Our policies in practice
Our independently certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System is the backbone of our service approach and business operations. Recognising our responsibilities to our clients and the community as Architects and professional service providers, our systems support consistent and high-quality services for all clients and projects.
Our company values are the foundation of our practice policies, with objectives set to drive measurable actions, and continuous improvement in our services and operations. Articulating our commitments to quality services, safe design, equitable workplace conditions, and support for local communities and businesses through procurement, our policies are anchored in tangible outcomes. In practice, these policies and objectives have led to the following initiatives:
Quality service delivery and industry engagement
We are active participants within our industry networks, both as a practice and as individuals, supporting increased engagement with our peers, and expanding professional development opportunities for our team.
Our sector expertise is reinforced by our practice memberships including Association of Consultant Architects,and prefabAUS.
Recognising the impact and importance of gender inequality in the profession, Foreground is a proud inaugural member of the Parlour Collective, supporting the continuation of Parlour’s research, and improvements and education for our practice.
Individually, members of our team are engaged in networks and programs including NAWIC, Association for Learning Environments, Australian Institute of Architects and Evolve Accredited Ally Network.
Ready more about our quality policy
View our ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certificate
Reconciliation Action Plan
Foreground Architecture acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country upon which we live and work throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and celebrate the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Country. We commit to continuous learning and recognition of their cultures in our practice.
In July 2024 our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. We see our Reconciliation Action Plan as an opportunity for the practice to take meaningfully and sustainably take positive action to advance reconciliation. Based on the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunity, our Reflect RAP focuses on fostering respect, economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. View our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
Long committed to designing place-responsive solutions, we support our team in building their knowledge of designing with Country, First Nations culture, history and design principles to support considered design and project delivery, and culturally safe approaches.
Local industry and community development
Our commitment to improve communities is demonstrated in our design, delivery and operations. We maximise opportunities to support the community by working with consultants who share our values, and by purchasing from social and disability enterprises including STREAT, Reground, Enable Australia, and Fruit2Work.
We are also supporters of Network for Good, a property industry network event with proceeds supporting Free to Shine, a charity protecting and educating children at risk of sex trafficking in Cambodia.
Through our projects, we develop tailored actions and targets that support the Victorian Government commitments to local jobs, industry and social procurement, namely the Local Jobs First, Social Procurement Framework, and Fair Jobs Code. As a 100% Australian owned and operated SME, Foreground is committed to collaborating with local consultants to drive local economies and build knowledge close to home.
Find out more about Foreground’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
Sustainability in design and operations
Our designs integrate proven, practical sustainable design principles to deliver ongoing operational value to our clients. We collaborate with our clients to deliver solutions that align with them environmental objectives, including certification to industry standards Net Zero Energy Design as seen at PICAC Narre Warren – Victoria’s first NZED certified educational facility.
Our environmental sustainability policy in more detail.
A safe and inclusive workplace
We are committed to an inclusive workplace for all, where individuals feel safe, heard and comfortable to progress their career. Foreground has developed policies and guidelines accessible by all staff, including flexible hybrid work arrangements, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Contributing to the safety of the workplace, members of our team have completed certified training including First Aid, and Mental Health first aid, cultural competency training and accredited allyship training.