The Business of Architecture*

In the ACA’s recent Treasury submission, we call for systemic reform of the National Construction Code to reduce regulatory friction and support housing delivery. Without these recommended changes, excessive complexity and inconsistency will continue to drive up costs and slow project delivery at a time when Australia can least afford it.

ACA WA invites members and colleagues to our inaugural State of the Nation Economic Briefing on 22 April 2026. The briefing will open with an economic outlook presentation from Danny Chung, Macquarie Group, followed by a discussion with Hon. Dr Katrina Stratton MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Lands and Housing; Rebecca Justice, Benchmark Finance Group; and Matthew McNeilly, Sirona Urban.

The ACA WA Registration Prize celebrates two graduate architects who show exceptional dedication to the registration process. In 2026, Adrian Kinny and Zoe Yeoh were recognised for their outstanding achievements, each receiving a $1,000 grant.

Two ACA members will take the stage at Sydney Build this year, contributing to panel discussions on mental wellbeing in practice and the architect’s role in delivering sustainable buildings. Head to Sydney Build on 29 + 30 April for two days of industry discussion, learning and networking.

The ACA lodged a formal submission with the Select Committee on Productivity in Australia on 20 February 2026, arguing for critical reforms to how government procures, regulates and supports the built environment professions.

informed by Planned Cover is offering ACA members a 15% discount for their webinar on high performance fee proposals. Hear about some common pitfalls and practical challenges, from persuading clients to sign on the dotted line, to protecting and preserving key elements if your terms and conditions are replaced by a client-drafted contract.

ACA RAP working group member, Annabelle Roper, reflects on two high-profile projects where important reconciliation work was overturned by government decisions, what silence from the industry reveals, and why collective advocacy through peak bodies has never been more important.

The proposed abolition of the ARBV marks one of the most significant challenges to the profession’s regulatory framework in decades. The ACA updates members on their ongoing advocacy efforts and call on architects across Victoria to contact their local MP and have their say.

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 explores how AI is transforming the architecture profession from design ideation and documentation, to education and early-career pathways.

The fifth iteration of the ACA Architects’ Time/Cost Calculator Guide (TCCG) was launched in February 2026, with 47 updates and improvements. The TCCG helps practices manage project time and costs, combining practice-specific data with reliable calculations to support accurate, tailored fee proposals for all building types, service levels and procurement methods.

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!

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!