17 June 2019

Thank you to all who came out to the opening of the 2019 Tasmanian Architecture Awards Exhibitions – both in Hobart and Launceston. We had an amazing turn out for both events, 210 and nearly 100 respectively and it is heartening to seeing so many people interested in our built environment. The Hobart exhibition is on show till July 14 at Brooke Street Pier and I encourage those who haven’t visited to have a look at the range of architecture that is being produced in Tasmania. Also please encourage your networks to engage in the People’s Choice as this is a public advocacy tool providing the Institute with a valuable platform to promote Tasmanian architects and architecture.

The awards will be presented on Saturday 6 July at the Odeon Theatre Hobart, at a dinner creatively directed by Adam and Emily Ouston – we’d love to see you all at that event! I would like to thank Emily and Adam for the exciting event that they are curating, one that highlights the creative dynamism of the profession and should be a night to remember!

There have been a handful of changes in our committees, with Shane Cox stepping down as chair of the Practice Committee after many years in this role. I’d like to thank him for the commitment he has shown to the Institute, this committee and the National Practice Committee over many years. Roles like this take considerable effort and time and his contribution has been significant – thank you Shane.  Misho Vasiljevich will step into this role, and I know he will represent our members well – thank you Misho for taking up this challenge.  I am also happy to announce that Brad Wheeler is the new chair of the Education Committee. With his background in government and his knowledge of the Chapter I believe this will serve us well as we move forward – thank you Brad for your ongoing commitment to the Chapter and the profession. It is the volunteer contribution of our members that highlights the great strength of our organisation and should be valued by us all.

In the office, Philippa Grainger has stepped into a permanent role as Events and Finance Coordinator and I feel very lucky to have her permanently as part of our close knit team. As always the commitment to the profession of our staff is inspiring – always going above and beyond their roles to do their best for the profession.

Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects