In an email announcement to Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) members, the Board informed them that, following a review of the financial position, they have decided to implement immediate cost-cutting measures to preserve AILA’s solvency and protect employees’ entitlements. The Board faced two options: voluntary administration that would impact registrations and accreditation, or immediate cost-cutting measures, and had decided on the latter.
AILA had recently appointed Grant Galvin as CEO and engaged a new accounting partner to undertake a financial review, and they had determined that AILA was solvent but may not remain so if action is not taken by approximately February 2026. The Board has therefore decided to reduce their workforce to a core team and to put in place a plan to remain solvent and continue operating. This includes the pausing of Awards program, festivals, and other chapter events, with the “intention is to stabilise AILA’s finances and reintroduce events strategically as we rebuild”.
AILA will continue to uphold professional standards, along with assessment programs, accreditation cycles, and graduate pathways, as scheduled. These core functions are protected and supported by dedicated personnel, established governance frameworks, and advisory mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted service to members, universities, and industry partners.
AILA is seeking to rebuild and create an updated operating model “designed to secure AILA’s long-term sustainability and strengthen our focus on advocacy, while maintaining essential services such as university accreditation and registration status.”
The AILA Board will seek input from chapter committees and members over the coming months on how to rebuild, and will provide monthly member updates from the President, Heath Gledhill.
Editor’s Note:
As a member of AILA, I hope to see the organisation rebuild to become stronger, supporting members and continuing to advocate for landscape architecture in Australia.
Cover image: Canberra, Australia – View from Mt. Ainslie to Parliament House (2022). Credit: Flickr User John