Thanks to the advocacy of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), designers will be formally recognised in Australia’s official occupational classification system on the National Census, marking a significant milestone for the evolution of the country’s design industry.

Following the DIA‘s behind-the-scenes work, the Australian classification system used for the national Census will include graphic designer, industrial designer, interior designer, jewellery designer, fashion designer, multimedia designer, UI/UX designer, web designer, textile designer, animator, VFX artist or illustrator for the first time. Coming into effect today (11 August 2026), the change is expected to provide greater visibility for a rapidly growing area of practice and generate more accurate data on the profession’s contribution to Australia’s economy and public life.

Updated classifications

Until now, design came under the architecture category. The updated classifications acknowledge the vast range of skills and applications of the design industry in Australia. Ninety-two design professions across 11 occupation codes will be recognised within a dedicated occupational group: Minor Group 242 Design Professional, which sits under Sub-Major Group 24, Design, Engineering and Science Professionals.

“For the first time, designers will be counted under their own professional group in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ new occupational framework, creating the first national benchmark of Australia’s design workforce,” said Simone LeAmon, CEO of the DIA.

‘Write DESIGNER’ campaign

To encourage designers to identify as designers in the census, the DIA created a national campaign called Write DESIGNER. Produced pro bono by creative agency Clemenger BBDO, the campaign has included a range of Australian design projects.

“Write DESIGNER is more than a campaign; it’s a collective act of advocacy for Australia’s design profession,” said LeAmon. “Every day, designers imagine new possibilities, challenge assumptions, solve complex problems, create value and transform ‘you can’t’ into ‘you can’. By ensuring designers are accurately counted in the Census, we’re building the evidence needed to inform decision-making, shape government policy and secure greater recognition for the profession and its contribution to Australia’s future.”

Recognition is the first step

The inclusion of designers in Census data is expected to strengthen the sector’s ability to demonstrate its impact. Reliable occupational data can help inform policy, education, workforce planning and investment, while providing clearer evidence of design’s role across government, business, cultural institutions and the innovation economy.

As the design profession continues to expand beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, the recognition signals an important acknowledgement of design’s growing role in shaping Australia’s economy and design reputation.

Top image: Tourbox, Unsplash.

This article was updated on 11 August following further clarification of the new guidelines.