We are architectural workers organising for an equitable and sustainable profession.
Right from university we are told that poor pay and unhealthy hours are somehow intrinsic to architectural work. We disagree. The reality is this is only a consequence of the race-to-the-bottom on fees that is built on the exploitation of architectural workers.
We can changes things... but only if we work together.
What’s the problem?
Unrelenting undervaluation of architectural services, scope creep without fee adjustment and tight timelines mean projects are under-resourced and rushed. Without working together, our rights are the easiest part of the equation to ignore in order for fees to stand up. We are passionate about our work, take responsibility for a laundry list of standards and ethics, and we do it to tight project timelines, which creates a perfect storm for exploitation.
42%
of architects reported that their work has had a negative impact on their wellbeing in a 2022 study of over 2000 working architects in Australia.
90%
identified the time available to complete work as having a negative impact on their wellbeing.
86%
identified the requirement to work outside normal hours as having a negative impact on their wellbeing.
"Respondents also noted that solutions would need to come from collective action and reform at a profession-wide scale."
Why is the union the answer?
We are a collective of architectural workers backed by professional industrial officers with the goal of improving architecture for workers. By working together, we can strive to ensure workers understand their rights, that they are defended when these rights are violated, and that we continue to get stronger and better rights at every opportunity. A rising tide lifts all boats and, as we push back on unpaid work, firms will need to compete using more responsible fees to remain viable.
Don't wait...
Still not sure about joining?
We’d love to leave you with one important point that we want everyone to know...
The architects’ award, which sets the legal minimum rights for architecture employees, includes a clause that plainly states overtime must be paid and one and a half times rates. Ignoring this clause is robbing us every day. Not just of money, but of our precious time. It’s also undermining our profession. We hope you’ll join us to help our campaign to de-normalise this practice in architecture and have sustainable careers.