The Business of Architecture*

After more than two decades leading professional associations in fields ranging from architecture and procurement to HR and medicine, Angelina Pillai has seen firsthand what professionals need to thrive, serve the public interest, and maintain high standards. Across every discipline, access to the ‘tools’ of compliance, safety and quality isn’t optional. It’s essential!

The ACIF Forecasts were released in May 2025, forecasting that the residential construction recovery will continue to gather momentum. The May Forecasts highlight that growth is expected to increase to 1.9% in 2025–26, buoyed by lower interest rates lifting demand. ACIF has provided a summary.

As the 12-month anniversary of the latest casual employment reforms approaches, it’s a timely opportunity for businesses to review their systems and processes for engaging casual staff. ACA IR advisor Tom Earls breaks down what employers need to know – from managing the risk of double-dipping claims to navigating the casual conversion process and understanding the Casual Employment Information Statement rules.

The ACA is delighted to announce that our Immediate Past National President John Held has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to architecture in leadership roles. Congratulations John!

The ACA is thrilled to welcome RMIT University and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology as our inaugural University Affiliates! The affiliate program will help bridge the gap between architectural education and professional practice, providing Schools of Architecture with curated resources, practical tools, and deeper engagement with the business side of architecture.

The Department of Building and Energy has sought feedback on proposed amendments to the Architects Regulations 2005 that would introduce new requirements for corporation licensing. The ACA has reviewed the legislation and provided detailed feedback.

The ACA invites you and your team to a free Cyber Wardens Foundations webinar on Wednesday 25 June at 1pm AEST. As we approach the end of the financial year, where scammers will be impersonating the ATO, this cyber training couldn’t be more timely. It’s a critical reminder of how important it is for all of us to stay alert and informed.

Do you have liability exposure from using generative AI? Do you share bespoke design solutions with your AI models? Are you concerned about IP? How do you maintain confidentiality? In this article, Wendy Poulton takes the opportunity to recap some fundamental points about generative AI, liability and insurance.

ACA NSW/ACT Advocacy Spokesperson, Stephen Pearse, responds to CEDA’s recent report “Size Matters: Why Construction Productivity is So Weak”, arguing that its narrow focus on dwellings per construction worker overlooks cost factors and the differences between high-rise and single-dwelling construction.

The ACA WA Committee recently launched its new online Practice Management Forum — an intimate space for those overseeing the operational side of architectural practice to share experiences, challenges and insights. The inaugural session, held in May, brought together directors, practice managers and operational leaders for open and authentic discussions on the realities of running a practice today.

The NSW Government has released three new guidance notes on construction procurement, to support improved procurement outcomes and stronger collaboration between the NSW Government and industry.

On Tuesday 3 June 2025, the Fair Work Commission handed down the 2025 wage decision, increasing the national minimum wage and base rates of pay in modern awards by 3.5%. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers provides a summary of the decision. The ACA will update relevant Award pay rates as soon as possible.

When John Held sat down to write a policy for AI use in architectural practice, he quickly found himself navigating a complex web of issues — from copyright infringement, legal liability, data security and confidentiality to impacts on the environment, creativity and professional development.

The ACA has developed the Short Form Architect Consultant Agreement to facilitate a straightforward, uncomplicated legal engagement between an architectural practice (the Principal) and a consultant business or an independent contractor who is not an employee (the Consultant). Note the May 2025 update of the Agreement. Download the updated documents today!

ACA QLD/NT has submitted a series of twenty-four recommendations to the Queensland Productivity Commission’s inquiry into improving construction sector efficiency. The inquiry was established to address critical challenges facing Queensland’s construction industry.

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 January 2025. Download today!

ACA NSW/ACT Committee member David Springett recently joined a panel at the SydBuild Expo at ICC Darling Harbour, where the focus was on supporting and empowering the next generation of Australian architects. Here, David shares his reflections.

The new and improved Architects’ Time/Cost Calculator Guide (TCCG) helps businesses effectively manage their projects’ time and costs. The TCCG calculations provide a fundamental knowledge base for practices when developing fee proposals, based in the specifics of their practice. It assists practices of all sizes to assess the time and costs involved in providing an appropriate level of service for a wide range of building types.

The Department of Building and Energy has sought feedback on proposed amendments to the Architects Regulations 2005 that would introduce new requirements for corporation licensing. The ACA has reviewed the legislation and provided detailed feedback.

informed by Planned Cover is offering a 15% discount to ACA members to attend their webinar Designing for Tomorrow: Climate and sustainability, on Thursday 26 June. Award-winning architect and casual academic Lucy Humphrey will discuss the future of design and how we can respond to the climate and biodiversity emergency. Go to our event notice for more information and for your discount code.

The Regional Architects Association (RAA) is offering ACA members a discount for its upcoming event, VITAL: Questions of Resilience, in Dungog Worimi/Gringai Country in the NSW Hunter Region. The main seminar day is on Friday 20 June with fringe events available on the Thursday and Saturday. 

The ACA Salary Calculator provides practices with a clear methodology for determining appropriate award-compliant salaries. The calculator assists members to ensure they are operating legally and fairly, and helps practices to develop properly informed plans for their business. The Salary Calculator uses the current 2024–2025 award rates. Access today!