From the National President

From the National President

26 April

This week, 1000 delegates will descend on Adelaide as our 2016 National Architecture Conference comes to town!

How Soon is Now will present us with a global view of architecture’s transformative power, and the people, practices and projects addressing the future. Together, we will investigate resilience, society, equity and agency.

I wish the Creative Directors Cameron Bruhn, Ben Hewett and Sam Spurr and the Institute team the very best. I am sure it will be a great success.

For those of you who are coming, I look forward to seeing you there!

For more information visit the website.

Last week we issued the Notice of AGM and the 2015 Annual Report. The AGM will be held on Friday 13 May. As we have previously advised, on the voting agenda are the changes to our governance structure to assist us with overcoming a number of associated challenges. These are some of the most important changes that have been introduced to our constitution in many years. I will be voting in support of these changes, which have been implemented and unanimously supported by your National Council. Together, we need to support these changes to establish a more progressive and accountable organisation. Please join with me and your National Council and vote ‘YES’!

This is my last e-news column as National President before I hand over the reins to Ken Maher. While my tenure has involved a range of challenges it has also been a very rewarding experience and clearly the most enjoyable aspect has been the regular opportunity to meet and work with a huge number of members who are committed to volunteering their time in support of our profession.

I have greatly appreciated the support of my fellow National Councillors over the past four years – your views have been varied and passionate but most importantly I have appreciated the common courtesy among our table that has allowed everyone to make a valuable contribution and to have their say.

The extensive commitment given by National Council over this past year has been critical to progressing a much needed process of reform and it demonstrates that our National Council is focused on improving our organisation across all levels in support of all members. In particular, I would like to thank the Executive Committee for their extensive support and the Immediate Past President David Karotkin for his leadership surrounding the Governance reforms. I offer my best wishes to Ken Maher, who will shortly be inaugurated as National President at the AGM alongside Richard Kirk as President-Elect.

In closing I would like to thank Greg Ridder and the entire team at the Institute. Greg’s assistance during our transition phase has been greatly appreciated by the Institute team and National Council and he has provided significant support and guidance while we navigate our way through a period of change.

Greg Ridder will shortly depart the Institute following his tenure as Interim CEO. Our organisation is supported by a fantastic group of talented and passionate staff who are looking forward to developing a fresh perspective for the Institute under the leadership of Jennifer Cunich, who will commence as our new CEO on the 16 May.

It has been a challenging year for us however I feel genuinely optimistic about the future of our organisation and I look forward to the Institute having a more effective and accountable relationship with all of our members moving forwards …

Jon Clements
National President