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Parents in architecture

Support at every stage of parenthood

Practical guidance for architects, graduates and practices navigating pregnancy, parental leave and returning to work.

I'm becoming a parent I'm an employer
01

Thinking about it

Start by understanding your workplace rights, early conversations and the support available before leave begins.

Parental leave overview Understand who can take parental leave, how to apply and what protections apply. Pregnancy entitlements at work Fair Work guidance on rights and protections while pregnant. Workplace discrimination protections Understand protections around pregnancy, family responsibilities and returning to work. Fertility and reproductive health leave Placeholder for HR-reviewed guidance or workplace policy information.
02

Planning leave

Government payments, unpaid parental leave and employer-funded leave can work together, but they are different things.

Government Paid Parental Leave Check eligibility, claiming timeframes and payment information through Services Australia. Unpaid parental leave Learn about unpaid leave entitlements under the National Employment Standards. Superannuation on Parental Leave Pay ATO guidance on super contributions linked to government-funded Parental Leave Pay. Employer Paid Parental Leave Placeholder for workplace policy guidance and questions to ask your employer.
03

While you’re away

Leave does not have to mean complete disconnection. You can stay connected in a way that supports your return.

Keeping in Touch days Work limited paid days during unpaid parental leave without ending your leave. Entitlements during parental leave Fair Work guidance on payments, extending leave and workplace contact. Institute membership while on leave Placeholder for parental leave membership concessions and member support. CPD and professional connection Placeholder for flexible CPD, mentoring and events while on leave.
04

Returning to work

Returning is a transition, not a switch. Plan the role, flexibility, workload and support before your first day back.

Returning to your role Understand your right to return to your pre-leave role or an appropriate equivalent. Flexible work requests Information on requesting flexible work or resolving disputes about requests. Breastfeeding at work Placeholder for workplace guidance and practical return-to-office considerations. Career breaks and mentoring Placeholder for Institute, Parlour or mentoring resources to support career continuity.

Institute benefits

Support that keeps you connected to the profession.

Access member benefits, workplace guidance and community support designed to help parents stay connected through career transitions.

Community

Archibubs

Connect with other parents in architecture and bring your bub along to community events.

Membership

Reduced membership fee

Apply for a concessional membership fee if you’re a parent with reduced working hours due to parental leave or special circumstances.

Workplace support

HR Hub

Better understand your rights and obligations with a comprehensive library of workplace-related topics.

Research

Diversity inclusion report

Explore evidence-based recommendations to help lead the profession toward more people-centred and inclusive practice.

For employers

Build a practice that supports parents.

Clear policies, fair processes and better return-to-work planning help practices retain experienced people and build healthier workplace cultures.

01

Understand your obligations

Review employer responsibilities for unpaid parental leave, employee protections and return-to-work rights under Fair Work.

02

Manage government payments

Learn how the Paid Parental Leave scheme works for employers and when Services Australia may need to be involved.

03

Respond to flexible work requests

Understand how to assess requests for flexible working arrangements and what counts as reasonable business grounds.

04

Create a parental leave policy

Placeholder for an Institute or HR Hub template that practices can adapt for their own workplace.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions.

Start here for common questions from parents, employees and practice leaders.

For parents

When do I need to tell my employer I’m pregnant?

There is no single universal date for every situation, but notice requirements apply before taking unpaid parental leave. Check Fair Work guidance and your workplace policy.

Read Fair Work guidance →
Can I use sick or personal leave for pregnancy appointments?

This may depend on your circumstances and workplace policy. If you are unfit for work due to pregnancy-related illness, personal leave may apply.

Read about sick and carer’s leave →
Can my partner access paid parental leave?

Parental Leave Pay can be shared between eligible parents. Services Australia sets the eligibility and claim requirements.

Check Services Australia →
Can I extend my parental leave?

Eligible employees can take up to 12 months unpaid parental leave and may request an extension for a further 12 months.

Read parental leave rules →

For employers

Do I need to pay my staff parental leave?

Employer-funded parental leave depends on your workplace policy, contract or enterprise agreement. Government Parental Leave Pay is separate.

Employer payment scheme guidance →
Do I need a parental leave policy?

A written policy is strongly recommended. It reduces confusion, improves consistency and helps employees understand what support is available.

Placeholder →
Do I have to hold an employee’s position?

Employees generally have a right to return to their pre-parental leave position, or an available position they are qualified and suited for if that role no longer exists.

Read return-to-work guidance →
Can an employee request flexible work?

Eligible employees can request flexible working arrangements, including parents of school-age or younger children.

Read flexible work guidance →
Parlour

Backed by research

Through our partnership with Parlour

Parlour is Australia's leading resource for gender equity in architecture. Together we've curated practical guides, research and tools to support parents, carers and practices.

Explore Parlour Research, articles and practical resources supporting equity in architecture. Parlour Guides Evidence-based guidance for workplaces, careers and flexible practice. Research library Access reports, publications and industry research. Joint Institute resources Placeholder for Institute and Parlour collaborative resources.

Templates and tools

Practical resources to help you take the next step.

Use these templates and guides to start conversations, document decisions and build better parental leave processes.

Template

Parental leave policy template

Placeholder for an adaptable workplace policy for architecture practices.

 Checklist

Return to work conversation guide

Placeholder for a structured conversation before an employee returns from leave.

 Plan

Keeping in Touch plan

Placeholder for planning optional paid contact days during parental leave.

 Guide

Flexible work requests

Fair Work guidance on requesting and responding to flexible work arrangements.

 Checklist

Employer readiness checklist

Placeholder for practice leaders preparing for parental leave conversations.

 Resource

Institute HR Hub

Placeholder for workplace guidance, rights, obligations and HR support.

Need more support?

We're here to help.

Whether you're preparing for parental leave, returning to work or developing workplace policies, the Australian Institute of Architects can help connect you with the right information, people and resources.

Australian Institute of Architects

Contact the Institute

Speak with our membership team about Institute resources, membership, CPD and support.

Get in touch →

Visit the HR Hub

Explore workplace guidance covering parental leave, employment conditions, discrimination and flexible work.

Open HR Hub →

Find more member resources

Browse wellbeing, equity and professional practice resources available through the Institute.

Explore resources →

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