards relevant to architectural practice incorporate all changes up to and including 1 July 2025, including new pay rates. Download today!