40 Years Strong – ACA Then and Now
In 2025, the ACA celebrates a significant milestone – 40 years since our inaugural meeting established a national voice for architectural businesses. Emma Brain highlights the ACA’s beginnings and early aspirations, shares a record of the founding members, and congratulates the ACA’s inaugural Honorary Fellow, Robert Peck.
In 1985, a group of 270 visionary architects united in Melbourne to advocate for the business interests of architectural practices and strengthen the profession’s collective capacity. Four decades on, the ACA continues to build on that legacy, shaping policy and supporting practices to operate sustainably and ethically.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we acknowledge the extraordinary commitment, energy and foresight of those founding members. Their belief in the need for an association dedicated to practice management and business issues set the stage for what the ACA has become today: a trusted source of advocacy, resources, research and connection for architectural practices across the country.
Congratulations Robert Peck AM
The ACA was proud to name Robert Peck AM as our inaugural Honorary Fellow, an honour presented by former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu at the recent VIC/TAS end of year celebration. A significant founding member and longstanding champion of the organisation, Robert helped shape the ACA’s direction and influence over three decades, most notably leading the successful reform that established the Architects Award as a distinct industrial instrument.
In naming the first ACA Honorary Fellow, the National Executive reflected on Robert’s extensive and enduring contribution to the ACA:
Over nearly three decades, Robert played a pivotal role in shaping the ACA’s direction, influence, and standing within the architectural profession and the broader construction industry. During his tenure, one of Robert’s most significant achievements was leading the successful negotiation for the Architects Award to become an independent, stand-alone industrial instrument. Prior to this reform, architects were covered under broader construction or professional services awards that did not adequately reflect the unique nature of architectural practice. Through Robert’s strategic advocacy, collaborative negotiation, and deep understanding of both industrial relations and the professional realities of architectural work, the ACA secured the Architects Award as a distinct and dedicated award – a milestone that continues to underpin fair and equitable employment conditions for architects across Australia.
Robert’s leadership extended beyond industrial advocacy. He was instrumental in:
- Strengthening the ACA’s position as the national voice of employers in architecture, ensuring that practice-based issues were effectively represented to government, unions, and the Fair Work Commission.
- Mentoring and supporting subsequent generations of ACA leaders, instilling a strong culture of professionalism, fairness, and collaboration.
- Advocating for business sustainability within the architectural profession, recognising early on the importance of balancing design excellence with sound business management.
- Promoting a constructive and respectful relationship between employers and employees, an ethos that continues to define the ACA’s approach today.
His legacy continues through the enduring relevance of the Architects Award and the strong, principled advocacy that remains a hallmark of the ACA.
ACA Founding members – can you spot your name?
We’ve attached a record of our founding members. Can you spot your name here? Many of these people and practices are still in business today.
At our recent end-of-year celebration, former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu handed out founding member commendations to the following practices: (top row, L–R) McIldowie Partners, Law Architects, Clarke Hopkins Clarke; (middle row, L–R) Spowers, Caulfield Krivanec, Hayball; (bottom row, L–R) DesignInc Melbourne, Demaine Partnership, Bruce Allen Architects. peckvonhartel also received a founding member commendation (see additional Robert Peck honour above).
If you have any stories from this time, please let us know. We’d love to learn more about this important chapter in our history.
VIC/TAS End-of-Year Celebration
On Friday 5 December, ACA members and team, supporters, partners and friends gathered high up on the terrace at the Macquarie Bank Building on Collins Street, Melbourne to enjoy refreshments, camaraderie and spectacular city views.
A big thank you to our VIC/TAS Committee members and the Business of Small Practice Subcommittee for their time, energy, advocacy and great ideas throughout 2025. Thanks also to Executive Officer Katherine Ygosse for pulling together such a full and thoughtful program of local events — from small practice challenges and mental wellbeing to a lively two-day regional weekend. And a warm thanks to our national partner Macquarie Bank for their ongoing support and generous hospitality, and to photographer Dhyan Verco for the fantastic photos.
Four Decades of Advocacy, Guidance and Growth
Over the past 40 years, the ACA has grown and evolved alongside the profession itself, driven by a commitment to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. From industrial relations guidance and salary surveys to mental wellbeing initiatives and advocacy on procurement and practice sustainability, our work remains grounded in the needs and realities of our members.
As we reflect on this anniversary, we also look forward to further strengthening the voice of architectural practices in Australia and continuing to support our members in building resilient, innovative and sustainable businesses.
Thank you to every member, past and present, who has contributed to our story so far. Together, we look forward to shaping the next 40 years.