The Business of Architecture*

WHDA Director Redmond Hamlett reflects on the business initiatives that have had the greatest impact on his practice – from securing a place on the State Government Construction Suppliers Register, to cultivating strong professional networks and winning award recognition in 2025.

The Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026) is now in effect and applies to all Queensland Government procurement, including architectural and design consultancy services. This explainer outlines what matters most for architectural practices, how to use the policy to your advantage, and where the ACA is advocating on your behalf.

Running a profitable practice requires a clear understanding of how time and costs impact your projects and business. The ACA Architects’ Time/Cost Calculator Guide (TCCG) helps practice owners and managers set appropriate fees and track costs. This FAQ document explains how the TCCG works and how you can make the most of it to boost your business.

The fifth iteration of the ACA Architects’ Time/Cost Calculator Guide (TCCG) was launched in February 2026, with 47 updates and improvements. The TCCG helps practices manage project time and costs, combining practice-specific data with reliable calculations to support accurate, tailored fee proposals for all building types, service levels and procurement methods.

How do we shape a strategy that feels natural to our practice? Brad Wetherall offers tips on developing your practice playbook – from defining your ideal practice to making small improvements through experiments, to turning your beliefs into action.

Join the ACA QLD/NT community for an intimate International Women’s Day lunch, celebrating this year’s theme Give to Gain. Enjoy reflections and conversation from our stellar panel, featuring Erin McDonald (Blaklash), Leone Lorrimer LFRAIA GAICD (executive leader) and Eloise Atkinson LFRAIA (Deicke Richards).

Join our first BoSP for 2026 in Brisbane with Rachael Bernstone, founder of Sounds Like Design. This practical and engaging professional development session will explore how architects can define and design their own version of success. Book now!

Welcome to the ACA Business Concierge – your new AI-powered support tool for members. Designed specifically for architectural practices, this smart assistant provides quick answers to your business and employment questions. Access the Business Concierge today!

Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers provides a comprehensive update on the latest psychosocial hazard legislation from Victoria, which came into effect on 1 December 2025.

The Regional Architecture Association (RAA) is hosting its next regional event in Guildford in regional Victoria from 12–14 March. The program will cover systems that support sustainability across various scales of community, business and development. Discounted tickets are available for ACA members.

informed by Planned Cover is offering ACA members a 15% discount for their upcoming webinar on Navigating Board Complaints. Lisa Wastell-Anthony and Felicity Dixon will unpack the most common issues that lead to Board complaints against small practices in Australia, and share practical advice on how to prevent them.

In late 2025, the ACA Vic/Tas had an important advocacy win from the Labour Hire Licensing Amendment debate in the Victorian Parliament. In collaboration with Consult Australia, we advocated effectively to ensure changes to Victoria’s labour hire laws don’t inadvertently affect the established secondment practices used by architecture and engineering firms.

The ACA Business Concierge is a new AI-powered service developed exclusively for members of the ACA, providing quick practical guidance on the business of architecture. Learn more about how it works, see sample prompts and read answers to our FAQs.

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!