Maximising the contribution by architects to the well-being of society

Info Johannesburg, South Africa

Our Mission

To help facilitate real change through our Commonwealth network and in communities affected by global challenges.

Advancing policy, education and practice to increase inclusion, equality and prosperity.

Ultimately, helping to make cities and human settlements safe, resilient and sustainable.

Who we are

The CAA’s membership comprises national architectural associations from the five regions of the Commonwealth, united by shared values and the mission to have impact at scale.

Naidi Community Hall, Fiji

Our Initiatives

Survey of the Built Environment Professions in the Commonwealth

In 2020, the CAA came together with Commonwealth planners, engineers and surveyors to establish how well equipped the built environment professions were to engage with the Decade of Action to deliver the Global Goals. The findings from the survey revealed there to be a critical lack of capacity in many of the Commonwealth countries which are urbanising most rapidly and are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Read more about the Survey of the Professions

Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative

In 2020, Commonwealth partners including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), working in collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) and The Prince’s Foundation, came together to develop the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (CSCI) and launch a Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation across the Commonwealth.

Read more about the CSCI and the Call to Action

Supporting Schools of Architecture across the Commonwealth

In order to engage with the findings from the Survey of the Built Environment Professions in the Commonwealth, the CAA recognises the opportunity to leverage the Commonwealth network to help convene Schools of Architecture and create a mutually supportive coalition. In April 2023, the CAA therefore launched a pilot consultation with 137 schools across all 5 Commonwealth regions in order to establish their appetite for such an initiative.

Read more about our efforts to support Schools of Architecture
The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture