The Institute is committed to proactively promoting equity, fairness and equality in practice and the profession, including equal access to opportunities, resources and the built environment. We will foster, value, respect and celebrate the contributions of those who bring diverse experiences, views and needs so that everyone can benefit from good architecture.
Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at the Institute include:
National Diversity and Inclusion Survey and Focus Groups
Development of the future Diversity and Inclusion Policy for the Institute
This policy is anticipated to be issued for endorsement to National Council and approval to the Board in Quarter 1 2024.
The Diversity and Inclusion project is an initiative of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE)
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 at the Institute include:
Development of the Gender Equity Policy
This policy outlines 11 principles as the foundation for the equal participation of women within the profession.
Establishment of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE)
NCGE comprises a diverse membership and provides meaningful contributions both within and outside the Institute.
Formation of gender equity groups in various chapters of the Institute
Regular hosting of relevant events and projects in collaboration with industry partners
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
Melonie Bayl-Smith interview with Gill Matthewson
Kellie McGivern Interviews Newest Member Melonie Bayl-Smith on the Influences of Her Career
Progress Report for 2018 – Michael Gay
Importance claiming recognition – Melonie Bayl-Smith
Recruitment: Honestly, transparently…apparently – Michael Gay
Creativity and Humanity: The Benefits of Part Time Employment – Madeline Sewall
2017 NCGE Update – Michael Smith
The Merits of Mentoring – Michael Smith
Leadership – Emma Williamson
Meet the 2016 Gender Equity Committee – Lee Hillam
EOFY Resolutions: Fair and Equitable Pay for all – Leone Lorrimer
Women in Architecture: BKA Architecture – Lee Hillam
Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize – Article by Parlour
Mentors Preparing for Practice – Michael Smith and Sonia Sarangi
Multiplying Diversity – Gill Matthewson
‘You must be fierce’ – Lee Hillam
Speak up, women! – Gill Matthewson
GET-ting on with it! – Lee Hillam
Vale Zaha Hadid, 1950 – 2016 – Gill Matthewson
Mind the Gap – Gill Matthewson
Shock horror statistics – Gill Matthewson
Parental Leave Membership with Australian Institute of Architects – NCGE
The Parlour effect – Gill Matthewson
Same words different mouth – Gill Matthewson
Parlour and NCGE – Emma Williamson
NCGE – Article for Parlour by NCGE
The business case for gender equity – Michael Smith
Who counts? – Gill Matthewson
Meet Emma Williamson – Emma Williamson (Deputy Chair of NCGE, Former Chair of NCGE)
The equity interviews: Ross Clark – Michael Smith
The equity interviews: Paul Berkemier – Michael Smith
The equity interview: David Parken – Michael Smith
The equity interview: David Karotkin – Michael Smith
Architecture and the Goldilocks syndrome – Gill Matthewson
Updating the numbers, part 1: at school -Gill Matthewson
Updating the numbers, part 2: at work – Gill Matthewson
Counting registered architects: no easy matter – Gill Matthewson
Angie the architect meets Rosie the riveter – Gill Matthewson
Building community – Lee Hillam
Taking it to the limit: women as architectural breach – Gill Matthewson
Why bother? – Gill Matthewson
The numbers so far – Gill Matthewson
Women, leadership and democracy – Gill Matthewson
Architect, Barbie and Vitruvius – Gill Matthewson
Studying gender and the profession – Gill Matthewson
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.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
