The VIC/TAS Committee welcomed two new members in 2024 – Emily Gilfillan and Brendan Shannon. 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 ACA WA Committee has been working hard on advocacy in recent years, with President Kukame McPierzie and Vice-President Kate Fitzgerald leading the charge. Here we introduce the complete WA team of committed practice owners and directors keen to make a difference. Learn more about their interests and goals with the ACA.

The NSW/ACT Committee has several new members adding to the existing team of committed, enthusiastic volunteers. Issues of interest to the group include fees and tendering, architectural education, communicating the value of architecture, and solving the profession’s big challenges.

The ACA QLD/NT Committee includes President Brett Hudson, Vice-President Adam Perrier, and an enthusiastic, committed team of practice owners and directors keen to make a difference for members in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Learn more about their roles, areas of interest, and goals with the ACA.

The ACA SA Committee has a changing of the guard, with new President Mario Dreosti, Vice-President Catherine Startari, and a team of talented, enthusiastic volunteers keen to make a difference in South Australia with advocacy, events, networking and learning. Learn more about their roles and goals with the ACA.

There’s a lot more to an Employee Assistance Program than meets the eye. ACA members who have signed up for our discounted member offer have found a wealth of resources and assistance, including an advice line for managers who need to discuss a tricky workplace issue, help an employee in trouble, or are seeking advice on general workplace stress.

The benefits of Employee Assistance Programs are well-known and understood. However, many small to medium practices cannot afford to offer an EAP for their employees. It is an expense they simply can’t justify. The ACA is delighted to partner with TELUS Health to offer our members a high-quality EAP at a fraction of the cost. 

Before we break for the festive season, we asked our committee members and staff to recommend their favourite books and podcasts of the year. Some have a business angle. Others are just things that got them thinking. We hope you enjoy working your way through these recommendations.

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.

The final Melbourne Business of Small Practice (BoSP) forum event for the year was held at Brickworks in early November, drawing a strong crowd eager to hear the In Detail podcast team delve into the important topic of fees. Kieran Benson provides a recap.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) gathered in Brisbane in late August for a lively and productive meeting, marked by collaboration, fresh insights, and a warm farewell to long-serving Executive Director James Cameron. Angelina Pillai reports on a day of robust discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.

Client insights are one of the most powerful tools for building a stronger practice, helping you refine services and deepen relationships. Sign up for the 2026 Client Choice Awards for Best Architecture Firm and gain a tailored report with invaluable client feedback. 

The ACA NSW/ACT Committee was once again proud to award two Architecture students from the University of Western Sydney a cash prize for outstanding work in units related to Practice Management.

The ACA is pleased to welcome Monash University as our latest University affiliate, joining RMIT and the PNG University of Technology in this growing initiative that aims to help bridge the gap between education and practice.

We are delighted to share that Reconciliation Australia has endorsed the ACA’s second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)! Our RAP sets out a vision for a more equitable profession and places reconciliation at the heart of what we do.

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.

The ACA is thrilled to welcome RMIT University and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology as our inaugural University Affiliates! The affiliate program will help bridge the gap between architectural education and professional practice, providing Schools of Architecture with curated resources, practical tools, and deeper engagement with the business side of architecture.

The ACIF Forecasts were released in May 2025, forecasting that the residential construction recovery will continue to gather momentum. The May Forecasts highlight that growth is expected to increase to 1.9% in 2025–26, buoyed by lower interest rates lifting demand. ACIF has provided a summary.

The ACA WA Committee recently launched its new online Practice Management Forum — an intimate space for those overseeing the operational side of architectural practice to share experiences, challenges and insights. The inaugural session, held in May, brought together directors, practice managers and operational leaders for open and authentic discussions on the realities of running a practice today.

The ACA is delighted to announce that our Immediate Past National President John Held has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to architecture in leadership roles. Congratulations John!

ACA WA continues its tradition of awarding the Registration Prize, granting $1,000 to two professionals who excel in the Architectural Practice Exam. This year's recipients, Stephanie Hanlon and Irene Chan, were honoured at a recent ceremony where ACA WA Committee Member Kahla Murphy and Rondo's Kaylee Hyland presented the certificates.

On Thursday 13 February 2025, the ACA SA held a round table discussion on the critical and current topic of our national housing shortage. Special guests were invited to provide a 10-minute presentation each prior to a facilitated discussion of key themes, opportunities and challenges.

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.

John Held’s six-year tenure as ACA National President has come to an end. John has also stepped down as SA Branch President after 13 years leading the work of the ACA in Adelaide. John has been an empathetic and inspiring leader and a committed champion of the profession. We wish him well as he takes a well-earned break.

The WA branch committee wrapped up another vibrant year with a wonderful end-of-year celebration at Lums wine bar in Subiaco. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made the event so memorable. In this update, we look back at our accomplishments this year and what lies ahead.

At the end of each year, we ask our committee members and staff to recommend their favourite business-focused books and podcasts of the year. This time, we’ve even squeezed in a Netflix TV series! We hope you enjoy working your way through these recommendations as you relax and reset this summer.

The NSW/ACT Committee have been working hard this year with government advocacy, providing meaningful online webinars to members and staying connected. Branch President Ivana Simkovic takes us through the highlights of 2024.

A strong events program and advocacy have been a priority for the QLD/NT branch committee in the second half of 2024. We also welcome a new branch president, executive officer and several new committee members.

Advocacy, wellbeing and a strong events program have been a focus for the SA branch committee in the second half of 2024. Sascha Byrne and the SA committee review the highlights.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) Forecasts were released on 14 November, forecasting that residential construction will bounce back. The ACIF November Forecasts show how the large pipeline of work in hand is sufficient to drive growth in building and construction activity despite slowing in the economy. ACIF has provided a summary.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum Forecasts (worth $350+) are produced every six months by the ACIF forecasters, with the Construction Forecasting Council providing guidance and oversight. ACA members have free access to the ACIF Customised Forecasts Dashboard as a member-only benefit.

Management for Design recently released the results of their annual Business Conditions Survey, which benchmarks real business conditions and analyses predicted outcomes for firms in the architecture, engineering and design industry.

The ACA WA Committee has been working hard on advocacy in recent years, with President Kukame McPierzie and Vice-President Kate Fitzgerald leading the charge. Here we introduce the complete WA team of committed practice owners and directors keen to make a difference. Learn more about their interests and goals with the ACA.

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.

The NSW/ACT Committee has several new members adding to the existing team of committed, enthusiastic volunteers. Issues of interest to the group include fees and tendering, architectural education, communicating the value of architecture, and solving the profession’s big challenges.

The NSW/ACT branch committee has continued working hard in 2024 to deliver informative CPD presentations as well as useful resources to the membership. Discussion within committee meetings have addressed issues such as mental wellbeing, university engagement, reconciliation and regional practice.

The first half of 2024 was jam-packed in WA, with social and informative events, critical advocacy, and a welcome to three new committee members – Fred Chaney, Kahla Murphy and Fernando Faugno. Sadly, we said goodbye to three retiring committee stalwarts – Malcolm Jones, David Gulland and Andrew Rogerson.

The ACA QLD/NT Committee includes President Brett Hudson, Vice-President Adam Perrier, and an enthusiastic, committed team of practice owners and directors keen to make a difference for members in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Learn more about their roles, areas of interest, and goals with the ACA.

The ACA SA Committee has a changing of the guard, with new President Mario Dreosti, Vice-President Catherine Startari, and a team of talented, enthusiastic volunteers keen to make a difference in South Australia with advocacy, events, networking and learning. Learn more about their roles and goals with the ACA.

The QLD/NT Committee has been busy with events in recent months, with two site tours, two AMWF events and our first Business of Small Practice (BoSP) get together in Brisbane. The Committee has also initiated an exciting new advocacy plan of action and welcomes a new President and a number of new branch committee members. 

Advocacy, First Nations engagement and learning, and a strong events program have been a focus for the SA branch committee in the first half of 2024. Sascha Byrne and the SA committee review the highlights.

Our branch committees recently said goodbye to a number of departing committee members – people who had volunteered their time, energy and commitment to build resources, plan events, share knowledge and advocate for their colleagues in the industry. We thank each and every committee member for all their hard work and dedication.

The ACA is actively working to amplify its voice on issues relevant to its members, the business of architecture, and practitioners’ wellbeing. We are intensifying our advocacy initiatives as we continue positioning ourselves as a vital link between the architecture profession and policymakers. 

New engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will be prohibited in Australia from 1 July 2024. Commonwealth, State and Territory Work Health and Safety (WHS) Ministers have agreed to a number of key implementation matters, with some adopting six-month transitional periods.

The recent BES•Tville event in Townsville was a huge success, attracting a diverse audience of 195 people, all eager to hear from speakers Andrew Maynard and Adam Haddow, and facilitator Helen Norrie. Chief organiser Zammi Rohan from Counterpoint Architecture discusses the foundation and objectives of BES•Tville, future plans, and the importance of connection and action in the regions.

There’s a lot more to an Employee Assistance Program than meets the eye. ACA members who have signed up for our discounted member offer have found a wealth of resources and assistance, including an advice line for managers who need to discuss a tricky workplace issue, help an employee in trouble, or are seeking advice on general workplace stress.

Our Reading and Listening List is back to see you through long days by the pool! It’s eclectic and representative of the diverse interests of our committee members and staff at the ACA. We hope you enjoy dipping into our recommendations as you relax this summer.

The ACA University Engagement Working Group aims to connect with the tertiary education sector and promote the value of architectural practice and business to university students. Topics of interest to the group include models of internships, the sharing of business-related tools and resources, and education around the Business of Architecture.

The ACA’s new RAP Working Group was developed to support the ACA membership with their learning around First Nations knowledge and engagement, with a focus on Reconciliation Action Plans. Here we provide a summary of the Group’s aims and a brief interview with the RAP Working Group Chair Stephen Pearse.

The ACA’s new Regional Practice Working Group (RPWG) aims to connect and support architectural practices in diverse geographical areas across the country. Here we provide a summary of the Group’s aims and a brief interview with the RPWG Chair Michel Greenhalgh about the key challenges of regional practice, what needs to change, and aspirations for the new working group.

On 30 October 2023, the Fair Work Commission approved the ACA’s application to amend the Architects Award to reflect the new National Standard of Competency for Architects. See the detailed explainer from Fair Work Lawyers and download the updated Architects Award today!

At the ACA, we will continue to listen, learn, engage in respectful conversations, educate ourselves and share knowledge where we can. We recommend viewing the webinar ‘Reconciliation after the Referendum’ by Reconciliation Australia and downloading a valuable list of actions that organisations can take.

The NSW/ACT Committee is delighted to announce a new member benefit, a discounted rate on the newly developed Tools™ app, which summarises the NCC into simple, interactive graphics, helping architects specify how to build properly, save time and avoid mistakes and rework.

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 is immensely proud to announce that our first Reconciliation Action Plan has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Our RAP sets out a vision for a more equitable profession and places reconciliation at the heart of what we do.

From January 2024, the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) will follow the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) – but what does this mean for graduates already on the road to registration? The following summary of changes to the APE was supplied by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

It’s been a busy six months for the NSW/ACT branch committee, who have been working hard to deliver informative and relevant CPD presentations and networking opportunities as well as discounted webinars and resources, and advocacy for its members. A recent highlight was the first Business of Small Practice (BoSP) event in Sydney.

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.

In the last six months, the QLD/NT branch committee have been busy organising interesting and topical online events, providing networking opportunities, site tours and panel discussions, and advocating on the issues that matter to the profession.

Griffith University researcher Sebastian Smith unpacks the results of the recent Graduate Employability Survey, outlining interesting perspectives on Work-Integrated Learning and Student/Graduate Employability.

The ACA’s National Executive Committee caught up face to face in Melbourne recently for two days of discussion, workshops, planning and guest industry speakers. WA President Kukame McPierzie highlights the key takeaways.

ACA members are invited to join the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Trial, which delivers a high-quality EAP at a fraction of the cost. The EAP service is available from LifeWorks, a trusted mental health and wellbeing partner to over 15,000 organisations around the world.

The benefits of Employee Assistance Programs are well-known and understood. However, many small to medium practices cannot afford to offer an EAP for their employees. It is an expense they simply can’t justify. The ACA is delighted to partner with TELUS Health to offer our members a high-quality EAP at a fraction of the cost. 

Australian summers, with their long country drives, plane rides and days at the beach, provide the perfect opportunity to read or listen to a great podcast. To get you in the holiday mood, we’ve compiled a list of reading material, courses and podcasts recommended by ACA staff and committee members around the country. Enjoy!

Advocacy, mental wellbeing and culture have been a strong focus for the SA Branch Committee in 2022, with highlights including the return of BoSP, the annual Business of Design Lunch and the first AMWF Toolkit event.

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.

In 2022, the QLD/NT branch committee were delighted to get back to doing what they do so well – providing interesting and topical face to face events, networking opportunities and bringing people back together for some much-missed in-person interactions.

The WA Committee has had another productive year, providing business advice relevant to our state, advocating on behalf of our members and many opportunities to socialise. Our WA Update provides a summary of the activities that have kept us busy in 2022.

Automatic Mutual Recognition is now available in South Australia for accredited building professionals to operate using their interstate licences.

‘Disrupting the System: Preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment’, a report from the Champions of Change Coalition, aims to shift the way we understand and respond to sexual harassment. The document provides a comprehensive practical guide for organisations and workplaces.

The Green Building Council of Australia has published Specifying for Green Star Buildings using NATSPEC, an indispensable resource for designing sustainability into a project.

The ACA SA has had a strong focus on advocacy, mental wellbeing and culture, and has welcomed the return of BoSP.

QLD/NT President Gilda Donegan provides a recap of the first six months of 2022, where the branch committee has continued to learn to be adaptable.

The ACA in WA continues to go from strength to strength, with 82 member practices representing nearly 600 staff. Advocacy on the National Registration Framework is currently a major focus for the WA Committee.

The WA branch has had a busy start to the year on the advocacy front, with two major projects dominating our efforts and a strengthening of our collaboration with industry partners.

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.

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

Congratulations to the ACA’s NSW/ACT President and Vice-President of ACA National, Agi Sterling for receiving the honour of a Life Fellowship with the Australian Institute of Architects. Well-deserved and well done!

We are big fans of sharing knowledge and learning through conversation. Emma Brain has compiled a list of some of her favourite podcasts to get stuck into once the end-of-year stress has passed.

CEO Angelina Pillai reviews the ACA’s work and priorities for the year, from connection and collegiality to advocacy, partnerships, timely information and good communication.

The key focus for the WA committee in 2021 has been to advocate, connect and inform, with ongoing advocacy for policy improvements with government Ministers and key decision makers within the built environment.

The ACA – SA has been active this year in a number of areas, including events, mental wellbeing, advocacy and consultation with other professional bodies.

Promoting mental wellbeing in the profession has never been more important. The following recap highlights the wonderful work being done in the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forums around the country.

Monash University Professor of Architecture Naomi Stead provides an update on the three-year, Australian Research Council–funded research project about the wellbeing of practitioners and students in architecture, with an emphasis on some early findings of the recent practitioner survey.

Improving mental wellbeing in practice is fundamental to the future of the profession. The ACA is proud to support the major research project Architectural Work Cultures: professional identity, education and wellbeing, and encourages all to participate in this important survey on work-related wellbeing.

Charmaine Kai, ACA member of the Expert Reference Group on the NSCA, provides an update on the key developments.

The WA Committee outlines activity and priorities for the last six months and plans for the year ahead, with a strong focus on quality information, advocacy and connection.

CEO Angelina Pillai summarises ACA activity and priorities for the last year, outlining our seven strategic objectives and what they mean for members, ACA committees, and the broader profession. 

The ACA – SA has had a strong focus on advocacy, mental wellbeing and culture, and have welcomed the return of their popular series of face-to-face business lunches. 

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.

QLD/NT President Gilda Donegan provides a recap of the first six months of 2021, a period where the key themes were to learn, change and adapt!

After extensive consultation, the ACA’s VIC/TAS Committee has submitted its response to the Victorian government’s Framework for Reform building review. Our executive summary outlines the ACA’s key priorities and the full submission is also available for download for further background and discussion of the issues.

Sydney-based ArtMade Architects has won the Client’s Choice Award for the Best Architecture Firm for the second year running.

It’s been a huge start to the year for the WA branch with two functions, an influx of new members and one new sponsor joining our community. Here’s a rundown of where we are at and where we are headed in 2021.

The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) and Our Watch have released a report into domestic and family violence, and the impacts this has on the workplace. The resource uses evidence to tackle some common myths about domestic and family violence, and provides tools and resources for Australian businesses to become leaders in prevention. 

The ACA welcomes the automatic mutual recognition scheme, which serves as a sound framework to create national harmonisation across the architectural labour force. However, several issues need to be addressed.

The ACA is delighted to announce the appointment of new WA Branch President Kukame McPierzie, who shares his first message for 2021. 

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

The QLD/NT branch offers a summary of an extremely busy year, with a full event schedule and many priority issues to address through their advocacy.

No more chasing around to find a JP to witness your Stat Dec. Registered architects are now authorised witnesses.