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CEO Report – December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s hard not to feel proud of what this year has meant for the ACA. Celebrating 40 years since our inaugural meeting is more than a milestone. It’s a reminder of why we exist: to stand behind architectural practices and make sure the business of architecture has a real, respected voice in Australia.

This year, we’ve continued to build on that legacy with a renewed focus on what matters most to members. We’ve listened closely, we’ve acted where we could make a difference, and we’ve kept our feet firmly on the ground.

KEY ACTIVITIES & PRIORITIES

A stronger presence in advocacy

We’ve made sure the ‘business’ of architecture is on the table. The ACA is not about the design side; we’re all about supporting businesses. Whether in conversations about industrial relations, building reforms or business conditions, the ACA is keenly focused on these agendas.

Our advocacy hub highlights our efforts and shows the plethora of issues we are driving. Emma Brain has written a recap of what we’ve been up to this year.

Growing membership engagement

Our Business of Small Practice forums continue to generate amazing conversations all around the country, while our regional engagement is making sure the regions are firmly on our agenda. ACA’s University Affiliate Program is also gaining momentum as we welcome academics and students into our community. And we have invested in First Nations Understanding and what it means in practice.

Our plan is simple. The more diverse our membership, the more grounded and useful our tools, resources and advocacy become.

Embracing digital change sensibly

AI isn’t optional anymore, so we’ve focused our resources on practical support. Things like an AI policy template, CPD that explores what AI means for architects in practice, and our newly launched AI Business Concierge – our own AI-enabled tool designed to give you quick, tailored access to resources and guidance behind the ACA paywall. Very exciting!

Industrial Relations action

We keep industrial relations matters at the heart of what we do, supporting employers with reliable, timely and important information so you in turn can support your employees to thrive in the workplace. From Award submissions, to alerts on legislative changes and a free consultation service on IR matters, we have your IR needs covered!

Wellbeing and equity

We continue to build resources around mental wellbeing, inclusion and equity. Our commitment in this space is real and we want our members to know that looking after yourselves, especially during this time, is paramount. And we’re asking government to do the same with our Christmas tender campaign.

Pulse Check

Our signature pulse check survey once again provided significant intel for us, offering a revealing snapshot of a profession that is resilient yet under pressure. While firms are responding by finding efficiencies, embracing flexible work and exploring new business models, persistent stress points remain, such as rising costs to business, fee underbidding, delayed payments, and project cancellations and delays. There is clear evidence that practices are rethinking how they operate, but they’re also calling for stronger sector-wide reforms – particularly around procurement, contracts, and sustainable fees. That’s a call to action for the ACA.

Representation matters

So, we took those insights to Parliament House last month. We got to represent businesses with real issues that you’re challenged with every day. Being able to take those issues directly to Canberra, not as complaints, but as constructive pathways forward, gets us noticed, but we have to keep at it.  You can read my recap here.

Honouring our leaders

As we mark our 40th year, it inspired us to acknowledge those who have shaped the profession itself and fought for the businesses. So, we launched the ACA Honorary Fellow Award – a new way to recognise individuals whose contribution to architectural practice, advocacy, leadership and service has had meaningful, long-lasting impact. It’s an important step for the ACA in honouring the legacy of those who have championed architectural practice and paved the way for others. A hearty congratulations to our inaugural Honorary Fellow, Robert Peck.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

Next year will be about doing more of what works, staying agile (yes, agile!) and making sure every member – big, small, medium, regional, city-based, emerging, students – can access resources that genuinely supports them. We’ll be:

  • Enhancing our new AI business concierge member portal
  • Continuing to develop and create relevant support tools and resources through member segmentation efforts
  • Turning research and pulse checks into practical resources in conjunction with our research partners
  • Continuing to push for fairer procurement, better business conditions, building quality, accessibility to Australian Standards and IR reform
  • Growing our regional and university engagement
  • Formally launching our Honorary Fellow Award to celebrate leadership and contribution across the profession
    …and more!

THANKS!

Thank you to our members, branch committees, the National Executive Committee, partners, sponsors and the ACA team. Your commitment and belief in the ACA empowers everything we do. You help shape our direction, and it’s a privilege to serve this profession alongside you.

Wishing you a restful break, time with the people who matter, and a fresh start in the new year. Here’s to a grounded, purposeful and energetic 2026.

Oh, by the way, during this festive break, if you’re planning to do some reading/watching, check out our Christmas Reading/Watching list. And if you’d like to catch up on some CPD, here’s our CPD On-Demand!