The VIC/TAS Committee has welcomed two new members this year – Emily Gilfillan and Brendan Shannon – and has farewelled longstanding Committee member Kel Greenway. Issues of interest to the group include fair and sustainable fees, building reform, communicating the value of architecture, and maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

The AAAG (Architectural Accounting and Administration Group) has been in place in Melbourne for over 20 years. In mid-2020 the AAAG and ACA came together to further strengthen ties between practices and the ACA across the Business of Architecture.

The ACA has joined forces with the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) to support critical reforms that will transform accountability in Victoria’s building industry. Key provisions in the legislation include rectification orders up to 10 years after occupancy, a first resort domestic building warranty, and a developer bond scheme.

On 26 March 2025, the ACA Vic/Tas Branch’s Business of Small Practice (BoSP) forum held their second event in Melbourne at the Metz Tile Gallery in Collingwood. The event focused on ‘Business Structure and Planning’ and brought together architects and practice leaders to explore strategies for building sustainable, purpose-driven practices.

Did you miss the recent Victorian rescode codification information session? A video recording is now available for those who missed it on the day. Colleen Peterson and Jim Papadimitriou from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning provide updates on the new ‘Townhouse and Low-Rise Code’ (the Code) and how it will be applied, answering questions from attendees to clarify details.

BoSP is back in Melbourne on 26 March, this time at Metz Tile Gallery in Collingwood. For our second event our experienced panel featuring Shae Parker McCashen, Ross Clark and Toby Ewert, is discussing organisational structure and business planning. The BoSP forum is a fantastic opportunity for those running a small practice or interested in getting started to meet up, listen to experts, share knowledge and learn from each other.

In 2024, the VIC/TAS branch prioritised advocacy, mental wellbeing, IR and business and finance. Key efforts included building reform advocacy and hosting engaging face-to-face events, including the first BoSP in Melbourne. Katherine Ygosse recaps the year’s highlights.

The ACA VIC/TAS branch has developed a new quick survey to gain a better understanding of the impact of the economic downturn on architectural practices in Victoria. This important data will inform our government advocacy efforts. Take the survey today!

Advocacy and mental wellbeing have been key priorities for the VIC/TAS branch committee for the first half of 2024, with advocacy work around the cladding crisis and building reform, and a recent AMWF face to face event in Melbourne. The Committee also farewells a longstanding ACA contributor and welcomes two new members to the committee.

Employee ownership is an increasingly popular business structure for practices seeking sustainable growth and stability, increased employee engagement, and a sound succession planning strategy. But how does it work from a legal and financial perspective? View this popular webinar for an informative session presented by Marque Lawyers Senior Associate Georgia McGrath and Altus Financial Director Marc Walsh. Originally held 23 May 2024.

The Vic/Tas branch has had a rewarding year of advocacy and events, and continues to lead the ongoing work of the industrial relations sub-committee and development of the ACA business toolbox. Here’s a snapshot of priorities, activity and action in 2023!

The ACA team was delighted to head to Hobart recently for a two-day strategic meeting followed by a series of meetings with leaders in the Tasmanian architectural community and a member lunch. A highlight of the trip was an informative and very moving presentation on The Voice by Rodney Dillon of the PM’s First Nations Referendum Working Group.

The ACA VIC/TAS branch committee was delighted to work with the University of Melbourne to host the recent event, Victoria’s Future Cities, Suburbs and Building Reforms, held at the Melbourne School of Design on 20 July. The event was well-attended and raised important issues regarding the need for urgent building reform in Victoria.

The VIC/TAS Committee leads the ACA’s work on IR and Award-related activities as well as playing a key role in developing the member-only tools and resources. The following update features the latest in IR and resources, as well as advocacy and upcoming events.

The AAAG (Architectural Accounting and Administration Group) has been in place in Melbourne for over 20 years. In mid-2020 the AAAG and ACA came together to further strengthen ties between practices and the ACA across the Business of Architecture.

View this ACA webinar to hear practitioners discuss fees, costs and how the Time Cost Calculator Guide can help as an instrument to contribute to fee proposals and negotiations, and cost control. Learn hints and tips from panellists representing different sized practices. Free for ACA members!

A busy year of advocacy, resource development and online events for the VIC/TAS Committee was celebrated in style with end-of-year drinks and amazing views from high up on the deck at the Macquarie Building.

The ACA – VIC/TAS Branch Committee was delighted to host a special members event on 29 August. The ACA committee, partners, industry figures and ACA members joined CEO Angelina Pillai and National President John Held for drinks and light refreshments, and to hear our plans for the months ahead.

The ACA VIC/TAS branch is pleased to inform its members that the proposed changes to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, to reduce the number of members and remove the requirement for any member to be a registered architect, have been averted for now.

The VIC/TAS branch of the ACA has made a joint statement with the Victorian chapter of the Institute in response to proposed changes to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), stating that consumer protection is under threat.

The ACA sadly advises that longtime VIC/TAS Committee member and dear friend Gary Edwards OAM passed away on 13 January 2022. He will be sorely missed.

Silver Thomas Hanley Business Manager and ACA VIC/TAS Committee member Matthew Tence says good communication and significant IT investment have helped navigate and overcome the challenges of the last two years.

This year, the VIC/TAS Committee concentrated on advocacy to government, industry engagement, mental wellbeing and re-energising our support for Tasmanian members.

AMWF Vic/Tas member Kirby Roper reflects on the stresses of regular snap lockdowns and ways of maintaining wellbeing in practice, including the establishment of Innovation Day and being prepared for future disruptions.

The VIC/TAS Committee has prioritised government advocacy, presentations of the ACA Business Toolbox and further development of tools for members in the first half of 2021.

The pandemic demanded rapid adaptation for Kirby Architects, but the experience was also empowering, revealing the possibilities of positive change and bringing the team closer and more determined to do great work.

From 1 February, Victoria will have much stricter prohibitions on ACPs containing polyethylene and expanded polystyrene, writes lawyer and risk manager Wendy Poulton.

The VIC/TAS branch looks back on a challenging but productive year, when member resources, industrial relations and advocacy were at the forefront.

The ACA – Vic/Tas has released the results of the first VicPulse survey. Top level findings reveal worrying levels of work cancelled or on hold. On the other hand, the survey responses are quite positive in terms of wellbeing and many practices have been able to keep staff on due to the support of JobKeeper.

ACA - Vic/Tas President and FFPV Director Paul Viney reflects on his experiences with past and present economic downturns, the need for more government investment in civic projects and social housing, and the challenges of COVID-19 and remote working.

Hayball has explored varied modes of working and learning over many years, but the rapid shift to remote, distributed workplaces in the era of COVID-19 is a new challenge.

For Melbourne-based Kosloff Architecture, building a positive, healthy practice culture is a key priority, and achieving B Corp status an important step in the evolution of the practice.

As Birrelli celebrates its 25th year in business, Launceston-based architect and former ACA State President Jack Birrell reflects on the challenges and joys of practice on a remote island.

The release of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce Final Report and associated program of work is welcomed by the ACA, but the Federal Government must also take action to ensure a unified national approach.

For emerging practice Winter Architecture, location is no obstacle to team collaboration, with employees located around Australia. Here, Director Jean Graham describes the practice’s origins, ambitions and determination to remain flexible, agile and openminded.

For Bryant Alsop, success comes from building strong relationships - with consultants, builders and suppliers as well as valued employees.