The ACA National Salary Survey provides important data on architectural salaries across Australia.

The deferral of the Medium Density Code has dominated the activity of the WA Branch in recent weeks. While the ACA supports the Government’s mission to increase housing supply, we are concerned that the deferral will reduce the supply of well-designed housing in suburbs and infill precincts.

The ACA recently made a submission to the ANZSCO Comprehensive Review to request a new sub-category title of ‘Graduate of Architecture’. This important addition will assist in creating a more accurate picture of the profession today with more meaningful predictions of future numbers for workforce planning.

It’s been a busy month of advocacy for the ACA. National President John Held outlines some of the ACA’s current advocacy work and emphasises the importance of collaboration when trying to make a difference.

On 26 July 2023, the ACA made a submission to the Federal Government regarding Responsible AI in Australia as part of a consultation across sectors, professions and industries to identify and establish appropriate regulatory frameworks. The ACA will continue to engage with government as its AI policies are developed and implemented.

The ACA is proud to support the proposal by Alison Cox from TAFE NSW to allow the provision of all-gender amenities as deemed to satisfy under the National Construction Code (NCC).

The 2023 ACA National Salary Survey Report is out now, with detailed analysis by Lindy Osborne Burton and Sarah Bartle. See a summary of the findings below and download the full report in the member-only section.

The ACA National Salary Survey provides essential information on remuneration and salaries in 31 different roles for the architectural profession. What are current pay rates in the industry in 2023? What are the trends and how have salaries changed? In this CPD webinar, QUT’s Lindy Osborne Burton unpacks the key findings of the 2023 report.

In the ACA SA Committee, members are passionate and committed to representing the business of architecture and being a voice for practices in their state. Here, Justin Cucchiarelli offers a glimpse of recent advocacy work in South Australia.

The Wellbeing of Architects project has released its major report on a series of focus groups conducted between May and June 2022 with nearly 70 people working in the architecture profession in Australia. The focus groups identified a wide range of complex issues and discussed solutions and ways forward.

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.

Improving mental wellbeing in practice is fundamental to the future of the profession. The ACA is proud to once again support the Wellbeing of Architects research project and encourages all to participate in this important follow-up survey on work-related wellbeing. So, take part, share your experiences, and assist with this important research.

The ACA National Salary Survey for 2023 is open for another year! Check your inboxes and please participate in this important industry research, an invaluable way to contribute to the health of the profession. The survey closes on 7 April 2023.

The ACA National Salary Survey is back for 2023, providing important data on architectural salaries across Australia. For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions.

The ACA WA Branch wrote to Minister Roger Cook ahead of his meeting with State Building Ministers to advocate for the lifting of Energy Performance Standards in the National Construction Code 2022.

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 results of ACA Pulse Check no. 6 reveal the significant impacts that the last two years have had on architectural practice – flexibility is now both the norm and the future. The survey confirms the very tight employment market and reflects a profession that is, on the whole, very busy.

Justine Clark provides a summary of the recent ACA Pulse Check survey findings, with stats on flexibility, employment, wellbeing and challenges, including rising material costs, supply chain problems and the increased costs of running business not matched by increased income.

In the ACA SA Committee, members are passionate and committed to representing the business of architecture and being a voice for practices in their state. Here, Mario Dreosti, Catherine Startari and Simon Thomson offer a glimpse of their ongoing advocacy work.

The ACA Pulse Check is back. The sixth survey in our longitudinal study will chart what has changed for architectural businesses, document the challenges and identify opportunities– all to support future planning and advocacy. Take the survey today!

After a couple of years of pandemic disruption, the 2022 ACA National Salary Survey Report is out now, with detailed analysis by Lindy Osborne Burton and Soha Matour. See a summary of the findings and download the full report in the member-only section.

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.

Immediate Past President of the ACA QLD/NT Robert Wesener provides a comprehensive update of the ACA’s advocacy efforts in Queensland.

The ACA has made a joint statement with the Institute and the AASA in response to the National Registration Framework.

The ACA has joined a coalition of nine peak industry bodies to call for credible, government-endorsed, public information regarding the airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the importance of indoor air quality.

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

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.

ACA’s first Pulse Check for the year – the fifth since the pandemic began –  gives a fairly positive account of the rebound from COVID. Here we outline the key findings, including stats on levels of work and work pipeline, the impact of JobKeeper, changes to employment and workplace arrangements, mental wellbeing, and the future outlook.

Please take the ACA Pulse Check no. 5. We are now over a year into the pandemic. How is your practice going? What has changed? What has stayed the same? How is the future looking?

We need to work together to advocate for improved contracts and procurement methodologies, says John Held.

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 calling for Government to fund and bring forward construction projects, prioritising strategically planned, well-timed projects, supported by effective procurement processes and equitable contract terms.

Is there someone exceptional within the architecture profession who you would like to nominate for an Australian Honour? The Order of Australia recognises Australians for outstanding service or exceptional achievement in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavours, including architecture.

Announcing the preliminary results of Pulse Check no. 4

The ACA, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects, has responded to the ABCB’s discussion paper on the proposed national registration framework, pointing out the problematic lack of distinction made between a registered architect and building designer.

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.

The preliminary findings of the ACA Pulse Check No. 3 are out now. Concerns about workflow continue, but some projects have restarted and JobKeeper payments have enabled many practices to keep staff on. Mental wellbeing results are positive overall, with some toll on senior management. Practices are returning to the office and considering necessary changes.

The ACA is proud to support the new research project Architectural Work Cultures: professional identity, education and wellbeing, led by Professor Naomi Stead of Monash University.

The ACA Pulse Check No 2 survey invited participants to answer questions about the mental wellbeing of their practice and people. Susie Ashworth unpacks the results and highlights the best tips and advice for looking after the mental wellbeing of all within practice.

The ACA has released the preliminary results of the ACA Pulse Check No. 2. Top line findings reveal serious concerns about workflow, financial impact and employment, but the survey also shows that architectural practices are adapting quickly to the changed working environments.

The ACA has released the preliminary results of the ACA Pulse Check no. 1. We are now analysing these further.

The ACA welcomes the release of the Architectural Education and the Profession in Australia and New Zealand, and looks forward to putting the knowledge to work and collaborating on future research.

The ACA welcomes NSW draft legislation and supports the NSW Government’s efforts on building quality.

The BMF announcement to adopt a consistent national approach to reform in the Australian construction industry is welcome news.

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.

Five industry groups have issued a call for co-ordinated, nation-wide action on building regulation. The ACA supports this call, and is part of it through membership of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF).

The government must act now to ensure the design and construction of safe, well-constructed buildings and to restore public trust in Australia’s built environment.

Our recent questionnaire about the ACA's National Salary Survey uncovered some interesting findings and observations. ACA CEO Angelina Pillai unpacks the results.

The Building Confidence Report Implementation Plan has now been released. What does it mean for the architecture profession? Where are the opportunities and what are the challenges? How is the ACA working on a response? We present a summary of the plan and ACA commentary for each state and territory.

The NSW Government announcement of a new Building Commissioner to audit building design and construction does not go far enough. Government needs to investigate the construction contracting methods, relationships and behaviours that affect building quality and safety.

Warwick Mihaly outlines the findings of the recent survey on the banks and ABIC contracts. The worrying results provided the foundation for the joint submission to the Banking Royal Commission by the ACA, ArchiTeam and the Institute of Architects.

The ACA has joined forces with the Institute and ArchiTeam to condemn the unfair treatment of industry-standard construction contracts by banks in a submission to the Banking Royal Commission.

The findings of the 2018 National Salary Survey, with analysis by Dr Gill Matthewson, are now out. There is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!

An inquiry led by former under treasurer, John Langoulant, into recent WA state government projects and contracts has revealed gross incompetence and highlighted the need for a major reformation to current procurement processes.

A joint submission to the WA Commission of Inquiry into Government Programs and Projects.

John Held reflects on the findings of the 2017 ACA Federal Budget Impact Survey.

The findings of the 2017 National Salary Survey, with analysis by Dr Gill Matthewson, are now out - salaries are up very slightly, but worrying trends continue for the third year. There is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!

What does the 2017 Federal Budget mean for architectural practices and the profession?

The ACA Industry Discussion Paper on Procuring Architectural Services aims to provoke conversation and thought about the role procurement plays in the development of our cities and communities.

ACA - SA has been working closely with the SA Department of Education and Child Development to introduce a new type of planning study for schools.

ACA - WA has submitted responses to four Design WA documents and policies.

The ACA - WA member survey on WA Development Assessment Panel and local authority Design Advisory Committees is providing an important evidence base for advocacy with the Minister for Planning.

The ACA has released the report on findings of the 2016 National Salary Survey - salaries are up very slightly, but worrying trends continue - there is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!

The SA 2016-17 Budget features a major stimulus package for the construction industry, with $500 million allocated to upgrade school facilities. This is an opportunity for architects to show leadership and work collaboratively to deliver outstanding educational facilities.

Insightful reports by Gill Matthewson chart the professional profile of architects and the industry’s growth and development in recent years through the 2001, 2006 and 2011 Censuses.

The 2016 Budget Impact Survey indicates a fairly neutral overall response to the 2016 Federal Budget by architectural practices. The good news is that a over half of respondents are busier than last year, although not all are more profitable. John Held considers the findings.

The results of this year's ACA Federal Budget Impact Survey.

We now know a great deal more about architectural practice in South Australia - three reports provide a comprehensive account of the state of the profession and the opportunities and challenges for the future.

The ACA - SA State of the Architectural Profession survey provides crucial research on the size, shape and characteristics of architectural practice in SA - the first study of its kind in Australia.

A report on data from the APBSA provides and overview of the demographics of registered architects in South Australia.

Architects in SA - A View from the Census is the first report on the Australian architectural profession to look at census data over time.

An update on the Australian Government’s response to the “Harper Review” into competition policy.

The ACA has released the report on findings of the 2015 National Salary Survey. This outlines the broad trends identified this year and compares these to the results from the previous two years.

The ACA’s 2015 Federal Budget Impact Survey sought to better understand what the budget means for architectural practices and the profession.

The message from the 2015 Federal Budget Impact Survey is clear - some short-term gains for some, but few long terms benefits.

ACA - SA is on the front foot with changes in government procurement - a report on the recent DPTI priorities survey.

Finally there is some movement on procurement reform in NSW. Steve Kennedy provides an update.

The Queensland Government has removed ‘Best and Final Offer’ processes from all tendering procedures.

The ACA’s submission to the Treasury consultation on Extending Unfair Contract Term Protections To Small Businesses.

The ACA is pleased to release a report on findings of the first two iterations of the National Salary Survey.

An overview of the results.

What does the federal budget mean for practices, the profession and society?

What does the 2014 Federal Budget mean for the business of architecture? We provide initial key points and a roundup of coverage so far.

The ACA ran its inaugural salary survey in mid-2013. What does it tell us about renumeration in the profession?