March has been a busy month for the SA Chapter. The Awards program has been the catalyst for a range of activities focused on the value of excellent design.

• The Design Conversation talk examining restaurant and bar design was a sell out and engaged design professionals and the public in a discussion about the key drivers and considerations for hospitality projects.

• An exhibition of the 2016 Awards entries opened at ODASA and will run until the 15th April. The exhibition is publicly accessible and has a strong presence on Leigh Street and we encourage you to view this year’s excellent crop of projects.

• The Awards jury presentations were conducted, also at ODASA, with all categories open to the profession and the public.

While the number of public attendees was small it was an increase on previous years. Those that did attend were fascinated by the insight into architects’ motivations and the complexities of realising a project. We hope to see more there for the event next year.

In addition, a Hidden Sounds event was held at Z Ward. This Fringe event combined access to this unique building and the After-life exhibition by artist Rod McRae with contemporary music performed by members of Sound Stream. This event was well attended, however a low level of engagement from architects is causing the Institute to reconsider its involvement in future Hidden Sounds events.

In parallel to the Awards activities, preparation for the National Conference and the next Trade Delegation to China, both occurring in April, are reaching their final stages. The Conference provides South Australia with an opportunity to showcase our professional achievements through Fringe events and the input of local speakers. It also provides us with the opportunity to participate in a high level discussion about architecture involving local, national and international speakers without the cost and time constraints of travel. We encourage all our members to attend.

The Trade Delegation is part of a strategy to strengthen the local design sector and develop a wider market for South Australian architectural services. This is being complemented by a series of meetings that the ACA and Institute have had with DPTI concerning restructure of the government procurement systems and methodology. Industry engagement, including architects, in this process is vital to achieving a well considered outcome that is cognisant of previous experience.

Thanks to all who have participated in our very own ‘mad March’. We look forward to seeing you during ‘architectural April’.

Nicolette Di Lernia, SA Chapter Manager