The Business of Architecture*

As debate continues about the future of architectural regulation in Victoria, Paul Viney highlights the ACA’s recent advocacy work, including the recently closed parliamentary petition. He argues that it’s critical to maintain robust, specialist regulation in Victoria and across the country, and asks a fundamental question – what is it that sets architects apart?

What is the Business Toolbox data telling us about project costs, time allocation and estimated versus actual hours? We explore the anonymised data from the Time/Cost Calculator Guide to uncover key trends and insights that can help members make more informed commercial decisions.

What is ACA Business Toolbox data telling us about employment, compliance and workforce planning? We unpack some of the data drawn from the Salary Calculator to identify some broad trends.

More than 80 ACA members and guests enjoyed lunch and a candid conversation between the Hon John Carey MLA and ACA WA Vice-President Kate Fitzgerald at the WA Business of Design Lunch. The Minister was unambiguous in his call for the profession to take seriously its role as community advocates, alongside its responsibility to deliver great design.

A highlight of the ACA SA calendar is the Business of Design Lunch. This year, the ACA was delighted to welcome Ian McDougall of ARM as their guest speaker, with 130 guests enjoying an engaging reflection on his journey in architecture practice. ACA SA Executive Officer Graeme Martin provides a recap.

The collapse of the Bathla Group has raised questions about the way we deliver housing in Australia – in particular, whether our current systems are delivering the quality, accountability and consumer protection that people should be able to expect. Angelina Pillai explores the need for consistent, clear regulation and enforcement, and emphasises the critical role of architects in delivering well designed, quality homes.

The ACA is delighted to welcome Charles Darwin University as a University affiliate, joining RMIT, Melbourne University, Swinburne University of Technology and the PNG University of Technology in this growing initiative that aims to help bridge the gap between education and practice.

In her capacity as ACA CEO and ACIF Board Director, Angelina Pillai recently reached out to Standards Australia to arrange a meeting about the upcoming implementation of free access to Australian Standards. There is clearly a lot to work through. In this month’s CEO Report, Ange provides a summary of this important meeting and what comes next.

Welcome to the ACA Business Concierge – your 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!

Welcome to the new ACA Practice Desktop App – designed for easy desktop access to the ACA Business Concierge, which provides quick answers to your business and employment questions, drawing on ACA member-only resources, tools and guidance. ACA members can download the ACA Practice Desk App today!

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 2026, including new pay rates for the 2026–2027 financial year. Download today!

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.

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.