RAA In Practice | ArchiTeam - Empowering & Supporting Small Practice Architects to Thrive | Phoebe LaGerche-Wijsman

The Session

ArchiTeam CEO Phoebe LaGerche-Wijsman provides Regional Architecture Association members and audience with an overview of their role in supporting small and medium architectural practices, with a particular focus on the needs of regional practitioners. It outlines ArchiTeam’s core areas of advocacy, professional support, education, risk management, and community connection, while highlighting the practical resources and benefits available to members.

The session also explores current industry challenges facing architects and building designers, including regulatory pressures, insurance, workforce issues, and emerging technologies, and discusses how ArchiTeam is working to support resilient, sustainable professional practice. The presentation concludes with opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and ongoing professional development through ArchiTeam’s programs, resources, and member network.

Phoebe LaGerche-Wijsman 

Phoebe LaGerche-Wijsman is the CEO of ArchiTeam Cooperative, a member-based organisation supporting sole practitioners and small practice architects across Australia. She is a qualified landscape architect (RMIT University) with additional studies in architecture and nearly two decades of experience in the not-for-profit and membership sector, working with professional bodies in the built environment.

Her expertise spans governance and policy, stakeholder engagement, marketing and communications, and event and program management. She has also operated small businesses, bringing practical commercial experience to her leadership role. In addition, she holds a Diploma in Business (Governance) from the Institute of Community Directors Australia and has contributed to heritage and cultural organisations in advisory roles.

As CEO, she leads ArchiTeam’s advocacy, member services, and industry programs, supporting the growth and visibility of small practice architecture in Australia.

ArchiTeam

Founded in 1991 on the principles of networking, sharing, and peer support, ArchiTeam has a proud history of advocating for Australia’s small, medium, and emerging architecture practices. We strive to be their collective voice, championing the vital role these practices play in shaping our built environment.

Over more than thirty years, ArchiTeam has experienced significant growth as the contribution of small practices is increasingly recognised across the profession and the broader community.

ArchiTeam is democratically run by members, for members. Every member is encouraged to actively contribute to the direction and strength of the organisation.

Today, with over 1,000 members nationwide, ArchiTeam stands as the leading dedicated voice for Australia’s small architecture practices.

CPD: 1 Formal CPD point (performance criteria 1 and 16 from the AACA National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021).

RAA members are eligible to utilise the discount code available in the member content area for free attendance of this session.