The Business of Architecture*

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!

The Victorian Government’s plan to fold the ARBV into a generalist licensing body puts at risk the integrity of a national training pathway, a critical building oversight chain, and the education pipeline that supplies 43% of Australia’s architecture graduates. Kirsten Day examines what’s at stake and why it matters for everyone who works in or depends on the building industry.

The Australian Government’s initiative to make selected Australian Standards freely accessible has taken another step forward, with Standards Australia providing an update on implementation. The ACA welcomes this update and will continue advocating for improved access on behalf of members.

We all rely heavily on email to communicate with clients, suppliers and contractors, but email is also one of the most common ways cyber criminals gain access to a business. Fooforce Managing Director Frances Russell identifies some common red flags and offers step-by-step guidance on what to do if your mailbox is compromised.

Immediate past National President John Held highlights two critical priorities related to AI in architecture practice: the need for deep understanding and guidance of AI use within practice workflows; and the need for advocacy for better procurement methods, business conditions and acknowledgement of IP ownership at a time of rapid change.

The ACA Short Form Client Architect Agreement (CAA) is a fair and balanced model contract for use on small- to medium-sized projects, written to assist ACA members with their client contracts. The ACA has introduced a Victoria-specific version to help ACA members comply with the Victorian Government’s Architects Regulations 2026 and the ARBV’s related updates to the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.

It has been almost three years since we interviewed M. Hank Haeusler about the Arch_Manu research project, of which the ACA is a proud partner. Ivana Kuzmanovska provides an update, sharing generous insights on the project’s progress to date, her research highlights, and ambitious plans for the future.

In April 2026, the ACA launched a new member benefit: a combined PI and GL insurance initiative with specialist broker Coverforce. Three ACA members share their experiences, highlighting the transparent, thorough process, responsive support, and Coverforce’s strong understanding of the challenges facing practices today.

While Professional Indemnity insurance is well understood within the architecture profession, it only addresses one aspect of a practice’s risk. Coverforce examines the role of Management Liability insurance, why architects should consider it, and the types of claims it is designed to cover.

These Special Conditions, prepared by Christopher Larcos of Larcos Law, are intended for use with the ABIC BW 2018 C Commercial Basic Works Contract where the work is residential building work carried out in New South Wales, and the contract price exceeds $20,000. ACA members can access and download the Special Conditions.

The ACA QLD/NT invited practitioners to a guided walk-through of the Hervey Bay Community Hub, one of the most significant pieces of regional civic infrastructure currently underway in Queensland. The site visit, held on 17 July, offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at a major project before it opened to the public.

The ACA and Consult Australia are pleased to offer ACA members access to Consult Australia’s highly regarded Future Leader Program at the member early bird rate, as part of our ongoing collaboration under the ACA–Consult Australia Memorandum of Understanding.

The ACA Salary Calculator provides practices with a clear methodology for determining appropriate award-compliant salaries. The calculator assists members to ensure they are operating legally and fairly, and helps practices to develop properly informed plans for their business. The Salary Calculator has been updated with the 2026–2027 pay rates. Access the updated Salary Calculator today!

The Federal Industrial Award pay rates have been updated and are applicable from 1 July 2026. ACA members can log in to access award pay rates relevant to architectural practice 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 ACA is committed to supporting practices of all sizes on their reconciliation journey, particularly smaller practices that may not have the resources to develop their own RAPs. By making participation more accessible, we can strengthen the profession’s collective impact. Emma Brain outlines recent changes to the RAP program and offers advice to practices considering joining.

Act now! Help protect the future of architectural registration in Victoria by signing the current Victorian Legislative Assembly petition. Sign it today!

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has come together with the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) to conduct a collaborative, industry-led examination of productivity barriers in government construction procurement. Take the survey today!

Yesterday’s Federal Budget commitment to make Australian Standards freely accessible is a genuine win for the profession, and one we have advocated for over many years. This move will be a game-changer (we don’t say that very often!) for the architectural profession and the construction industry more broadly.

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.