The Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute), in partnership with Master Builders Australia and technology provider Paid Inc, has announced the launch of ABIC Digital Contracts, a new online platform that brings the trusted Australian Building Industry Contract suite into the digital era.
Launching publicly on 7 July, ABIC Digital will give architects and builders access to the full ABIC suite through a streamlined, cloud-based platform, supporting real-time collaboration, digital signing, built-in compliance tools, and secure contract management.
Cameron Bruhn, CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects, said the transition to digital responds directly to long-standing member needs and reflects the Institute’s commitment to modernising professional tools.
“This is an important advancement for our profession. ABIC contracts have long set the standard for fairness and clarity in architect-administered projects. Making them digital is about improving how we work, without changing what works,” said Bruhn
“ABIC Digital will save time, reduce administrative burden and deliver a more professional experience for clients, architects and builders alike. It is a meaningful shift in how contracts support good design and project delivery,” said Bruhn.
Co-developed by the Institute and Master Builders Australia, ABIC contracts are widely used for residential and commercial projects and are recognised for their balanced approach to legal clarity and practical use. The new platform will retain the familiar language and legal protections of the paper-based contracts, while addressing known pain points raised by practitioners, particularly smaller practices, around manual processing and lack of electronic options.
Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to raising standards and improving efficiency across the industry.
“We’re changing the culture of contracts in building and construction by delivering a digital solution that provides trust, transparency and efficiency for everyone involved,” said Wawn.
“By streamlining approvals and ring-fencing payments, architects, builders, subcontractors and clients can all have greater confidence in how projects are managed,” said Wawn.
The platform will be hosted by Paid Inc, a specialist in digital contract technology. Key features include editable templates, version tracking, compliance checks, secure document storage, and a single live version of the contract accessible to all parties throughout the project.
Clint Bartram, Founder of Paid Inc, said the platform was designed with the specific needs of architects and builders in mind.
“Architects play a critical role in protecting their clients throughout a building project, and the ABIC contract is the tool that enables them to do it. We’re excited to bring that protection into the digital era, making it easier for architects to administer contracts and safeguard their clients financially,” said Bartam.
Training and support for members will include step-by-step video walkthroughs, a dedicated onboarding page, and a series of interactive webinars and events.
The Institute has confirmed that hard copy ABIC contracts will remain available until 19 January 2026, after which they will be phased out. Explore the new digital suite here.