When our profession is inclusive and representative at every level, architects are better equipped to respond to the complex needs of clients, communities and country.
Through the leadership of the Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Committee, the Institute is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for all architects to contribute, lead and be recognised. We are building a culture where fairness, equity and representation are not only values we aspire to, but principles we act on every day.
Our 40 / 40 / 20 benchmark (40% women / 40% men / 20% any gender) guides us in shaping committees, juries, panels and conferences. This commitment ensures that the voices shaping the profession are balanced, diverse and representative.
We invite all members to be part of this change — by contributing to initiatives, engaging in dialogue, and championing equity and inclusion in your own practice and communities. Together, we can create a more open, generous and representative profession for the future.
The Institute believes that providing equal opportunities to all is a vital element in encouraging creativity and a promoting a more relevant, sustainable and dynamic profession.
Over the years, we have continuously ensured that we engage fairly with all our members, staff, and stakeholders. We have also taken actions to promote an architecture profession that welcomes diversity and offers more equitable access to opportunities for all regardless of gender and background.
Equity initiatives:
The Institute is committed to supporting architects to progress in their careers without having to compromise their important roles in nurturing their families.
Members who are unable to participate fully in employment due to being on parental leave from their normal employment remain entitled to all the usual benefits of membership. During this period, they also receive a concessional rate, with the annual fee set at 75 per cent less than the normal fee for a Level 1 (non-A+) member.
All students, graduates, emerging architects and senior members of the Australian Institute of Architects are encouraged to get involved and take advantage of the benefits associated with mentoring.
Our mentoring platform, enables you to easily match with other members of the Institute community.
Utilising online specialist matching software, mentors and mentees will find a carefully curated match across the country or closer to home should that be your preference.
The Institute believes that providing equal opportunities to all is vital to encouraging creativity and shaping a more relevant, sustainable and dynamic profession.
Co-designed with our members, the Gender Equity Policy sets out a shared commitment to building a profession that welcomes diversity and provides equitable access to opportunities for all, regardless of gender or background.
The Policy outlines 11 principles that form the foundation for the equal participation of women within the profession and support a more inclusive future for architecture.
The Diversity and Inclusion Report is the result of the Institute’s first national survey, capturing profession-specific data not previously collected. Where possible, the findings have been benchmarked against Australian Bureau of Statistics census data and Institute membership records.
Drawing on responses from 1,673 participants, including 612 open comments and six focus groups, the report provides a detailed picture of the profession’s demographics and lived experiences. These insights will inform the development of a future Diversity and Inclusion Policy, supporting evidence-based action to build a more inclusive and people-centred profession.
Established in 2015, the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize recognises and celebrates outstanding leadership in advancing gender equity across the profession. Named in honour of Paula Whitman, a respected architect, academic and advocate, the prize acknowledges individuals or groups whose work has created meaningful change in practice, education or governance.
The prize not only highlights the achievements of its recipients but also inspires the profession to continue building a more equitable and inclusive culture, ensuring lasting impact for future generations of architects.
The Australian Institute of Architects is a proud partner of Parlour: a research-based advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing gender equity in architecture and the built environment. Established from an Australian Research Council project and incorporated in 2015, Parlour delivers rigorous research, practical resources, and an inclusive platform for discussion and debate.
Its work — including the popular Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice, Seasonal Salons, the Parlour Reading Room, and mentorship initiatives — translates evidence into action, providing valuable tools and spaces for connection, reflection, and systemic change
Through this partnership, the Institute supports Parlour’s mission to expand opportunities, amplify diverse voices, and foster an architecture profession that is equitable, inclusive, and representative of the diverse communities we serve.
This report is the result of the Institute’s first national Diversity & Inclusion Survey.
The report presents profession-specific demographics, diversity and inclusion data not previously collected by the Institute. Where possible, the data collected has been benchmarked using Australian Bureau of Statistics Census/Survey data and membership record data.
It collates the benchmarked data collected from 1,673 survey respondents, summarises 612 open-ended comments and provides a thematic summary of six focus groups.
The results will help us develop the future Diversity and Inclusion policy, with the purpose of taking positive steps to lead the profession toward people-centred, evidence-based transformation.
The Diversity and Inclusion project is an initiative of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE).
Survey consultant: Survey Matters
D&I consultant: Felicity Menzies, Inlcude-Empower
The Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Committee oversees and advises on the Institute’s policy, advocacy and initiatives in this area. The Committee brings together architects and allied professionals with expertise and lived experience across equity and diversity issues.
The Paula Whitman Prize was established in 2015 to celebrate and champion the works of our members and leaders. It recognises individuals and groups who have exemplified exceptional leadership and made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of gender equity in architectural practice, education and governance.
The Institute is committed to supporting architects to progress in their careers without having to compromise their important roles in nurturing their families.
The Institute offers special provisions for members who are unable to participate fully in employment due to being on parental leave from their normal employment.
These members enjoy:
Terms and conditions:
Want to discuss your options? Email the membership team at: membership@architecture.com.au
Fill in the form to contact the National Committee for Gender Equity or raise any diversity and equality related issues, concerns or comments.
