If you're new to the ACA, a great place to start is our membership brochure. It's a quick, easy read that covers everything we do to support and advocate for Australian architecture practices - from our role as a trusted business advisor, to our national and branch-level advocacy, to our commitment to good workplace culture, equity and wellbeing.
Download it now via the link in our bio and get to know us a little better!
The ACA's May – June program is packed with sessions designed to help architectural practices grow, adapt and stay ahead.
Highlights include:
+ 19 May, AI in Practice: real tools, real workflows, with architect & AI agent developer Michael Smith
+ 21 May, Cyber Security: how to embrace AI without putting your practice or IP at risk
+ 28 May, Leveraging Your IP: build brand awareness and win more work with Alicia Brown
+ 5 June, ACA Membership Unlocked: a fresh intro to everything the ACA offers
+ 10 June, First Nations Performance Criteria CPD with Michael Mossman from the University of Sydney
+ 29 May (VIC), Buyer Protection Reform Briefing ahead of the 1 July 2026 changes
Whether you're a long-standing member or thinking about joining, there's something here for every practice. Link in bio.
SA members and anyone curious - join us on Tuesday, 26 May, for an honest, open conversation about what the ACA is working on, what's new for members, and most importantly, where you think we should be heading next.
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai will be joined by SA Branch President Mario Dreosti and National Operations Manager Sascha Byrne for an interactive session over drinks at the Terrace Hotel. Expect a look at current ACA priorities, an overview of new member-only tools and plenty of time for your questions and input. Book via the link in our bio.
Big news! Yesterday's Federal Budget commits $42.7M to make Australian Standards freely accessible, and we've been advocating for this for years. For too long, architects have paid thousands annually just to access compliance standards. This announcement is both significant and sensible.
Huge thanks to our members, colleagues at ACIF, and the policymakers who listened. There is much more in the budget to unpack and understand how it will play out in practice. We will keep you informed as we learn more. But for now, we are taking today to celebrate this win!
Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving from a novelty to a tool that will reshape how practices research, document, evaluate and deliver projects. Join architect and AI agent developer Michael Smith on 19 May, for practical ways to use AI to support your practice now, and implications for architectural work in the future. Book now via the link in our bio.
Our 2026 Pulse Check results are here
270 practices across every state and territory shared their experiences this year, giving us an insight into the life of architectural practice across Australia.
The report is full of critical stats and direct quotes from practitioners on revenue pressures, workforce challenges, AI adoption, wellbeing and more.
"The pipeline is an ever-shifting landscape. One month it looks great, the next month it looks dire."
Does this sound familiar? Read the full findings and see what your peers are navigating and how the ACA is responding. Link in bio.
Our latest Advocacy Update is out and packed with findings that every practice leader needs to read.
The 2026 Pulse Check results are in. Many thanks to the hundreds of practice leaders who took the time to reflect honestly on the challenges and opportunities of running an architectural practice this year. We encourage you to read both the national and state-based summaries carefully.
We’re not just here to report the findings; we’re taking them directly to government, too. In recent months, we've met with Federal Ministers and key opposition members on accessible Australian Standards, procurement reform, payment security and graduate training. The Pulse Check results go to each of those policymakers as a follow-up.
On Australian Standards, we'll keep saying it until the situation changes! Mandatory standards should not sit behind a paywall. We're building the case through ACIF, and we want to hear from you.
Head to the link in our bio to read all this and more.
How do we uphold ethical and cultural standards while operating within commercial systems that can actively undermine them? Kirby Roper, founder of Kirby Architects and ACA VIC/TAS Secretary, reflects on the need to think more deeply about ethical practice and the power of working collectively to make change. Link in bio.
How can you embrace the benefits of AI without putting your practice, your clients or your IP at risk? Join the ACA and Frances Russell from FooForce on 21 May for this valuable cyber security CPD webinar on the safe adoption of AI without compromising professional standards. Book now via the link in our bio.
ACA WA recently hosted the inaugural ACA WA State of the Nation Economic Briefing in Perth. Branch President, Kukame McPierzie, offers these thoughts on the evening:
"When planned this event, we didn’t anticipate the events of the past few months including war, geopolitical instability, supply chain issues, fuel crunches and inflation risk continuing to hang around.
Our panel of expert speakers provided insightful perspectives on the economic outlook, influences and opportunities shaping future development in Western Australia:
+ Hon. Dr Katrina Stratton PhD, MBA, MLC,
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Lands and Housing
+ Rebecca Justice Managing Director at Benchmark Finance Group
+ Matthew McNeilly, Founder & Managing Director at Sirona Urban
+ Danny Chung, Head of Business Development at Macquarie Group
Anchored by an insightful market update by Danny Chung, the panel unpacked the factors shaping project viability, from macroeconomic trends to government policy.
They painted a picture of cautious confidence and optimism for Western Australia, but everyone recognised that there are several critical challenges that need industry and government partnership and leadership.
These include unlocking housing supply, the urgent need to increase density across Perth and for government to continue to drive meaningful planning and development reform.
Lots of work to do and we can’t afford to be complacent.
Special conditions for the ABIC contracts introduce the concept of Force Majeure. These special conditions were updated and reissued in April 2026, with two versions available. The short form version is generally suited to projects where a concise and easily administered approach is preferred. The comprehensive version is suitable for projects involving greater complexity or where a more prescriptive regime is required. Available now for all ACA members. Link in bio.
