Author: Digital Ops

Introducing the 2016-2017 National Committee for Gender Equity

It has been two years since the formation of the Australian Institute of Architects, National Committee for Gender Equity. With the passing of this milestone, the committee has recruited some new members to continue the push for a more equitable profession. Chairing the committee for the 2016 – 2017 year will be Lee Hillam who takes over from the inaugural chairperson, Emma Williamson. Here is a snapshot of the new look team.

Lee Hillam is the Chair Person of the NCGE.
She is a director of Dunn & Hillam Architects in Sydney, a parent, and an advocate for architectures’ role in designing better places for all people. Lee has been instrumental in setting Dunn & Hillam Architects up to be a flexible workplace with a high level of business transparency for all staff.

Michael Smith is the Deputy Chair Person of the NCGE.
He is a director of small practice Atelier Red+Black based in Fitzroy, Victoria. Michael is a passionate advocate for architecture and good design, and writes the Red+Black Architect blog as well as columns for Domain.com.au.

Emma Williamson was the founding Chair of the NCGE and is a director of CODA, a practice she co-founded with her husband Kieran almost 20 years ago. Emma is convinced that architects are the best problem solvers and that we can make a big difference to all types of issues. As well as advocating for good design, equity and diversity, Emma is a master juggler and has three children that she happily throws into what has become the somewhat choreographed chaos of her life.

Dr Gill Matthewson is currently based at Monash University in Australia. She has been researching into architecture and gender for many years, and most recently completed her PhD “Dimensions of Gender: women’s careers in the Australian architecture profession” at the University of Queensland. Gill is also a member of the Parlour collective.

Jessica Hardwick is a new member of the NCGE.
She is lead architect for Happy Haus and also has her own home-based studio based in Brisbane. Jessica is passionate about the role of architecture in building communities and social infrastructure and works primarily in the residential and community sectors.

Catherine Startari is excited to have been given the opportunity to join the NCGE this year. She is a project architect at GHD Woodhead in Adelaide, and is currently involved in urban design and defence projects. She has recently returned to Adelaide with her husband and young son after working as an architect in the middle east for the past 7 years.

Leone Lorrimer has been a member of the NCGE since 2014.
Leone is CEO of dwp|suters, was a director of a major Australian international practice for 19 years and had 5 years experience on the client side in the UAE. She is an advocate for the advancement of women through the Institute, WGEA and NAWIC and is a member of Chief Executive Women.

Sam McQueeney is a Graduate Architect at Circa Morris-Nunn Architects, a small practice based in Hobart, Tasmania. Passionate about engaging in the architectural community, he represents Tasmania on the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network group, and has also volunteered on the local Open House Hobart organising committee.

Madeline Sewall works for the vibrant Melbourne practice Breathe Architecture, where she leads a variety of projects ranging from residential to commercial. Outside of the practice, Madeline enjoys writing, painting and skyping with her far away sisters.

Sander de Vries is a new member of the NCGE.
He is a Project Architect at a medium sized firm in Hawker ACT, and specialises in Community architecture. Sander is a proud and active dad of two fantastic little boys, who keep him grounded and well loved.

The National Committee for Gender Equity was established by the National Council in December 2013 to implement the Institute’s Gender Equity Policy and to recommend actions, initiatives and programs required to give practical effect to that policy. See the more information on the policy and the work of the NCGE committee on the website.

International Member Profile: Nikki South

Nikki South is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects with projects in Sydney, Germany, UK, Hong Kong and now Lisbon. Leaving a large Sydney practice behind and starting her own office gave Nikki the opportunity and flexibility to explore working in different countries. In Germany, Nikki collaborated with Munich based architect Juergen Rauch and was involved in apartment buildings, the Munich underground and competition work for various school and civic buildings.

Most recently in London she worked with HMDW architects, an adaptive reuse practice focusing on historic churches and other listed buildings. The opportunity to work on a community center, an urban infill project slotted between a church designed by James Brooks in 1901 at end of a row of terrace houses.

Lisbon Apartment by Nikki South.

You recently returned to Munich for a sabbatical with your family, how has living and working in Germany influenced your architectural and design thinking?

We first lived in Munich from 1997 to 2000. It was eye opening to experience living is such a cold climate but with interiors that were always warm due to high quality glazing and insulation. I met with Thomas Herzog, a Munich architect who has been at the forefront of exploring the possibilities of solar energy in architecture. Other offices doing interesting work in the region were Baumschlager + Eberle, and Allmann Sattler Wappner Architekten.

Returning last year for 6 months was a chance for the family to learn German. I attended the Holzbau Forum (International Wood Construction Conference) as there is a big shift in Europe towards timber construction. The conference focused on the use of CLT – cross laminated timber, from manufacturers like Egger and Lignatur and projects across Europe. As an Australian architect I am keen to pursue the use of these materials in my own work and recent changes to the Australian timber codes are making this possible.

You are currently developing a project in Lisbon, can you tell us about it and the opportunities of retaining connections to Europe might bring your architectural practice?

We have recently renovated an apartment in the centre of the historic old town of Lisbon. It was a building attached to a church divided into 6 apartments. It was originally built soon after the earthquake of 1755, a ‘Pombalino’ building, characterised by external masonry walls, a ground floor of stone masonry arches, and above the first floor it develops into an internal timber structure. The timber structure, called a gaiola is commonly found in downtown Lisbon.

Lisbon Apartment by Nikki South.

Why does international membership of the Institute appeal to your practice?

It was important for me whilst in London to have the international membership connecting me to opportunities to meet with other Australian architects and here about their activities. I also enjoyed subscribing to the RIBA journal to keep up to date with UK goings on.

Lisbon Apartment by Nikki South.

Lisbon Apartment by Nikki South.

International news: July 2016

View from London

Report by International Chapter President, Dik Jarman

Brexit emotions have rolled over the UK in the past days like a slow relentless tsunami. Sitting in my office in the Midlands it feels as if everything will be rearranged by this decision and the general mood is currently one of loss rather than the excitement of a new beginning.

Even though legal changes to free movement and education are at least two years away there will be immediate effects in the decisions people make and there will be new pressures on the construction and design industry as the pound is devalued and London is seen as a less secure investment by foreign entities. In its response the RIBA has announced that it will be championing its members as well as increasing its collaboration to other relevant institutions such as the RAIA to strengthen its global position.

This action is in keeping with recent development with the RAIA to strengthen its capabilities internationally by reaching out globally with the newly ratified RAIA International Chapter whose raison d’etre is to improve connectivity between Australian members who are living and working overseas. This includes creating links to the Institute back home and to other people and bodies in the field of architecture such as the RIBA. This past month the Chapter put on the third “Boarding Pass” in as many years in London, this time hosted at the RIBA Council Chamber room and balcony and included talks by new RAIA President Ken Maher and Earle Arney head of the London Office of Arney Fender Katsalidis as well as the announcement of the winners of our RAIA International Chapter Awards.

Please read Janine Campbell’s full report below.

Whilst in London I was able to introduce Ken to senior members of RIBA International where we had an excellent meeting discussing how both Institutions can work together strengthening our combined ability to make the world a better place through architecture as well as to create a better value proposition to our respective members. These conversations were a development from those started in 2013 when we had our first International Committee meeting in London and now, post Brexit vote, are more valuable than ever.

Part of the opportunity of liaising with other countries’ Institutes for members is that we have agreements to have some reciprocal services which helps the value proposition of becoming a member. This is true of the RIBA and now I am glad to say that the American Institute of Architects London Chapter (AIAUK) have also agreed to allow RAIA members to attend their events in the UK at membership rates.

In addition to assisting with the above, our (and NT’s) Chapter Manager, Joshua Morrin, has worked on the Venice Biennale as Acting Project Manager helping see it through to a very successful completion.

Congratulations to all the winners of the International Chapter’s Awards, the standard was terrific this year. These are relatively new awards for the Institute and we have recently greatly expanded the number of categories so if you have some work your office has done overseas that you are proud of please put an entry in.

International Chapter Award for Public Architecture – Australian Pavilion, Venice by Denton Corker Marshall. Photo by John Gollings.

International Awards news

Report by International Chapter Vice President, Janine Campbell

The International Chapter Architecture Awards are gaining popularity with Australian architects abroad. In recent years new categories of projects have aligned with the national and state chapters, including the categories ‘Small Project’, ‘Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing’ and ‘Interior Architecture’ to encourage smaller or emerging Australian practices and practitioners abroad to submit.

Although Asia is a significant growth area for Australian practices, opportunities in recent years for Australian Architects in the UK and across Europe are also emerging. Since the inaugural ‘Boarding Pass’ in 2012 in Singapore, the format has attracted over 600 attendees in 4 different cities (Singapore, London, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur) boosting the profile and connectivity of Australian architects abroad, with this year’s third London event once again held at the RIBA, with the International Chapter Architecture Awards presented by the Institute’s National President Ken Maher and myself, the event chaired by the Institute’s International President Dik Jarman, and featuring Earle Arney from the London studio of Arney Fender Katsalidis as guest speaker.

Despite sometimes uncertain and volatile economic conditions across the globe, such as the current ‘Brexit’ and in recent history the GFC, Australian practices have emerged with projects to submit including locations from Russia, Italy, Colombo, Vanuatu, Germany, California, New York, Malaysia, Denmark, Sweden, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Switzerland, to name a few.

Stay tuned for future Boarding Pass events.

Dik Jarman, MC for the evening

Enjoying the balcony on a warm summer’s eve at the London Boarding Pass event in London

Final Chapter Awards announced!

It was New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia’s turn to celebrate projects at their respective chapter award presentations. Another round of congratulations to all involved, make sure to check out the full list of winners.

The winners of the 2016 NSW Architecture Awards were announced in Sydney. The state’s longest standing honour, the Sulman Medal which was introduced in 1932, was given to a public building of exceptional merit and in 2016 it has been awarded to the ‘quintessentially Australian’ Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club by Neeson Murcutt Architects. Read more.

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE Sulman Medal – Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club by Neeson Murcutt Architects. Photo by Brett Boardman.

Both the City of Perth Library and Public Plaza and the State Buildings have been recognised with the highest overall honour, the George Temple Poole Award, at the 2016 WA Architecture Awards. Presented each year to the project judged worthiest of all award winners in each category, this is the first time in the history of the WA Architecture Awards that there has been two prestigious George Temple Poole Awards. Read more.

GEORGE TEMPLE POOLE AWARD – City of Perth Library and Public Plaza by Kerry Hill Architects. Photo by Nicholas Putrasia.

The diversity of projects being undertaken by architects in South Australia, who are responding to the challenges of today and needs of tomorrow, were honoured at the 2016 SA Architecture Awards. Four projects from the Tonsley redevelopment have collected seven Awards across education, heritage, commercial, sustainability and urban design, cementing the project as a ‘unique place with a strong identity for South Australia to celebrate its manufacturing history’. Read more.

Sustainable Architecture Award – Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods by Woods Bagot and Tridente Architects. Photo by Sam Noonan.

See all the winners from each Chapter.

From the CEO

With the result of the election still in the balance with a hung parliament, we are waiting to firm up our advocacy plan for the remainder of the year. Regardless of who wins, we will be advocating strongly for the profession to be recognised for innovative design leadership and will be at the forefront of advising our Federal Government about ways to address key challenges that are facing our towns and cities. We want a strong policy response to create sustainable and resilient cities and towns, and we will be looking for a commitment to quality in the built environment.

We will continue to advocate for the profession in the Federal arena and will be meeting with Ministers and other parliamentarians to push our policy agenda. We will be sharing our progress in this space soon.

As we start the new Financial Year, it is an opportune time to reflect on our own practices and what we can be doing better.

People are at the heart of good design. It makes perfect sense that we treat our people fairly, in terms of what we pay them and how we behave towards them. Paying employees fairly is good business. Being equitably compensated makes employees feel valued, making for a happier, more productive workplace with higher employee retention.

As an employer, it can be difficult to understand one’s legal obligations around remuneration, and more so – what is fair. As the Institute’s Gender Equity Policy points out, many instances of workplace inequality are unintentional and often unnoticed, but it’s not news that the accumulation of these acts has adverse effects on our industry.

For A+ members, the Institute’s HR+ service provides a range of support services. The greater portion of architectural practice occurs in small firms that do not have expertise in human resources management.

I encourage you to read Leone Lorrimer’s article End of Financial Year (EOFY): Remuneration Resolutions featured in this week’s E-News. Leone, member of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE) and CEO of dwp|suters, has put together a list of resolutions and guides to help us all make and keep good End of Financial Year Resolutions.

Being accountable for our own ethical and equitable employee practices is the only way to help our industry become more inclusionary and sustainable. For the betterment of yourself, your employees and your colleagues, please join us in making remunerations resolutions.

Over the last few weeks we have seen an incredible array of member projects from around the country and even overseas being recognised by peers and the public in the Chapter Architecture Awards. I had the pleasure of attending Awards ceremonies in Queensland and Tasmania and was inspired by the entries as well as the critical analysis undertaken in selecting awarded projects.

Processes like our rigorous Awards program, help us as a profession to continue to challenge ourselves, our clients, our governments and our communities to see the value in design and the possibilities it can create. I was particularly interested to see the strong focus on community benefit of awarded projects and not just public works – commercial projects that gave lost areas back to city users, homes that retained local character while creating personalised spaces, and projects making important sustainable commitments both environmentally and socially. I’d like to congratulate all winners and entrants on their ongoing dedication to design excellence.

Jennifer Cunich

CEO

Significant City Project Make History: WA Architecture Awards

Both the City of Perth Library and Public Plaza and the State Buildings have been recognised with the highest overall honour, the George Temple Poole Award, at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 WA Architecture Awards.

Honouring excellence in the design and construction industry, the Awards were held on Friday, July 1 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.

Presented each year to the project judged worthiest of all award winners in each category, this is the first time in the history of the WA Architecture Awards that there has been two prestigious George Temple Poole Awards.

Both the State Buildings and the City of Perth Library and Public Plaza were designed by Kerry Hill Architects, with Palassis Architects as heritage architects on the State Buildings. Together, the two projects all but complete Perth’s most important civic space, Cathedral Square. Faced with the dilemma of experiencing two exceptional works, the jury felt it had no alternative but to give a joint award.

‘Whilst both projects are very different in their own separate ways, they are both innovative, highly rigorous and incredibly strong in their design approach. They deliver jointly and individually an incredibly rare and high order of public realm and civic amenity, which will be enjoyed by people of all ages for a very long time,’ the jury said.

In addition to the George Temple Poole Award, the City of Perth Library and Public Plaza also won the The Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture and a Commendation in the Interior Architecture category, whilst the State Buildings took out The Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage and the Colorbond® Award for Steel Architecture.

Now in its second year, the Enduring Architecture Award went to the iconic Perth Concert Hall by Howlett and Bailey Architects. Recognising projects that have withstood the test of time and remain important in a contemporary context, the award was this year renamed to recognise the work of long-serving public works architect, Richard Roach Jewell.

‘The great-great-grandfather of Perth businesswomen and philanthropist Janet Holmes à Court, Jewell was responsible for many prominent buildings that were built in the mid-19th century, including The Deanery, the original Perth Railway Station and the east and west wings of the State Buildings. I think it is certainly very fitting to dedicate the Enduring Architecture Award to Jewell’s important work, much of which still stands today,’ said Philip Griffiths, WA President, Australian Institute of Architects.

All Western Australian Named and Architecture Award winners will progress to the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards to be judged against the very best architectural works in the country.

Full list of winning projects:

GEORGE TEMPLE POOLE AWARDS
City of Perth Library and Public Plaza by Kerry Hill Architects
The State Buildings by Kerry Hill Architects (Architect), Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)

GEORGE TEMPLE POOLE AWARD – City of Perth Library and Public Plaza by Kerry Hill Architects. Photo by Nicholas Putrasia.

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
The Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture – City of Perth Library and Public Plaza by Kerry Hill Architects
Architecture Award – Surf Club Building and Commercial Development City Beach by CHRISTOU Design Group
Architecture Award – Western Australian Institute of Sport High Performance Service Centre by Sandover Pinder + dwp|suters
Architecture Award – Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex by Cox, Howlett & Bailey Woodland
Commendation – Bold Park Aquatic by Donovan Payne Architects
Commendation – National Anzac Centre by Peter Hunt Architect

EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
The Hillson Beasley Award for Educational Architecture – Mother Teresa Catholic College by Parry and Rosenthal Architects
Architecture Award – Ngoolark Student Services, ECU Joondalup by JCY Architects & Urban Designers
Commendation – Bunbury Catholic College Mercy Campus by CODA Studio and Broderick Architects
Commendation – Hale Junior School Arts Building by Site Architecture Studio
Commendation – Year 7 Teaching Facility, John Curtin College of the Arts by JCY Architects & Urban Designers

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES – (New)
The Marshall Clifton Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) – Victoria Avenue by spaceagency
Architecture Award – Bay View House by CSA Craig Steere Architects
Commendation – Courtyard Residence by Ross McAndrew Architect
Commendation – Mosman Bay House by iredale pedersen hook Architects
Commendation – Omeo House by Bosske Architecture

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES – (New) The Marshall Clifton Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) – Victoria Avenue by spaceagency. Photo by Joel Barbitta.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS
The Peter Overman Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) – Camino House by Bosske Architecture
Architecture Award – 2 + 2 by MORQ
Architecture Award – Claremont Residence by David Barr Architect
Commendation – The Boulevarde by Officer Woods Architects

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – MULTIPLE HOUSING
The Harold Krantz Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing – Knutsford / Stage 1 by spaceagency
Architecture Award – SODA APARTMENTS by Gresley Abas Architects
Architecture Award – Mika by Cameron Chisholm Nicol in association with David Barr Architect
Commendation – Halo on Mount Apartments by Baltinas Architecture

HERITAGE
The Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage – The State Buildings by Kerry Hill Architects (Architect), Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)
Architecture Award – Petition at The State Buildings by spaceagency
Commendation – New Museum Project – State Heritage Conservation Works by Hocking Heritage Studio

URBAN DESIGN
The John Septimus Roe Award for Urban Design – Cloisters Redevelopment by The Buchan Group – Perth
Commendation – Victoria Quay Enabling Precinct Plans by CODA Studio
Commendation – Esperance Foreshore by HASSELL

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Ross Chisholm and Gil Nicol Award for Commercial Architecture – Alex Hotel by spaceagency
Architecture Award – Mirvac OTB Tower, COMO The Treasury & Annex by Kerry Hill Architects (Design Architect & COMO The Treasury Project Architect), HASSELL (Mirvac OTB Tower & Annex Project Architect) and Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)
Commendation – Richmond Well Being Centre by Armstrong Parkin Architects
Commendation – Brookfield Place Tower II by Woods Bagot

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
The Julius Elischer Award for Interior Architecture – Bay View House by CSA Craig Steere Architects
Architecture Award – Petition at The State Buildings by spaceagency
Architecture Award – The University of Western Australia Guild Student Central Hub by Hames Sharley
Commendation – Brookfield Multiplex Headquarters by Woods Bagot
Commendation – COMO The Treasury by Kerry Hill Architects (Architect), Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)
Commendation – City of Perth Library by Kerry Hill Architects

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE The Julius Elischer Award for Interior Architecture – Bay View House by CSA Craig Steere Architects. Photo by Angus Martin.

SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE
The Iwan Iwanoff Award for Small Project Architecture – Adelaide Terrace by vittinoAshe Commendation – Standby Espresso by NOMA*

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
The Wallace Greenham Award for Sustainable Architecture –Mirvac OTB Tower, COMO The Treasury & Annex by Kerry Hill Architects (Design Architect & COMO The Treasury Project Architect), HASSELL (Mirvac OTB Tower & Annex Project Architect) and Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)
Commendation – Mosman Bay House by iredale pedersen hook architects

The Wallace Greenham Award for Sustainable Architecture – Mirvac OTB Tower, COMO The Treasury & Annex by Kerry Hill Architects (Design Architect & COMO The Treasury Project Architect), HASSELL (Mirvac OTB Tower & Annex Project Architect) and Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect). Photo by Angus Martin.

RICHARD ROACH JEWELL ENDURING ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Perth Concert Hall by Howlett and Bailey Architects

COLORBOND® AWARD FOR STEEL ARCHITECTURE
Colorbond® Award for Steel Architecture – The State Buildings by Kerry Hill Architects (Architect), Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)
Commendation – Petition at The State Buildings by spaceagency

MONDOLUCE LIGHTING AWARD
Mondoluce Lighting Award – COMO The Treasury by Kerry Hill Architects (Architect), Palassis Architects (Heritage Architect)

Awards honour the social, economic and cultural benefits of architecture in SA

The diversity of projects being undertaken by architects in South Australia, who are responding to the challenges of today and needs of tomorrow, will be honoured at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 SA Architecture Awards held on Saturday 2 July at the 2015 architecture award-winning Adelaide Oval.

Four projects from the Tonsley redevelopment have collected seven Awards across education, heritage, commercial, sustainability and urban design, cementing the project as a ‘unique place with a strong identity for South Australia to celebrate its manufacturing history’. See below for full list of award winners.

The role of architects Woods Bagot and Tridente in deciding to retain the Main Assembly Building (MAB) structure and surrounding building pods along with vibrant urban spaces designed by Oxigen, ‘is testament to both the vision of the client, the skills and collaboration of the designers and the urban design guidelines developed for the site,’ the jury said.

Sustainable Architecture Award – Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods by Woods Bagot and Tridente Architects. Photo by Sam Noonan.

South Australia’s Drill Core Reference Library by Thomson Rossi provides an important gateway to the huge 61-hectare Tonsley site, which is currently transforming into an education, research and business hub. HASSELL’s Flinders University building further defines the former MAB along with the TAFE campus to the south.

Public architecture was dominated by projects that provide significant social and cultural benefits to our communities with the integration of public spaces becoming integral to the design process. The coveted Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture, is awarded to the Stretton Centre by HASSELL, which the jury praised as ‘an architecturally accomplished focal point for the wider northern suburbs community’.

Continuing the accolades for projects in the public realm, commendations were awarded to Henley Square Remade by TCL with Troppo Architects, Glenunga Community Hub by Greenway Architects and the Zoos SA Nature’s Play Ground by Phillips/Pilkington Architects and WAX Design, which also won the community’s vote for the City of Adelaide Prize People’s Choice Award.

The new technology incubator, Base 64 in Kent Town was designed by Williams Burton Leopardi within a heritage building, and has been honoured with both the Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture and David Saunders Award for Heritage.

‘Base 64 has a unique quality that is difficult to define — part co-working, domestic, gallery, retreat and public space. It provides clues as to how contemporary workplaces might evolve to be more collaborative, networked, and personal,’ the jury said.

Commercial Architecture Keith Neighbour Award & David Saunders Award for Heritage – Base 64 by Williams Burton Leopardi. Photo by Christopher Morrison.

The latest in residential design incorporates clean, modern design, ample natural light, access to outdoor spaces and solid environmental approaches, with five accolades given in the New Houses category.

Veil and Mortar by Khab Architects, ‘a playful and dramatic addition to a symmetrical cottage’, was awarded the top honour for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions), the John Schenk Award. The Jury was impressed with all entries in the category this year, showcasing the value architects bring when responding to the needs of their client in adapting an existing home.

The Small Project category celebrates areas of design that may be traditionally overlooked, pavilions and shelters, to public toilets. A 10sqm home study addition by Grieve Gillett Anderson received the top Marjorie Simpson Award for Small Project Architecture by the jury, who said the project ‘embodies a real joy in architectural outcomes and contributes to a broader approach to residential design’.

As the profession currently speculates the future of architecture. The Jack Cheesman Award for Enduring Architecture recognises a significant building over 25 years. This year the South Australian Forensic Science Centre by the SA Public Buildings Department, has been honoured as a distinguished example of late Australian brutalism.

Full list of winners:

Public Architecture
Jack McConnell Award – Stretton Centre by HASSELL
Commendation – Glenunga Hub by Greenway Architects

Public Architecture – Jack McConnell Award – Stretton Centre by HASSELL. Photo by Peter Bennetts.

Educational Architecture
Dr John Mayfield Award – Flinders at Tonsley by HASSELL
Commendation – Cardijn College Music Centre by Tridente Architects

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
The John S Chappel Award – West End Residence by Ashley Halliday Architects
Award – Tusmore Residence by Grieve Gillett Andersen
Award – Grass Trees by Max Pritchard Gunner Architects
Commendation – Friedrichstrasse House by Troppo Architects
Commendation – Waitpinga Retreat by Mountford Williamson Architecture

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
The John Schenk Award – Veil and Mortar by KHAB Architects
Award – Fade to Grey by Grieve Gillett Andersen
Commendation – LOCH by John Adam Architect
Commendation – Cawley Tree House by C4 Architects

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions) – The John Schenk Award – Veil and Mortar by KHAB Architects. Photo by Aaron Citti.

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Commendation – Gibson & 7th by Williams Burton Leopardi

Commercial Architecture
Keith Neighbour Award – Base 64 by Williams Burton Leopardi
Award – South Australian Drill Core Reference Library by Thomson Rossi
Commendation – Beresford Wines Cellar Door & Tasting Pavilion by Alexander Brown Architects

Heritage
David Saunders Award – Base 64 by Williams Burton Leopardi
Award – Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods by Woods Bagot and Tridente Architects
Commendation – Torrens Island Quarantine Station by Habitable Places
Commendation – Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral Pipe Organ Project by Grieve Gillett Andersen

Interior Architecture
Robert Dickson Award – Oggi by studio-gram
Award – UniSA Student Lounge by Phillips / Pilkington Architects
Award – Centre for Senior Learning, Pulteney Grammar School by Walter Brooke & Associates
Commendation – Elders Head Office by JPE Design Studio

Interior Architecture Robert Dickson Award – Oggi by studio-gram. Photo by David Seivers.

Urban Design
Commendation – Riverbank Bridge by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, Taylor Cullity Lethlan and Aurecon
Commendation – Tonsley by Oxigen
Commendation – Henley Square Remade by T.C.L with Troppo Architects

Small Project Architecture
Marjorie Simpson Award – House on Mayfair by Grieve Gillett Anderson
Award – 4 Structures at Henley Square by Troppo Architects and T.C.L
Commendation – Waterfall Gully Shelter and Toilet Block by Flightpath Architects

Sustainable Architecture
Award – Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods by Woods Bagot and Tridente Architects
Award – Tonsley by Oxigen

Enduring Architecture
Jack Cheesman Award – South Australian Forensic Science Centre by SA Public Buildings Department, Government of South Australia

Enduring Architecture Jack Cheesman Award – South Australian Forensic Science Centre by SA Public Buildings Department, Government of South Australia. Photo by Michael Queale.

Colorbond® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – South Australian Drill Core Reference Library by Thomson Rossi

The City of Adelaide Prize
Prize Winner – Pink Moon Saloon by Sans-Arc Studio
Commendation – Zoos SA Nature’s Play Ground by Phillips/Pilkington Architects and WAX Design

Winners of the 2016 NSW Architecture Awards announced

The winners of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 NSW Architecture Awards were announced in Sydney tonight.

The state’s longest standing honour, the Sulman Medal which was introduced in 1932, is given to a public building of exceptional merit and in 2016 it has been awarded to the ‘quintessentially Australian’ Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club by Neeson Murcutt Architects.

‘This project is completely engaged with the environment and the culture of coastal NSW. The execution and detailing is beautifully refined and resolved, but still tough and robust to suit the extreme, corrosive environment and the demands of a “club” client,’ the jury noted.

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE Sulman Medal – Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club by Neeson Murcutt Architects. Photo by Brett Boardman.

Major inner-city works balancing the demands of commercial, public and urban interests were lauded by the jury for their contributions to the city landscape.

5 Martin Place by JPW & TKD architects in collaboration, a winner in the Commercial, Heritage and Urban Design categories, is a ‘masterful example of strategic, design-led planning’.

‘The built project not only executes the intent of the strategic planning piece as a powerful and deliberate architectural work, it also breathes new life into Martin Place, Pitt Street and perhaps most surprisingly, the previously uninhabited service laneway network,’ the jury said.

Liberty Place by francis-jones morehen thorp received honours for Commercial, Sustainable and Urban Design along with the City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize for the creation of a new public space for the city and a revitalised precinct for workers and visitors between ANZ Tower and Legion House.

‘The heritage listed Legion House has been refurbished as a fully zero carbon building, an Australian first for a refurbished building, creating its own renewable electricity generation,’ Lord Mayor Clover Moore noted in awarding the prize.

An extraordinary house that adds to the reinvention of Chippendale as one of Sydney’s artistic and cultural hubs through an ‘extravagant sculptural exercise’, has been awarded the Wilkinson Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New).

Built for an art collector, the true mastery of Indigo Slam by Smart Design Studio lies within, through the internal manipulation of light, scale and materials in a ‘deft choreography that creates an experience of calmness and serenity, an almost monastic quality’, the jury said.

NSW President, Shaun Carter congratulated all the winners.

‘The winning work from this year’s Awards showcases the exemplary skill and creativity of architects who make extraordinary architecture and public spaces that are the cornerstone of great city and place making.

‘Creativity and design thinking should be a bedrock of any process that is involved in planning the built environment. Whether they be buildings, streets, footpaths, public domain, transport or infrastructure projects there is significantly better value to be gained with architects at the table.

‘I encourage everyone everywhere, but particularly business and governments at all levels – local, state and federal – to make better use of our skills,’ Mr Carter said.

Sixty projects from across the state were acknowledged from a shortlist of 79 and a total entry pool of 179.

Projects that received a Named Award or Award are now in the running for the National Architecture Awards, to be announced in November.

Full list of winners:

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

Sir Arthur G Stephenson Award – Novartis building by HDR | Rice Daubney
Award – 5 Martin Place by JPW & TKD architects in collaboration
Award – AHL Headquarters – 478 George Street by Candalepas Associates
Commendation – 70 Castlereagh Street, Sydney by Bates Smart
Commendation – Liberty Place by francis-jones morehen thorp

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE – Sir Arthur G Stephenson Award – Novartis building by HDR | Rice Daubney. Photo by Tyrone Branigan.

EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

William E Kemp Award – Abbotsleigh Multi-purpose Assembly and Sports Hall and Sports Field by AJ+C
Award – St Columba’s Catholic Primary School by Neeson Murcutt Architects
Award – UNSW Materials Science & Engineering Building by Grimshaw
Award – UNSW, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering by Bates Smart
Commendation – Faculty of Engineering + Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney by Denton Corker Marshall
Commendation – Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School Stage 1 by BVN
Commendation – Sydney Nanoscience Hub by Architectus

HERITAGE

Greenway Award – 5 Martin Place by JPW & TKD architects in collaboration
Award – Lennox Bridge Portals by Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Design 5 Architects
Award – The Old Clare Hotel by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Commendation – 155 Clarence Street, Sydney by Bates Smart with Design 5 Architects
Commendation – House. Elysium by Architect Prineas
Commendation – Primus Hotel by Woods Bagot & GBA Heritage

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

John Verge Award – Minter Ellison by BVN
Award – Bennelong by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Award – Paramount by The Office Space by Woods Bagot
Commendation – Apartment. Finger Wharf by Architect Prineas
Commendation – Faculty of Engineering + Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney by Denton Corker Marshall
Commendation – UTS Tower by Lahznimmo Architects

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

Sulman Medal – Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club by Neeson Murcutt Architects
Award – Australian Museum Crystal Hall by Neeson Murcutt Architects / Joseph Grech Architects
Award – Marks Park Amenities by Sam Crawford Architects
Award – St Andrews House by Candalepas Associates
Commendation – Netball Central by Scott Carver
Commendation – Overseas Passenger Terminal Upgrade by JPW
Commendation – South East Regional Hospital by BVN
Commendation – The Waterfront Pavilion, Australian National Museum by francis-jones morehen thorp

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS)

Hugh and Eva Buhrich Award – Darlinghurst Rooftop by CO-AP (Architects)
Award – Double Life House by Breathe Architecture
Award – Unfurled House by Christopher Polly Architect
Commendation – Llewellyn House by studioplusthree
Commendation – W House by MCK Architects

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS) – Hugh and Eva Buhrich Award – Darlinghurst Rooftop by CO-AP (Architects). Photo by Ross Honeysett.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (NEW)

Wilkinson Award – Indigo Slam by Smart Design Studio
Award – Deepwater by Tobias Partners
Award – House Acute by MCK Architects
Award – Marrickville Courtyard House by David Boyle Architect
Award – Ocean Shores House by A-CH (Atelier Chen Hung)
Award – The Farm by Fergus Scott Architects
Commendation – Crackenback Stables by Casey Brown Architecture
Commendation – Noble Hughes Residence by David Boyle Architect

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – MULTIPLE HOUSING

Aaron Bolot Award – 10 Wylde Street by SJB
Award – 3 Houses Marrickville by David Boyle Architect
Award – Bourke St Woolloomooloo by McGregor Westlake Architecture
Award – Dunstan Grove by Architectus
Award – Nº 17 Danks by SJB
Award – Sydney 385 by Smart Design Studio
Commendation – Australia Towers by Bates Smart
Commendation – GEORGE & ALLEN by TURNER
Commendation – North Eveleigh Affordable Housing by Architectus

SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE

Robert Woodward Award – Garden Gallery by panovscott Architects
Award – Marks Park Amenities by Sam Crawford Architects
Award – Warships Exhibition by studioplusthree
Award – Watt Space Gallery by Andrew Donaldson Architecture and Design
Commendation – McMahons Point House by Carterwilliamson Architects
Commendation – Mini Griffin Theatre by Design King Company

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Milo Dunphy Award – Northern Beaches Christian School by WMK Architecture
Award – Netball Central by Scott Carver
Award – Ocean Shores House by A-CH (Atelier Chen Hung)
Commendation – 70 Castlereagh Street, Sydney by Bates Smart
Commendation – Abbotsleigh Multi-purpose Assembly and Sports Hall and Sports Field by AJ+C
Commendation – Liberty Place by francis-jones morehen thorp

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE – Milo Dunphy Award – Northern Beaches Christian School by WMK Architecture. Photo by Brett Boardman.

URBAN DESIGN

Lloyd Rees Award – 5 Martin Place by JPW & TKD architects in collaboration
Award – Lennox Bridge Portals by Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Award – Liberty Place by francis-jones morehen thorp
Commendation – City of Sydney Public Domain Furniture by Tzannes

COLORBOND® AWARD FOR STEEL ARCHITECTURE

Award – Crackenback Stables by Casey Brown Architecture
Commendation – Australian Museum Crystal Hall by Neeson Murcutt Architects / Joseph Grech Architects

COLORBOND® AWARD FOR STEEL ARCHITECTURE Award – Crackenback Stables by Casey Brown Architecture. Photo by Rhys Holland.

PRIZES

Blacket Prize – Watt Space Gallery by Andrew Donaldson Architecture and Design
NSW Premier’s Prize – St Andrews House by Candalepas Associates
City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize – Liberty Place by francis-jones morehen thorp
City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize Commendation – Nº 17 Danks by SJB
City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize Commendation – Australian Museum Crystal Hall by Neeson Murcutt Architects / Joseph Grech Architects
NSW President’s Prize – Graham Jahn and Bridget Smyth, City of Sydney
Award for Enduring Architecture – Reader’s Digest Building by John James
Emerging Architect Prize – panovscott
Marion Mahony Griffin Prize – Professor Desley Luscombe
Adrian Ashton Prize for Writing and Criticism – The Pool: Architecture, Culture and Identity in Australia by Amelia Holliday and Isabelle Toland (Aileen Sage Architects) and Michelle Tabet
Adrian Ashton Prize for Writing and Criticism – Special Jury Award – Public Sydney: Drawing the City by Philip Thalis and Peter John Cantrill
David Lindner Prize – Anne Colenbrander, Hancock Architects

Acumen update – New published notes

Acumen, the online resource of architectural practice advisory material, provides an extensive database of advisory notes on managing architectural practice and projects.

Under the direction of the Acumen Content Review Panel, Acumen continues to be updated year-round with new and revised notes, including downloadable resources such as ABIC contracts and guide letters. Acumen covers three primary streams: Practice, Project and Resource.

This month, we are happy to introduce two newly published notes:

New Notes

OHS Safe Design Requirements – Victoria

Practice > Legislation > Occupational health and safety

National workplace health and safety legislation imposes a duty on you when designing, to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the design of a building to be used as a workplace, is safe and without risk to the people that will use the building. Read more.

Electronic Communications

Project > Project control > Project records

In this digital age it is expected that parties involved in a business transaction will largely exchange information and communicate by email. This is the case whether you, as an architect, are communicating with your client in respect of a design you are developing or with the builder while administering a building contract. Read more.

The Acumen Content Review Panel always welcome feedback on new or existing content in Acumen. Simply fill in the online form available both on the Acumen home page or directly here, or email with your feedback and comments.

End of Financial Year (EOFY): Remuneration Resolutions

Leone Lorrimer, member of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE), has put together a list of resolutions and guides to help us all make and keep good End of Financial Year Resolutions.

The National Committee for Gender Equity is asking all architectural firms to take the initiative of reviewing and reforming their remuneration policies this EOFY.

Resolution 1: Pay Employees According to the Law

The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the Minimum Wage and the pay rates contained in Modern Awards. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, the Architects Award 2010 sets out minimum wages for Students, Graduates of Architecture and Registered Architects. The progression from Graduate to Registered Architect and beyond is clearly set out and addresses annual reviews, target setting, training and prescribed competencies. The Act also sets ordinary hours and regulates payment for overtime and a casual loading. Other types of roles, such as clerical/administrative roles are covered by the Modern Award relevant to the role. All awards, along with the National Employment Standards are freely available on the Fair Work Commission’s website.

The Superannuation Guarantee Levy is also federally legislated. Superannuation information can be found on the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website.

The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 requires all non-public sector employers with over 100 employees to report annually and offers advice and assistance to employers (including small practices) about improving gender equity in their workplace.

The Government, through Centrelink pays (means-tested) parental leave for primary caregivers (currently 18 weeks paid at the minimum wage) and secondary caregivers (currently 2 weeks paid at the minimum level). In addition, some companies have Paid Parental Leave policies, providing return to work incentives.

Resolution 2: Pay Employees Fairly

For employees remunerated at levels above those regulated by the minimum wage, some of the recruitment agencies conduct annual benchmark surveys relevant to the profession. These provide a guide to market levels of remuneration across a broad range of roles.

Good HR practice includes establishing clear organizational structures, role descriptions and articulation of career progression to every employee. Regular review and feedback to individuals is essential. Employees should be reviewed against development targets and each other and remuneration corrected for parity internally, and against external markets. Internal parity takes into account the size of the role, accountability, effectiveness, potential and possible gender bias. Any imbalances should be corrected by adjustment of remuneration and/or role.

The Australian Institute of Architects provides it’s A+ members with a range of HR services, together with a range of resources that include strategies, templates, policies and ‘everything you’ll need to deal with IR and ensure employee legal compliance’.

Parlour has published a series of world-class Guides.

Parlour Guide 2 – Long Hours addresses why the persistent long hours is damaging to individual architects, to businesses and to the viability of the profession.

Parlour Guide 6 – Career Progression provides guidance on how to promote equitably, conduct effective performance reviews and set transparent criteria for success. For employees the guides assist you to plan your career and articulate your skills.

Resolution 3: Pay Employees Equitably

The Gender Pay Gap is one of the biggest problems our industry is currently facing and is a major contributor to our inability to retain women in the profession. Parlour Guide 1 – Pay Equity addresses how to close the Gender Pay Gap. It explains why pay equity is good for business and why persistent pay inequity can have a big negative impact on the morale, commitment and productivity of employees.

Do an annual Pay Equity Audit. What better time than at the end of the Financial Year? The Guide takes you through a simple step by step process. Make sure that you factor in all types of payments, including bonuses and benefits. Reward output and productivity, not just visibility and volume. Treat full-time, flexible and part-time employees equally.

Resolution 4: If You Are an Employee

Parlour Guide 1 – Pay Equity outlines some great tips for employees as well:

Do your homework: know your rights

Check out potential employers

Keep track of your own performance and development

Learn to negotiate effectively

Step up and be visible

Look for opportunities

Facts and Figures

Minimum Annual Wages from 1 July 2016
Level 1 Student of Architecture $35,093 – 45,335
Level 1 Graduate of Architecture $47,721 – 52,765
Level 2(a) Experienced Graduate of Architecture $55,171
Level 2(b) Registered Architect $55,171 – $58,585

Minimum Weekly Wages for award / agreement free employees from 1 July 2016 is $672.70 per week or $17.70 per hour.

Casual loading is 25% (paid in addition to the minimum hourly rate).

Superannuation Guarantee Levy is 9.5%.

Additionally, benchmarking for wages can be sourced from employment agencies such as Bespoke, Hudson, and Hays to name a few of the larger organisations who both publish information on salaries.

Salary guides

Bespoke

Hays

Hudson

The National Committee for Gender Equity was established by the National Council in December 2013 to implement the Institute’s Gender Equity Policy and to recommend actions, initiatives and programs required to give practical effect to that policy. See the website for more information on the committee and its members.

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