6 July

Last weekend our state awards came to a close. The quality of work that is being delivered across Australia is extraordinary and it demonstrates the value that our profession provides through the positive contributions that we are all making within our communities.

Worth noting is the high quality of work that we have seen at all scales in adaptive reuse, which represents a significant shift away from a culture of disposability to one of sensitive and sustainable reinvigoration. It is also fantastic to see so many regional projects in the running, demonstrating that high quality design is happening well beyond our metropolitan centres.

Despite the numerous challenges that face our profession, the state awards have left me very optimistic about the value of design and our capability to deliver high quality outcomes irrespective of scale or budget. Award winners at state level now progress to the National Awards to be held on 5 November in Brisbane.

At the start of each year, the Institute sends out its annual members’ survey. As part of this, we ask where you think the Institute should be addressing its resources. This year, a common request is that we do more in the area of public awareness.

We are looking to launch an online public awareness campaign in the lead up to our National Awards. Given the interest that members have expressed in such a campaign, we would like to establish a members’ reference group to help us shape and implement the project. If you would like to apply to join this group, please express your interest to Emma Cayley, our Communications and Marketing Manager at emma.cayley@architecture.com.au.

Last week we hosted the 2015 Student Congress, PEOPLE, in Melbourne. Thanks to the creative team, Mercedes Mambort, Tim Randall and Darcy Zelenko, for directing this valuable event. Thanks also to the coordinating committee, the events team, the guest speakers, to sponsors for your help and support in bringing the Congress to life.

If you missed out, you can review the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using #people2015.

 

Jon Clements,
National President.