The Business of Architecture*

The proposed abolition of the ARBV marks one of the most significant challenges to the profession’s regulatory framework in decades. The ACA updates members on their ongoing advocacy efforts and call on architects across Victoria to contact their local MP and have their say.

Join us on 18 March for an informative CPD webinar with Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers, designed to help architectural practices better understand their obligations under the relevant awards and stay up to date with key industrial relations developments.

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.

The ACA lodged a formal submission with the Select Committee on Productivity in Australia on 20 February 2026, arguing for critical reforms to how government procures, regulates and supports the built environment professions.

What does it mean to design a practice as carefully as a project? Rebecca Caldwell reflects on her shift to deliberate, values-led leadership and a more sustainable studio model. From embedding the SCARF framework to challenging burnout culture, she explores how strong business foundations can strengthen rather than dilute design excellence.

What happens when architects move beyond professional silos and prioritise genuine connections across the industry? For Justine Money, building valuable relationships across the entire project team – from structural engineers to trades – is key to meaningful collaboration and projects that deliver real value for clients.

How do you lead with purpose in architecture? Sally Matthews shares her approach – from prioritising people and valuing flexibility, to aligning projects with personal values, and learning to back herself.

What would it take to see more women leading architectural practices? In this candid profile, Justine Ebzery shares her journey from student to owner at Fulton Trotter, challenging assumptions about part-time roles and encouraging others to step confidently into practice ownership.

What defines success in architecture? Emily Gilfillan reflects on the elements that have shaped her career – balancing business acumen, design excellence, and a commitment to creating meaningful, human-centred projects.

How do you grow a practice without losing what makes it special? For Cara Phillips and BSPN, the answer lies in staying agile and protecting studio culture. Cara reflects on her evolving leadership style, the importance of nurturing strong relationships, and the urgent need to champion architectural value.

Over recent months, the ACA has strengthened engagement with Federal Ministers, positioning architectural practice as central to national priorities including housing, productivity, sustainability and economic growth. Angelina Pillai outlines the next phase of advocacy, ensuring the business realities of practice are understood at the highest levels of government.

What leadership approach works best in practice? Sarah Bennett reflects on a style grounded in clarity and heart, recognising that effective leadership is less about control and more about creating the conditions for others to lead and take ownership of their expertise.

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.

The Association of Consulting Architects (ACA) is pleased to announce a new collaborative advocacy commitment with Consult Australia, strengthening a long-standing collaboration between our two business-focused organisations.

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.

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!

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).

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.

Join us for our Business of Small Practice (BoSP) Directors Roundtable in Melbourne on 11 March, for a discussion on people, culture and leadership. Rachel Bloom from Catalina Consultants will share practical frameworks for building and leading successful teams, followed by a facilitated Q&A with BoSP peers. See you there!

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.

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!