The Business of Architecture*

In April 2026, the ACA launched a new member benefit: a combined PI and GL insurance initiative with specialist broker Coverforce. Three ACA members share their experiences, highlighting the transparent, thorough process, responsive support, and Coverforce’s strong understanding of the challenges facing practices today.

The ACA, in partnership with specialist broker Coverforce, is pleased to introduce a new combined Professional Indemnity (PI) and General Liability (GL) insurance initiative, designed to provide eligible member practices with a more consistent, transparent and sustainable approach to insurance.

The Federal Industrial Award pay rates have been updated and are applicable from 1 July 2026. ACA members can log in to access award pay rates relevant to architectural practice today!

As we navigate a rapidly changing professional landscape, what are the most important lessons learned? Matthew Tence reflects on a career in practice management, from leadership, culture and continuous improvement to the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as AI.

Client feedback is one of the most powerful tools for building a stronger practice, helping you refine your services, strengthen relationships and win new work. Enter the 2027 Client Choice Awards for Best Architecture Firm to receive a tailored report with invaluable client insights. Several ACA member practices have been recognised through these Awards, and we encourage all members to take part. Entries are now open.

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 has been updated with the 2026–2027 pay rates. Access the updated Salary Calculator today!

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 2026, including new pay rates for the 2026–2027 financial year. Download today!

The ACA’s research partner, the ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing (Arch_Manu), recently announced a call for proposals for the October Hackathon 2026. The hackathon program is an opportunity to collaborate, to explore and test new ideas around emerging technologies, and develop innovative projects together.

The ACA is committed to supporting practices of all sizes on their reconciliation journey, particularly smaller practices that may not have the resources to develop their own RAPs. By making participation more accessible, we can strengthen the profession’s collective impact. Emma Brain outlines recent changes to the RAP program and offers advice to practices considering joining.

Andrew Broffman from The Fulcrum Agency shares how the practice embeds First Nations perspectives into everyday work, from valuing paid cultural knowledge, to navigating the complexities of community representation and cultural authority. He reflects on the profession’s responsibility to social justice, the importance of shifting financial control to communities, and the value of clear, ongoing communication in building trust.

Living and working on Arrernte Country has shaped Sue Dugdale’s practice in many ways, from hearing First Nations languages spoken outside her office window, to supporting organisations that provide valuable services to the community or represent vulnerable people in the region. Sue answers five questions about how her practice engages with First Nations perspectives and what the broader profession could learn.

With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Brisbane is in the midst of an unprecedented period of change. But when the Games are over, what remains? Join the ACA QLD/NT for a timely panel discussion with leaders in urban planning, transport, housing and city design, as we explore how to create a lasting Olympic legacy for Brisbane and its residents. Book now!

Act now! Help protect the future of architectural registration in Victoria by signing the current Victorian Legislative Assembly petition. Sign it today!

The ACA welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Senate Education and Employment References Committee inquiry into Australian university graduates. As an employer-focused organisation, we were able to craft a submission based on the experiences of our members who employ both students and graduates, and often teach in universities while balancing the demands of practice.

The ACA recently participated in a meeting with Victorian Minister for Housing and Building Nick Staikos, a representative from the Department of Transport and Planning, and representatives from the Australian Institute of Architects and ArchiTeam, to discuss the Victorian Government’s proposal to abolish the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) and establish a new Business and Professions Regulator. ACA VIC/TAS President Paul Viney provides an update. 

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has come together with the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) to conduct a collaborative, industry-led examination of productivity barriers in government construction procurement. Take the survey today!

Reconciliation Australia has recommended several recently published reports that may be valuable for our members, covering RAPs, First Nations businesses and communities, and cultural safety in the workplace.

Yesterday’s Federal Budget commitment to make Australian Standards freely accessible is a genuine win for the profession, and one we have advocated for over many years. This move will be a game-changer (we don’t say that very often!) for the architectural profession and the construction industry more broadly.

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.

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.