About Us

The 2019 National Award for Commercial Architecture | Private Women’s Club | Kerstin Thompson Architects | Victoria | Photographer: Derek Swalwell

Australian Institute of Architects

The Australian Institute of Architects Head Office | 41X | Lyons | Photographer: John Gollings

The peak body for architecture

14,500

Guided by our vision of ensuring that everyone benefits from good architecture, we represent over 14,000 members globally and are committed to demonstrating the value of architecture to the public whilst strengthening our profession and the practice of architecture.

Along with our members, we are dedicated to improving our built environment and the communities we call home by promoting quality, responsible, sustainable design and advocating on behalf of the profession for the benefit of all Australians.

Who we are

The built environment shapes the places where we live, work and meet. It affects how spaces and places function and has the potential to stimulate the economy and enhance the environment.

Architecture influences all aspects of our built environment. It brings together the arts, environmental awareness, sciences and technology. By combining creative design with technical know-how, architects create physical environments, which in turn, influence our quality of life.

Almost all Australians (97%) believe that cities and towns are better to live in when public buildings and public spaces are well-designed. Likewise, almost all Australians (96%) believe that homes and apartments provide a better living experience when they are well-designed.

Quite simply, good design adds value.

The Australian Institute of Architects and its members are dedicated to raising the quality of the built environment for all and to the advancement of architecture. We seek to improve the health and well being of all who live and work in our diverse communities.

By raising design standards in our cities, urban areas, commercial and residential buildings, the profession as a whole alongside the Institute plays a major role in shaping Australia’s future.

The Australian Institute of Architects is a member of the International Union of Architects (UIA)

Governance

OUR STRUCTURE

The Institute is governed by a Board of Directors, comprising elected members as well as Independent Directors with expertise across finance, HR, marketing and other specialities. With a minimum of eight Directors, the Board is made up of the National President (Chair), Immediate Past President, President Elect and two National Council Elected members in addition to three Independent Directors.

The Board works closely with the member elected National Council, which represents all Chapters and is responsible for the overarching policy of the Institute, and the Executive management team.

Learn more

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 91st Annual General Meeting of the members of The Royal Australian Institute of Architects will be held at 10.00am AEDT on Wednesday 22 July 2020, using virtual technology.

Member elections

Updated elections nominations open date

In a newsletter sent on 7 Oct 2019, we advised members that elections nominations were due to open Monday 14 Oct 2019. However, we’ve identified some technical issues with the elections website that means we have to delay the nominations opening date to Friday 18 Oct 2019.

We’re working furiously to resolve the technical issues. We’ll email all members the official elections email that formally opens all nominations streams for Chapter Council, Chapter President and nationally-elected Councillors by Friday 18 Oct 2019.

Thank you for your understanding.

Our Governance Policies

Constitution

Since its formation in 1929, first registration in NSW in 1930, and ultimately with ASIC, the Institute has had a constitution document to reflect its status as a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee.

The Constitution can only be amended from time to time by the Institute’s voting members at a general meeting. At the AGM in July 2020, the members voted to adopt a contemporary constitution document that is typical of modern not-for-profit organisations.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Our members are bound by a Professional Code of Conduct, promoting the highest standards for the profession.

MEMBER BEHAVIOUR POLICY & HANDBOOK

We strive to provide safe and welcoming environments for our staff to work and for members to engage with peers.

The policies in this handbook set the standard of behaviour members should aspire to when interacting in Institute workplaces and events. This handbook sets out examples of the standards of behaviour expected of members and how the Institute will respond to specific types of conduct that falls short of those standards.

GENDER EQUITY POLICY

This policy establishes a set of policy principles to ensure the Institute and its members are aligned in valuing and exhibiting principles of fairness and equity, which lead to the provision of equal opportunities, rights and benefits to all men and women engaged within the architectural profession, and to eliminate gender-based impacts on the participation and progression of women within the profession.

MEMBER CONSULTATION POLICY

Our members are at the heart of what we do, and we value the contribution they make at all levels of the organisation. This policy governs the Institute’s engagement with members and stakeholders.

PRIVACY POLICY

We respect our members’ and stakeholders’ privacy. We abide by our Privacy Policy governing the collection and use of members’ and stakeholders’ information.

Associated Companies

Planned Cover

Planned Cover is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Australian Institute of Architects. The full-service insurance broking operation has more than 45 years’ experience in managing the various insurance requirements of architects and related professionals. Insurance is a complex purchasing decision with a variety of options to consider. As businesses evolve, a practices’ insurance requirements will also evolve, Planned Cover will assist in tailoring the right insurance program for the lifecycle of the business operation ie. start up, growth, maturity, merger/acquisition or the closure and retirement of directors. Planned Cover is proud to insure the majority of Australian domiciled architectural practices.

Planned Cover’s experienced brokers will provide assistance to your practice in mitigating risk wherever possible whilst also providing the following value-added services:

  • Insurance products and placement – access to a variety of insurance products with an exclusive facility for Architects that cannot be accessed by any other insurance brokers
  • Risk management – online and face-to-face CPD courses, webinars and seminars
  • Interesting articles on topical subjects relevant for architects and the industries they practice within
  • Legally qualified Claims Managers who have the authority to actively manage any potential claims of professional negligence.

Architecture Media

Architecture Media is an online and print publisher and events company with its focus on the built environment – practitioners, clients, suppliers and the wider community. Design adds immeasurable value to our environment, contributing to a sustainable future, economic success and our individual health, wellbeing and enjoyment. Architecture Media is about celebrating these achievements and sharing the benefits through websites, print and digital publications, awards programs and speaker events.

Architecture Media is an associate company of the Australian Institute of Architects. Its products are variously endorsed by professional bodies including the Australian Institute of Architects, the Design Institute of Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia.

Their portfolio includes the highly regarded digital and print publications:

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