The Architects Award
It’s critical that all architectural businesses understand their obligations under the Architects Award. The update of the Architects Award and other Awards relevant to architectural practice incorporate all changes up to and including 1 July 2025, including new pay rates.
Here we include a short overview of the award, the ACA’s role in negotiating it, and the assistance we provide to members regarding the Award.
DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED ARCHITECTS AWARD TODAY!
See below for links to other relevant industrial Awards for interior designers, draftspeople, administration staff and graphic designers.
How does the ACA assist with the development of the Architects Award?
The ACA is the designated employer organisation for architects under Fair Work Australia. In this capacity we represent architectural employers in negotiating all changes to the Architects Award, and in representing members on related industrial matters. We encourage all architectural employers to familiarise themselves with the award and their obligations under it.
Note: New rates of pay are applicable from 1 July 2025, which factor in the 3.5% increase in modern Award pay rates. The updated Architects Award includes pay rates that apply from 1 July 2025.
What is the Architects Award?
The Architects Award is part of the Modern Awards system. The Award should be read in conjunction with the National Employment Standards (NES). Together the Award and the NES contain the minimum conditions of employment for employees covered by the Architects Award.
The Architects Award is organised into the following sections:
- Application and Operation (Part 1)
- Types of Employment and Classifications (Part 2)
- Hours of Work (Part 3)
- Minimum Wages and Related Matters (Part 4)
- Overtime (Part 5)
- Leave and Public Holidays (Part 6)
- Workplace Delegates, Consultation and Dispute Resolution (Part 7)
- Termination of Employment and Redundancy (Part 8)
The Award includes a detailed description of whom it covers (section 1.4). Employers should note that the Architects Award includes minimum wages for students of architecture and graduates, as well as registered architects.
The Award states that employers must ensure that copies of this award and the NES are available to all employees to whom they apply, either on a noticeboard that is conveniently located at or near the workplace or through electronic means, whichever makes them more accessible.
What does the latest update include?
The Architects Award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2025. The most recent changes include:
- Insertion of new Clause 10.5 – Changes to Casual Employment Status
- Insertion of Clause 12A – Employee Right to Disconnect
- Updated Clause 13 to incorporate the new National Standards of Competency for Architects (NSCA)
- Insertion of Clause 23A – Workplace Delegates’ rights
- Variations to clauses in Section 26 – Dispute resolution
Relevant Awards to architectural practice
Architects Award – 2020
Clerks Award – 2020
Graphics Arts Award – 2020
Manufacturing Award (Drafting staff) – 2020
Miscellaneous Award (Interior Designers) – 2020
How does the ACA help?
The ACA provides regular updates on changes to the minimum wage and the impact of these on the Architects Award and other relevant awards.
The Industrial Awards section of this website provides information and advice on a range of matters relating to the Architects Award. The IR Updates section provides regular updates on changing industrial relations matters.
The ACA represents the interests of employer architects via the ACA Industrial Relations Subcommittee.