Author: lauraj

Policy and Advocacy update

May 2017

We are continuing to work through the list of Institute policies that need updating, with ongoing consultation with members to ensure we are dealing with the issues that matter most to members and effectively communicating our messages to governments and the public. New policies can be developed at the instigation of the chapters, national committees and National Council.

Since our last update, we have also advocated at a national and local level on several issues:

National
WA
SA

NATIONAL

The National Council signed off on 4 new policies at its March and May meetings.

Affordable Housing
We are advocating for more flexible and diverse housing solutions, with new housing stock to be integrated with transport and social infrastructure. We are advocating that the architectural profession offers the design and problem solving skills to deliver more affordable, dignified and accessible housing, reducing both upfront and ongoing costs.

Indigenous Housing
We are advocating that because the standard of Indigenous housing and essential infrastructure remains well below that available to the non-Indigenous population, we must building more housing for Indigenous communities, and better maintain existing stock. We believe that housing decisions must reside with local communities and job creation must be valued equally to timely and economic delivery. Architects can make a significant contribution to these priorities.

Multi-Residential Standards
We argue that the most effective way of housing more people in our cities and regional towns is to plan for greater density within the current urban footprint. This must be accompanied by minimum quality standards that require architects and developers to design and build dense, multi-residential buildings that provide a good quality of living for residents, and suitable public amenity.

Work Experience and Internships
We believe that all members of the architecture profession – students, graduates and registered architects – should be supported, valued and paid fairly. The policy sets out when vocational work placements should be entered into and some of the criteria that is applied under the Fair Work Act that should be applied.

Chapters and National office bearers and staff will be promoting these views in submissions and meetings with government and other associations and forums. Member comment is always welcome, please email feedback to policy@architecture.com.au and look out for new policies being released for comment.
Feel free to download the documents and use them in any conversations about these issues. Policy documents can be downloaded here. The style and size of the policy documents are a little different to previous documents. The new style provides statements of principle that clearly outline what we as an Institute endorse and they are about one page in length. These have been through a consultation process with experts and members, with comments received through our member-only policy web portal and through our chapter committees.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Australian and New Zealand Architecture Program Accreditation

The Western Australian Chapter Education Committee submitted comments to the review of the Australian and New Zealand Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure (ANZAPAP). As well as several specific matters, the chapter expressed concern about the process of consultation, including the omission of some parts of the proposed new procedure, and the limited number of stakeholders invited to take part in the consultation.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Industry participation

The South Australian Government is proposing to strengthen its support for local industry and jobs by enshrining in law the role of industry advocate, which would be dedicated to helping South Australian companies tender for government projects and ensuring contractors abide by their commitments. The South Australian Chapter recently lodged a formal submission on the draft Industry Advocate Bill 2017 and the revised South Australian Industry Participation Policy and Procedural Guidelines. The chapter has offered broad support, with a number of recommendations on specific aspects of the Bill. The submission points to the relevance of the architecture profession to the built environment, particularly the potential for design, specifications and procurement policy to be better used to support the government’s objective of boosting economic benefits through a greater use of local supply inputs and, ultimately, local jobs.

STEM project forums
The South Australian Government last year introduced the STEM Works Program, as part of a push to provide upgraded or new science, technology, engineering and mathematics facilities for primary and secondary schools. The South Australian Chapter, together with the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA), has conducted a survey of members working on STEM projects to gather statistical information on the program, where and if the process has experienced delays and in what areas to focus attention to speed up commencement and completion of projects. This will allow the provision of quantitative and qualitative data to the South Australian Government.

Proposed amendments to AS 4122
The South Australian Chapter, together with the ACA and Consult Australia, has had a number of discussions with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure regarding proposed changes to the AS 4122 contract used for the procurement of consultants. The aim is to ensure that the contract remains as standard as possible while acknowledging the department’s specific requirements.

Draft Minister’s Code – Upgrading the health and safety of existing buildings
The South Australian Chapter has also provided a formal submission to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure on the draft Minister’s Code – Upgrading the health and safety of existing buildings. The chapter has welcomed the release of the code, saying it has the potential to address aspects of the current system that are ineffective or poorly understood. However, the chapter says the document, as it stands, does not constitute a significant change from the status quo and has recommended some clarification and amendments.

Office for Design and Architecture SA – Design Review Panel

OADSA
Photo credit: Sam Noonan

Are you passionate about good design in South Australia?

Are you a strong, clear and confident communicator with experience reviewing significant construction projects?

The South Australian Design Review Program is seeking new members for its Design Review Panel.

Since the Design Review program was established in 2011, 350 design reviews have been undertaken of over 120 significant projects throughout South Australia, with a total value of $4.5 billion. The Design Review Panel assists the Government Architect in delivering independent design advice to the Development Assessment Commission, informed by all aspects of best practice urban design.

The Office for Design and Architecture South Australia is seeking applications from all sectors of the design community across the country to join the existing Design Review Panel, particularly professionals with experience within the fields of urban design, medium density residential design, sustainable development, education, landscape architecture, infrastructure and heritage. New members will be selected to complement the existing skills within the panel and build a broader range of expertise.

Successful applicants will be invited to be a member of the Design Review Panel for a three-year term (with an option to extend), and would attend approximately five to ten half-day sessions per year. There will also be an opportunity for suitable candidates to join the panel periodically as the Design Review Panel is now an open panel.

If you are interested in supporting good design in South Australia, please apply through the tenders.sa.gov.au website. Tender application will be online from Tue 9 May until Thu 1 Jun. If you have any further questions regarding these roles, please contact Sonya Carthy, Senior Programme Officer on (08) 8402 1885.

The merits of mentoring

MICHAEL SMITH
2 May 2017

In the third of a series of essays from the National Committee for Gender Equity, Michael Smith argues the case for mentoring programs, emphasising the benefits to mentor, mentee and the industry as a whole.

Michael Smith with Atelier Red+Black’s mentees for 2017

At first, a director of a small architecture practice may seem an unusual person to be talking about the merits of mentoring. After all, we don’t have the challenge of managing an office with 50+ staff. However, having seen firsthand the benefits of being both a mentee and a mentor over the last few years, it is somewhat baffling that our profession hasn’t yet fully embraced mentoring.

As every architect knows, the generalist nature of the profession requires the practitioner to possess a great deal of knowledge and skill. This intellectual tool kit has a variety of different components, which come from a variety of sources. Our education is acquired from universities, while our training is acquired from on-the-job learning and experience. But where do architectural ‘street smarts’ come from? Where can you get tips on wrangling complex situations, dealing with difficult individuals or negotiating towards preferred outcomes? These are the kinds of real world issues that are best addressed through mentoring.

The benefits to the mentee can be profound. Research in the United States has found those under mentorship are 20% more likely to have a pay increase and are five times more likely to have a promotion than those without a mentor. At key times in a career – such as preparing to register, returning to work after a break, or indeed setting up a small practice – mentoring can provide clarity, support and advice that is invaluable to the recipient.

Practices that don’t mentor their staff are not only letting their staff down, they are also relinquishing ground to their competitors. In 2016, a Deloitte research survey found that Millennials planning to stay with their employer for more than five years are twice as likely to have a mentor (68%) than not (32%). Architecture practices are only as good as their staff. If you have a high rate of staff turnover, or if your practice does not have a culture of continual improvement, it is far more challenging to deliver high quality architecture for your clients.

Ultimately, if you are not investing in your staff, you are effectively standing still. This is one of the key underlying themes of the Parlour Guide on mentoring. If employers link their mentoring efforts to the practice business strategy, there is an even greater benefit to the practice.

In 2015, our practice initiated a mentorship program for final year architecture students. Having ourselves received mentoring from several very generous leaders within our profession, we thought it only right to pay that generosity forward. Our targeted goal was to make a difference, even in a very small way, to the problem of talented women graduates leaving the profession early in disproportionate numbers. Though it is not up to us alone to fix this problem, we felt that the least we could do is play our part and contribute to a positive culture.

Now in its third year, the program has had unexpected benefits for us as mentors as well. We now have a far greater understanding of the concerns of the next generation of architects as they begin their professional journey. Our practice can demonstrate to new staff that we take their professional development seriously, making our small entity an attractive employment proposition for up-and-coming talent. For all the information you need on mentoring in the architectural context, remember to take a look at Guide 10 of Parlour’s guides to equitable practice.

Happy mentoring!

Michael Smith is Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Committee for Gender Equity and Director of Melbourne-based practice Atelier Red+Black.

From the Chief Executive Officer

8 May, 2017

Hopefully many of you were able to experience the National Architecture Conference – PRAXIS at the end of last week, either in person or by following along online via the blog .

It was an energising few days and I congratulate Ken Maher and Professor Helen Lochhead on curating an excellent conference featuring a broad spectrum of inspiration – from snapshots to keynotes to lively discussions. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the team at the Institute for delivering a spectacular event.

As the largest gathering for the profession, it was an honour to address delegates at the opening of the conference, welcoming them ahead of the engaging speaker presentations and also reiterating the refreshed focus of your Institute.

We are a changing organisation. We have a number of things that we need to focus on but all revolve around our members – actively advancing the practice of architecture, promoting the contributions of the profession and cultivating lifelong learning for members. The Institute is taking a lead in advocacy of, and for, the profession. We have taken the opportunity to raise our profile through political forums, media opportunities and submissions to government at a federal and state level.

We will be mounting a campaign over the next few years in terms of advocating the value of architecture and the impact it makes on people’s lives – this will be at the heart of all our messages to the public and to government. We will be more outward facing in our activities to ensure that those messages are heard loud and clear.

We will also be providing guidance on what our views are – from our recent discussions on affordable housing, multi-residential standards, higher education and internships policy. We will be addressing the issue of a federal government architect and will be making sure that architecture is seen as something that is for everyone. We will also be constantly talking about the value of the architectural profession to the health and well-being of society.

What we now need is member engagement in making it happen. Every member brings a potent combination of passion and influence to her or his membership that — if leveraged — can powerfully accelerate the Institute’s advocacy strategy. As an institute we have been quiet for too long, relying on others to have a voice. We need you, as members to engage in the political debates. We need you to represent the profession in whatever way you can.

The most effective professional and industry organisations have recognised that successful advocacy does not require stepping into the quagmire of partisan politics. It simply means using our voices as committed and informed champions of the profession. All of us are the ambassadors who can bridge differences in opinion, turn ideas into solutions, and make good things happen.

You may have seen that the recipients of the Institute’s National Prizes including the Gold Medal were revealed throughout the conference program. I would like to extend my congratulations to our 2017 Gold Medallist Peter Elliott and all the recipients for their incredible contributions to the profession. You can read more about the winners here.

Ahead of the conference, National Council met and I’m pleased to share that nationally-elected councillor Clare Cousins was voted President Elect effective from our upcoming Annual General Meeting on 16 May when Richard Kirk takes over the presidential reins from Ken Maher.

At the AGM our Corporate Members (Members Level 1, Life Fellows, Fellows and Affliates Level 1) will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed special resolution to amend the Institute’s current Memorandum and Articles of Association. This is another opportunity that expands on the governance changes adopted last year that will better enable the Institute to serve our members. Read more here.

On a final note I would like to extend my very sincere thanks to Ken Maher, National President for his guidance and support over the past 12 months. Ken and Jon Clements have both provided invaluable guidance to myself and the staff at the Institute, working tirelessly for the membership and profession at large.

Jennifer Cunich
Chief Executive Officer

From the National President

National President, Ken Maher. Photo by Brett Boardman

April 2017

Next week is our annual opportunity to get together as a profession for the 2017 National Architecture Conference PRAXIS, which features a rich line-up of international and local talent along with a joint Super Session with the Planning Institute of Australia; the announcement of the 2017 Gold Medal; an extensive fringe program and much more.

If you haven’t already registered, there is still time, visit the website for all the details and I look forward to joining many of you in Sydney for the Opening Party on the 4th followed by two days of stimulating engagement – not to mention all the fringe activities.

With cities central to much current public debate, the Super Session will be an interactive provocation exploring the future of our cities from holistic strategies through to the experiential exploration of how planners, urbanists and architects can collaborate to be more effective in engaging with our communities and politicians to secure a better future. Social media and 24/7 connectedness has fundamentally changed the way individuals engage and express views on these contemporary issues. The big question is how can the professions strengthen our collective influence to focus the debate? This discussion will be facilitated by Tina Perinotto from The Fifth Estate, international and local participants include Rahul Mehrotra, Sylvia Karres, Prathima Manohar, Julian Bolleter and Graham Jahn.

On the critical issue of cities, the Institute welcomes the recent announcement by Angus Taylor, the Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, that he has formed a Cities Reference Group to provide innovative, expert advice to support delivery of the Australian Government’s Smart Cities Plan. The Smart Cities Plan sets out the Australian Government’s vision for our cities and will guide action across portfolios to deliver better outcomes for our cities and the people who live in them. It also seeks to bring together all levels of government, working with local communities and businesses, to identify what we need to do today so that our cities succeed in the future. The Reference Group includes representatives from across industry, the research community and non-government groups and I have been invited to represent the Institute and will be advocating the importance of architecture, sustainability and public realm design.

Last week we issued the Notice of AGM and the 2016 Annual Report along with details of a special resolution that will be tabled for vote.

Following on from last year’s successful amendments to our Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&AA) which saw the introduction of a Board of Directors, we are proposing additional changes that will further bring our Constitution in line with best practice governance.

The amended documents are written in plain English so they are simpler and easier to understand and be used. Amendments do not reduce the current rights and interests that members have in the Institute and include changes that better reflect our activities and support registration for a tax-exempt charitable status with the Australian Charity and Not-for-Profit Commission. The proposed constitutional documents are fully compliant with the Corporations Act 2001.

This special resolution to amend the Institute’s current M&AA under Article 87 presents the opportunity for every Corporate Member to use their voting rights to adopt a better Constitution and take another step towards a more effective and transparent Institute. I encourage you all to visit the website and review the proposed changes and make your vote count.

Education has been an integral part of the Institute’s core function as the peak body for the profession and drives our current direction as one of our key strategic pillars. The Institute has been involved in accreditation of tertiary level architecture programs since the inception of accreditation, and undertakes this jointly with all State and Territory Registration Boards through the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

In 2016 the Institute agreed to bring forward the scheduled 2018, and much needed, review of the accreditation procedures (known as the ANZ APAP) in response to a request from other participating members. Subsequently, we provided a representative to the ANZ APAP Review Group, which undertook the first stage review. The Final Report was released in June 2016, however due to significant concerns regarding a number of the recommendations, our National Council was unable to sign off on the report.

The Institute argued strongly that a further period of review was required prior to implementation of the revised procedure to address the concerns regarding the recommendations. The ANZ APAP Development Group, with a membership of five representatives from key stakeholders including the Institute, was formed with secretariat support provided by the AACA. At our recent National Council meeting, the Institute resolved to withdraw from the Development Group on the basis that it could not support the outcomes of the review process. We remain committed to supporting effective accreditation reform, this includes continuing to manage and deliver the current ANZ APAP procedures, until a mutually acceptable revision is agreed.

This column is my final as National President. On 16 May I will be handing over to my friend and colleague Richard Kirk. I know Richard will provide outstanding and incisive leadership and I will be delighted to support him and fellow national councillors in my role as Immediate Past President.

It has been a demanding yet rewarding experience, representing all of you who make up our diverse and committed profession. I certainly could not have done it without the warm friendship and support of my colleagues. I am in awe of the dedication and time so many architects selflessly give to our Institute and would also like to sincerely thank Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Cunich and the staff at the Institute, who work with enthusiasm supporting the interests of members through delivering an extensive program of activities. Thank you also to all my fellow councillors and our new board, to our generous corporate partners and to you our members, as we work together on strengthening our Institute.

Ken Maher

National President

Policy and Advocacy update

Apr 2017

Since our last update, we have also advocated at a state and territory level on several issues:

NEW SOUTH WALES

NSW Planning Act amendments

The former New South Wales Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, launched draft amendments at the start of the year to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Many of the amendments were first proposed as new elements of the planning system in the ill-fated Planning Bill, which was rejected by the NSW Upper House in 2013. They included:

•    Protocols for councils’ engagement with communities
•    Strategic planning instruments at the local level to bridge the gap between the Greater Sydney Commission’s draft District Plans and statutory local environmental plans
•   and, greater standardisation of local government development control plans (architects can help to make these more visually engaging documents).

The most far-reaching change affecting architects is the proposal to include ‘good design in the built environment’ as a new objective of the Act. The NSW Chapter has applauded this very welcome innovation, as it places good design alongside other economic and social objectives. However, there is one caveat, with the chapter arguing that the wording should be changed to ‘good design of the built environment’, as the objective needs to encompass the whole of the built environment, including residential and commercial development, infrastructure, streets, parks, street trees, etc. The chapter says this would encourage proponents and consent authorities to look beyond the individual development proposal and to also consider its potential design impact on the existing and planned precinct as a whole. It says design of the spaces between individual buildings is particularly important. The chapter has also recommended the preparation of guideline documents associated with the amended Act or its regulation to clearly define ‘built environment’ and ‘good design’ from a visual, precinct-based perspective.

Greater Sydney draft District Plans

Towards the end of 2016 the Greater Sydney Commission, which had then been in existence for less than a year, released six draft District Plans for public appraisal. These provide a link between the overarching metropolitan plan at one end of the planning spectrum and local councils’ local environmental plans at the other. The commission also released its three city concepts:

•   Western City, based around the proposed Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek
•   Central City, based around Parramatta
•   and, Eastern City, based on the global arc of economic activity from Macquarie Park in the north to Sydney Airport in the south.

The NSW Chapter generally supports the commission’s work as a game changer for the planning of the Greater Sydney region as a whole. However, it believes the draft District Plans are too long; they should explain principles clearly enough to inform the local plans; clearer references are needed to the excellent research material in the extensive background reports; and a number of governance issues need to be addressed, particularly the role of mayors in district planning. Nevertheless, the chapter regards the draft District Plans as a very good start, which demonstrate real progress in the NSW planning system, as long as they are supported by a comprehensive and responsive transport master plan, and are developed in sufficient detail to provide clear guidance for local plans.

TASMANIA

Building documentation

The Tasmanian Practice Committee has provided a formal submission to the state’s Department of Justice in relation to the minimum level of information that should be provided on building approval documents for class 2 to 9 buildings. The Department has the Director’s Specified List – Schedule 1, which outlines the minimum requirements for design documentation for class 1 and class 10 buildings in Tasmania, and is considering expanding this approach to include class 2 to 9 buildings. Members of the Practice Committee have offered general support for the document as a guide, with some suggested clarification and amendments. The committee members are also arguing against the document being used as a checklist for use by building certifiers. The committee hopes to continue negotiations with the department over the coming months.

VICTORIA

Better Apartments

The Victorian Chapter made two further submissions to the Director of Planning Projects (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) in March and April, as well as attending all the reference group meetings; this was in addition to an extensive, formal submission in September. The Better Apartments Design Standards were implemented into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes via Amendment VC136 on 13 April 2017. However, the supporting tools and process won’t be introduced until May, including apartment design guidelines and details on a design advisory service for more complex developments. While the chapter supports apartment standards to improve design outcomes and raise liveability standards, it remains concerned that appropriate levels of consumer protection are not in place as neither the use of architects nor minimum apartment sizes have been mandated, although the chapter believes that, in practise, bank lending policy will dictate minimum apartment sizes.

The chapter believes there are several positive outcomes such as energy efficiency improvements and minimum room sizes, but says an overarching framework of design excellence is missing and it has ongoing concerns about the assessment process. The chapter maintains that design quality is best achieved through shared responsibility across three crucial stages: mandating the involvement of an architect, design-based regulations and good decision making through the use of design review panels. It argues that the Victorian Government’s Better Apartments Design Standards do not adequately address two of the Institute’s ‘crucial stages’. It has requested a 12 month review of the standards and the assessment process, and remains committed to working with the government to address one of the most critical challenges of our time: affordable, amenable and sustainable housing underpinning strong communities.

Journey to Venice

April 2017

The journey towards the Australian exhibition at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale is well underway and I wanted to give you an update on the progress, behind-the-scenes.

A new Venice Biennale Committee has formed, bringing new faces and for the first time, we welcome members from outside the profession to broaden the skill-set and perspective. Chaired by Victorian Government architect Jill Garner, we welcome Luca Belgiorno-Nettis and Jamie Penrose as new members and we’re fortunate to have Helen Lochhead, Ken Maher and Rachel Neeson join us again on the Committee, imparting their knowledge and experience from previous programs.

Ahead of their usual schedule, the Board of La Biennale di Venezia has appointed the curators of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – renowned Irish duo Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara. In addition, Chairman Paolo Baratta has also hinted at the theme for 2018 saying, ‘The Exhibition curated by Alejandro Aravena offered visitors a critical overview of the worldwide evolution of architecture and underlined how important it is that a qualified demand on the part of individuals and communities be met by an equally effective response, thereby confirming that architecture is one of civil society’s instruments for organising the space in which it lives and works. Along these lines, Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara will continue to address the same theme but from the point of view of the quality of the public and private space, of urban space, of the territory and of the landscape as the main ends of architecture.’

The Creative Director search has concluded and the Venice Biennale Committee is deliberating over the high calibre of submissions in order to announce the new Creative Director(s) in May. The program and timelines are in the development process. It’s an exciting time!

The Institute is working hard to secure the support from our existing corporate partners, Network Venice and the Government, without which the event wouldn’t be possible. We are, as always, very grateful for their ongoing commitment to the program. The Biennale enables Australia to engage in a global conversation, important to the future shaping of our built environment, and provides a platform for international partnerships and trade opportunities.

For 2018, the Institute is exploring new revenue streams and hopes to welcome new category sponsors to be a part of the premier international forum for showcasing and expressing Australian culture, innovation and creativity through its architecture and design.

I’ll be in touch again soon with more news on our journey towards Venice 2018.

Warm wishes,

Janet Holmes á Court AC
Commissioner, Venice Biennale 2018

From the Chief Executive Officer

10 April, 2017

Work on the Institute’s new strategic plan is well underway. At the end of March, the Board, National Council and senior executive participated in a facilitated strategic planning session.

It was an inspiring discussion, drawing on the individual expertise of a broad range of people to holistically consider the needs of our diverse membership. This successful workshop resulted in a draft framework for our three-year strategy, formulated around and expanding upon our three pillars. We look forward to progressing this further at our next Council meeting in May just before the National Architecture Conference, ahead of launching the final strategy at the end of this year.

Anticipation is building for the National Conference: PRAXIS which lands Sydney in just over three weeks on 4-6 May. With an extensive program filled with renowned and emerging talent from around the globe, as well as special announcements and the recently launched PRAXIS: Fringe, it is set to be a conference to remember.

A program highlight is the return of the Super Session co-hosted by the Planning Institute of Australia. Taking place on Friday 5 May and themed ‘Shaping Cities: Towards 50 Million’, the panel discussion will explore the necessary integration of design and planning, equity as a foundation for vital and productive cities, and our roles in facilitating action on climate change.

Facilitated by Tina Perinotto, attendees will hear from international and local architects, landscape architects, urban designers and urbanists in what will surely be an informed and thought-provoking discussion.

The annual conference is an important event in the architectural calendar and plays a vital role in advancing and uniting the profession. Such a large-scale event that brings together practitioners and affiliated disciplines from the full paradigm of practice and location, provides incredible opportunity for reflection and growth, inspiration and discourse, learning and sharing. Tickets have been kept as low as possible, still well below industry standard, in order to deliver such a high-calibre international event at this world-class facility, with discounts of up to 50 per cent for members. I am excited to attend my first conference as Chief Executive Officer and look forward to two days of immersion and discovery as well as meeting more of our members.

Conference registrants have exclusive access to the fringe event program with spaces filling up quickly, so act now to secure your place. Visit the dedicated website to register and to discover more about the full line-up of local and domestic speakers, fringe events, CPD and special accommodation deals.

After the National Conference, we will be gearing up for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is taking place in Brisbane on Tuesday 16 May. We will be sending members the Notice of the AGM that will include an important proposal to further develop our Memorandum and Articles.

Following on from the successful amendments last year which delivered much needed reform to our governance structure, we are continuing apace to strengthen the Institute. This year’s proposed changes will further bring our constitution in line with best practice governance and in a form that is more accessible for members. It will enable us to do great things for our membership. Make sure you keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Jennifer Cunich
Chief Executive Officer

From the National President

March 2017

Housing affordability is currently a hot topic for good reason. We cannot have vital and sustainable communities without diversity, and we cannot achieve real diversity without equity. Motivated by the need for stronger advocacy from our profession, and the absence of design in the recent debates, last week the Institute hosted a housing affordability breakfast briefing at Parliament House in Canberra to examine the issues of density, design and the challenges ahead.

The audience included Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP, Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen and Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Senator Doug Cameron, along with more than fifty Members of Parliament, Senators and Staff from all political parties. It was reassuring to see so many of our federal parliamentarians join our National Councillors and Executives to hear about the invaluable role architects can play in addressing one of the nation’s most pressing problems.

Our aim is to establish a stronger voice for the profession on key issues we face, and this event demonstrated our credibility and passion for public responsibility architects bring to the table. This important high-level advocacy on behalf of the profession on a range of issues will become an annual event.

While there can be no doubt that affordability is a complex issue, with significant impacts on our economy, changing family profiles and changing values, there are certainly valuable unrecognised contributions to be made by the architectural profession through design innovation.

We need to make better use of existing stock through inventive retrofitting to suit current demographics and there are many exemplary examples of this already available. We need to take into account access to employment, education, services and facilities. We need communities where there is less reliance on cars, better public transport connections, where density in the urban environment is well designed, where infrastructure investment supports strategic planning and where communities are connected and brought together in a way that enhances liveability, sustainability and productivity.

What is clear is that it requires a coordinated response from governments, developers and industry. Agreements between commonwealth, state and territory governments, are an important start, promoting investment in affordable housing. However it is clear that with the depth of the current housing challenge it is time for a major policy overhaul with all measures on the table including stamp duty, land tax, capital gains tax, and negative gearing to ensure policy levers are effective. Carefully calibrated incentives will also be necessary to the development sector in return for the delivery of housing diversity and affordability, along with incentives to encourage compliance beyond the minimum requirements. Planning regulations also need to be modified and harmonised to introduce clear targets for social and affordable housing, including more flexible housing types and multi-generational occupancy.

You can read my full address here. Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP, responsible for the government’s housing affordability strategy also addressed the event outlining the steps the Turnbull Government is taking to address the housing challenge (you can read his speech here).

Architects are optimists, we want to make a difference – we want to change the world. We want it to be a better place as a result of our efforts. We deal with the physical and experiential and for us and the Institute, the most important thing now is to translate this optimism into action – otherwise there will be no real change.

Change will certainly be on the agenda at the National Architecture Conference: PRAXIS in Sydney, 4-6 May. The conference is a once a year opportunity for the profession to come together, to be inspired and to challenge ourselves. It is an incredible chance for us to hear from leaders, both experienced and emerging, from beyond our shores and closer to home – also to earn CPD points. While this year the ticket price is higher, this reflects the higher Sydney costs, and includes the opening party. It is also worth noting the tickets are competitively priced for professional events of this calibre, including the PIA conference being held in parallel.

Our full complement of international speakers – Eva Castro, Rahul Mehrotra, Winy Maas, Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey, Vo Trong Nghia and Anupama Kundoo – will be focusing on their design ethos, process, and modes of practice as evidenced by the projects they will present. We are in the process of releasing details of the impressive list of local speakers also exploring the notion of PRAXIS – their work and the thinking behind their work– led by Australia’s most prominent architect, Glenn Murcutt and includes Megan Baynes of Room 11, Penny Collins and Huw Turner of Collins and Turner, Emma Williamson of Coda, Rachael Nolan and Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy Nolan, Rodney Eggleston of March Studios as well as John Wardle and Neil Durbach presenting the unusual collaboration of JWA and DBJ on a new gallery in Chippendale for Judith Nielson. A rich architectural feast!

It’s only five weeks until the conference so I urge you to book now to make the most of discounted accommodation offers and I look forward to seeing you at the ICC, Sydney.

Ken Maher

National President