The Business of Architecture*

Mario Dreosti reflects on the SA branch’s ongoing work on resources and advocacy for fair and effective contracts. In the past 18 months, the branch has supported two major projects for the ACA Business Toolbox, benefitting ACA members around the country.

The ACA will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday 24 November at 4.30pm AEDT to approve the 2025 General Purpose Financial Report. Download the relevant documents.

The rapid rise of Generative AI is reshaping the way we work, challenging traditional workflows and redefining the skills architects need to thrive. This talk will explore how AI is transforming the architecture profession from design ideation and documentation, to education and early-career pathways.

The lead-up to Christmas may be a magical time of year for some. But for many of us, it’s much more about increased workloads, stress and trying to stay on top of it all. Merilyn Speiser explores what you can do to avoid suffering burnout in the Christmas busy period.

When it comes to seasonal practice closedowns, what are your rights to direct employees to take annual leave during these periods? Fair Work Lawyers offers advice related to employees engaged under the Architects Award and other relevant industrial awards.

The ACA QLD/NT Committee will host their end-of-year Business of Small Practice (BoSP) event on 3 December. Featuring psychologist Nathaniel Wells, the session will explore the real pressures shaping small practice and share practical tools to help practitioners survive and thrive. Stay on for good conversation, connection, and a relaxed start to the festive season.

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 ACA is pleased to share the 2025 HR Policy Templates, updated and expanded to reflect the changing needs of architectural practices and recent legislation, and featuring a new template on Artificial Intelligence in practice. Developed by our HR advisors Catalina Consultants, these plain-English templates offer practical, customisable support for every member practice. 

The ACA is once again pleased to support Consult Australia’s End of Year Tender campaign, encouraging everyone across the industry to pause procurement activities over the Christmas break. Together, we can build a culture that values wellbeing and supports more balanced workplaces for everyone.

Angelina Pillai reflects on how AI is rapidly becoming an everyday reality for architecture practices, and outlines the ACA’s growing suite of resources designed to help members engage with these tools safely, ethically and effectively.

Welcome to the ACA Business Concierge – your new AI-powered support tool for members. Designed specifically for architectural practices, this smart assistant provides quick answers to your business and employment questions. Access the Business Concierge today!

The ACA Business Concierge is a new AI-powered service developed exclusively for members of the ACA, providing quick practical guidance on the business of architecture. Learn more about how it works, see sample prompts and read answers to our FAQs.

For more than 30 years, Smartsoftware has been helping architecture practices streamline their business systems and project management. Founder Andrew Jones discusses the company’s evolution, emerging tech trends, and the growing role of AI in transforming professional services.

Sarah Hobday-North reflects on the recent ACA Castlemaine Regional Architecture symposium. The two-day event sparked frank, grounded conversations about the realities of regional and small practice, and highlighted the disparate approaches and business strategies of the speakers.

Redmond Hamlett reflects on the standout provocations and takeaways from the ACA Regional Architecture Weekend in Castlemaine, drawing out the ideas and themes that most resonate with his practice.

To mark World Architecture Day 2025 on 8 October, the ACA QLD/NT hosted Building for Success – a panel discussion on sustaining a successful architectural practice in today’s environment. Rozzy Middleton shares a recap.

The ACA Victoria/Tasmania Branch Committee warmly invites ACA members to celebrate 40 years of the ACA with Christmas drinks 5.30pm Friday 5 December. Bring along members of your team and enjoy refreshments and city views from high up on the terrace at the Macquarie Bank Building on Collins Street, Melbourne. Book now!

An important ACA member benefit is our suite of Employment Agreement templates to support members. Our IR advisor Fair Work Lawyers undertakes a review of our template employment contracts regularly, ensuring they are user friendly and legally compliant, and reflect recent legislative changes. Download the 2025 update today!

A recent decision of the Federal Court has unsettled longstanding employer practices in relation to two key areas: the capacity for set-off clauses to cover award entitlements for salaried employees; and strict requirements for employee record-keeping. Tom Earls from Fair Work Lawyers sets out the key takeaways from this decision.

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. 

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.

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. Download today!