Author: lauraj

From the Acting CEO

Clare Cousins

 

13 Aug 2018

Submission to the Banking Royal Commission
The Institute, in collaboration with ArchiTeam and the ACA, are finalising an extensive submission to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry outlining concerns of the profession regarding lending conditions imposed by banks for domestic building work.

Thank you to the many members who shared their experiences in our Banking Survey in June, your responses provided valuable feedback for our submission.

These unfair bank lending practices not only negatively impact architects, particularly our sole-practitioners, but add undue restrictions on consumers resulting in additional legal and certification costs, uncertainty and time delays.

For architects we are particularly concerned that the actions of the banks and bank policies are unfairly constraining the professional engagement of architects; result in architects incurring an added risk for partial services during construction; are excluding architects from engaging in and receiving professional fees for a service for which they are qualified and trained; and putting architects at a competitive disadvantage compared to other building practitioners. We look forward to sharing a copy of the submission once it has been finalised.
 
Advocacy with impact
Ahead of the Building Ministers’ Forum last Friday, the Institute continued its advocacy efforts calling for the ministers to adopt the recommendations of the Shergold-Weir report in the interest of public safety and to improve the energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code.

Acting National President Richard Kirk spoke with The Australian (paywall) highlighting the urgency of enacting these changes with the NCC. The Institute’s National Policy Manager Leanne Hardwicke represented the profession at the Industry Forum with Ministers in Adelaide prior to the closed-door BMF. In their post meeting communique, the BMF have directed the development of a paper that sets out an implementation plan for reform, incorporating feedback from industry stakeholders. This paper will be tabled at their next forum. The Institute will continue to push for the recommendations to be implemented as a matter of urgency.

You can read more about the Institute’s response to the Shergold-Weir report and its recommendations here.
 
Gold Medal Tour
Our 2018 Gold Medallist, Alec Tzannes begins his Gold Medal Tour this Thursday starting off in Darwin. Make sure you check the dates for your Chapter and hear from one of the country’s most significant architects about what inspires him and drives his passion for design.
 

Clare Cousins
Acting Chief Executive Officer

Time to take national action on building standards

 

More than a year since the Grenfell Tower fire in London that claimed 72 lives, the peak body for the architectural profession is calling on Australia’s building ministers to finally implement consistent, nationwide changes to improve safety and better protect people from the threat posed by poor compliance with building regulations.

The Australian Institute of Architects is urging the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to adopt a range of recommendations aimed at improving compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) when it meets tomorrow.

At their last meeting in April this year, building ministers from the federal, states and territory governments were presented with the findings and recommendations of the Building Confidence report. Commissioned by the BMF, and conducted by Professor Peter Shergold AC and Ms Bronwyn Weir, the independent report identified a range of issues with the implementation of the NCC including quality control and assurance, design, accountability, education and training, and auditing and enforcement practices.

Authors Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir made 24 recommendations aimed at improving NCC compliance and enforcement systems and establishing a national best practice model to strengthen its implementation.

Acting National President Richard Kirk said the Institute supports the report’s recommendations and believes they should be adopted by all states and territories to protect the interests of those who own, work, live, or conduct their business in Australian buildings.

‘The Grenfell tragedy demonstrated in the starkest and most distressing way the dire, indeed fatal, consequences of not properly regulating and enforcing compliance with the highest standards of building construction,’ Mr Kirk said.

‘We must learn and apply the lessons from Grenfell here for the safety of all Australians.

‘Like any other industry, building design and construction is constantly evolving and innovating, both in terms of practices but also the materials used. Our regulatory environment and the building practitioners who operate within it must keep pace with these changes.

‘With the emergence of non-traditional procurement methods, industry has lost the necessary clarity of responsibility of decision making around materials and building systems.

 ‘The NCC sets minimum requirements for the design, construction and performance of our buildings and should ensure all those involved in construction and its regulation understand and comply with the minimum requirements for health, safety and amenity in buildings.

‘The Shergold-Weir report identified widespread failures regarding compliance, performance requirements and design. It also showed public trust in the industry, especially relating to health and safety, was lacking.

‘The Institute backs every one of the report’s 24 recommendations and we urge all governments to adopt them without delay.

‘We welcome the separate measures various jurisdictions have already implemented, but this is a problem on a national scale, requiring a consistent, cohesive national response.

‘Architects are the most highly-qualified and comprehensively registered cohort of those involved in building and construction and we fully support this report. Our profession can play a vital role in the delivery of well-designed, safe and compliant buildings and our role should not be overlooked in a bid to cut corners and costs.’

The report notes inconsistencies between in NCC implementation and compliance across the states and territories and calls for an aligned approach across the board.

‘While Australia has a nationally-applicable technical standard for buildings, our federation provides for each state and territory to have its own laws governing the implementation of the NCC,’ the report states.

‘Some jurisdictions already have in place some of the things that we recommend. But all jurisdictions will have work to do to deliver the national best practice model proposed.’

Read the summary of the Shergold-Weir report and the impact of the recommendations on the architecture profession prepared by the Institute’s National Policy Manager Leanne Hardwicke here.

2018 Emerging Architect Prize Chapter winners

 

Congratulations to the 2018 Emerging Architect Prize Winners. Winners at Chapter level proceed to be considered for the National Emerging Architect Prize winner which is due to be announced at the National Architecture Awards on the 1 Nov in Melbourne.

Many thanks to our National Corporate Partner AWS for their ongoing support of this prize.

 

Shannon Battisson

ACT Award Recipient: Shannon Battisson 

Practice Name: The Mill: Architecture + Design

Award citation: Shannon graduated from the University of NSW in 2006 with a Bachelor of Architecture. She is currently the lead architect and founding director of The Mill: Architecture + Design. Shannon has made significant contribution to the profession of architecture through extensive involvement within the Institute of Architects and broader industry groups, as well as through community engagements, public advocacy and charitable work.

Shannon established The Mill: Architecture + Design in 2012, where she executes residential and commercial projects with a high level of professionalism and commitment to project delivery and client liaison. She has a particular focus on sustainability and is dedicated to improving the quality of housing stock in Canberra. This is demonstrated through the principles underpinning her built work, and through her personal construction project, the “Affordable Architectural Housing Option” which seeks to create a display project to advocate the value of the architect in new residential construction.

Shannon undertakes a variety of roles across the Australian Institute of Architects and other professional bodies, such as her role as the current Chair of the Sustainability Committee, current ACT Chapter Councillor, previous ACT Awards Jury member, and involvement with the Housing Industry of Australia, the Design Institute of Australia, and the National Association of Women in Construction. Shannon has undertaken numerous speaker engagements across a variety of forums which advocate design and workplace issues. She also engages with the media through a number of written publications to promote design, sustainability, and equity within the profession.

Shannon has a continued involvement in education, which has taken the form of industry mentorship, primary school education, public education, and gender equity. Shannon takes part in the Institute of Architects mentorship program, and has established a school outreach program aimed at encouraging engagement of primary school aged children with the profession. She has also presented regular workshops and programs on behalf of the ACT Government which educates the general public on the value of sound sustainable design.

The jury commends Shannon’s ongoing leadership, professionalism, and passion for the industry.

 

 

 

Isabelle Aileen Toland & Amelia Sage Holiday

NSW Award Recipient: Isabelle Aileen Toland and Amelia Sage Holiday 

Practice Name: Aileen Sage Architects

Award citation: Best known as two-thirds of the Creative Directors of Australia’s 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale entry, ‘The Pool’, Isabelle Aileen Toland and Amelia Sage Holiday of Aileen Sage, have been building a practice since 2013 that spans between small but beautifully crafted domestic projects, speculative public design in both invited and open competitions; and urban design studies and place making research for the Government Architect NSW.

The consistent theme in this work is thoughtful research-based propositions designed to test the realms of architecture and practice.

Prior to setting up their own practice, both worked for significant architects on award winning projects including five years shared at Neeson Murcutt Architects.

Both graduated as University Medallists and have maintained an involvement in the academies through teaching, post-graduate study and travelling scholarships. They have been active in the culture of the profession through involvement in DARCH (now EmAGN), Awards Juries, Institute Committees and public lectures. As an emerging practice lead by two female directors, they symbolize an evolving profession and are important role models for younger practitioners and students.

Though still a very young practice, they have been shortlisted or successful in a broad range of awards, including two Dulux Colour Awards and the 2017 Adrian Ashton Prize for Architectural Writing and Publication. The breadth of Aileen Sage’s contribution to research, education, and the architecture community, along with their quality portfolio of built work, predicate a bright future for this emerging practice.

 

 

 

Miriam Wallace

NT Award Recipient: Miriam Wallace 

Practice Name: Susan Dugdale and Associates

Award citation: Miriam Wallace has worked with Susan Dugdale and Associates since 2008 and has developed from a graduate level to become a registered architect and an Associate of the firm. Her talent and passion for architecture combined with commitment and hard work have contributed an enormous amount to that practice.

Miriam’s diverse strengths cover many aspects of architectural practice, from people management including community engagement, client relationships, managing teams of consultants and liaising with contractors; design skills including creative solutions to complex briefs, synthesising pragmatic factors of cost and practicality with culturally rich and aesthetically accomplished design proposals; and also practice management skills including full preparation of submissions and reports, and staff management.
Combining these valuable attributes with her design skills has allowed Miriam to be influential in developing the reputation of Susan Dugdale and Associates as a firm, and she has been integral in the practice winning a number of Institute awards.

Miriam has been involved in professional forums that contribute to the profession and to the community, including several years on the Alice Springs Town Council Public Art Advisory Committee, and currently on the NT Chapter Council. She has been proactive in supporting the professional locally – she has initiated themed activities for the annual architects Christmas get-together that are eagerly anticipated by all attending. The activities foster a positive collegiate culture and provide a professional architectural focus through low-key humorous games and presentations.

Miriam’s volunteer work covers a wide range of activities that provide benefit to the architecture profession, to the wider community, and to people in need. These include Fair Trade promotion, management and support for an ongoing local youth music groups, and participation in overseas aid including:

• EMI – a Christian based organisation that provides professional services to improve infrastructure in developing countries
• Yooralla – an Australian-based group that provides support for building and infrastructure for community-based projects in Timor L’Este.

SDA has provided pro-bono services to Yooralla over many years, with Miriam carrying out most of this work and contributing a considerable amount of her own personal time, outside her time as an employee, to fulfil the needs of a number of projects.

 

 

 

Neilson Jenkins

Qld Award Recipient: Morgan Jenkins and Lachlan Nielsen 

Practice Name: Nielsen Jenkins

Award citation: Lachlan and Morgan have been working collaboratively since 2012 and formally merged in 2017 to develop a singular vision to grow their practice together. Their work demonstrates distinction in architectural design, evident by their numerous awards.

Both Lachlan and Morgan are actively involved with the Australian Institute of Architects and support their local architectural community. They are both members of the West End Directors group, SNAP group of emerging Brisbane practices and engage regularly in peer critique, site visits and informal discussions. Their involvement with The End of the Line Festival in Woolloongabba also aims to engage the community and activate underutilised inner-city sites through music, theatre, art and food.

Their passion is evident through their teaching across many Queensland Universities, nurturing the next generation of architects. The Australian Institute of Architects recognise their contribution to the profession through their design excellence, education and their outstanding involvement with the community.

 

 

 

Alison McFadyen

SA Award Recipient: Alison McFadyen 

Practice Name: Phillips/Pilkington Architects

Award citation: The Emerging Architect Prize prompted much soul searching this year. The jury undertook a thorough re-examination of the criteria as it considered involvement in the profession outside of the workplace, especially current or immediate past involvement and the balance between portfolios which range significantly in years of experience across the definition of emerging .

After another year of tough competition, the jury congratulates Alison McFadyen as this year’s recipient of the Emerging Architect Prize. Alison McFadyen is a senior architect at Phillips/Pilkington Architects, joining the practice in 2012 and appointed Associate Architect in 2015.

Her design and project work is of an exemplary and award-winning standard and includes UniSA’s Jeffrey Smart Building, the Adelaide Oval Redevelopment and the Whitmore Square Affordable Ecohousing Project. Alison is an active member of the Australian Institute of Architects and served as Chair for the 2018 State Architecture Awards for the Residential New Jury and was a juror for Heritage and Small Projects categories in 2017 and the Sustainability category in 2016. She was also a key driver for the Institute’s One to One project.

Alison also lends her time as organiser, speaker and volunteer at a variety of initiatives such as Parlour, NAWIC, Trees for Life and a refugee childcare program illustrating her ability to represent the profession on a number of platforms. Of particular note are the number of volunteer activities undertaken which have no relationship to professional or practice development or exposure – they are simply for the good of the community.

The jury commends Alison’s leadership and advocacy work and recognises her far reaching involvement and the resounding positive impacts this has had on the profession and the community. Alison shows great potential to continue this contribution throughout her career.

 

 

 

Mat Hinds

Tas Award Recipient: Mat Hinds 

Practice Name: Taylor and Hinds Architects

Award citation: The Emerging Architect Prize recognises the outstanding contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community made by an architect within 15 years of receiving their degree. Mat Hinds has made an outstanding contribution to design excellence, education and industry leadership.

Known for rigour, attention to detail and refined beauty, Mat’s work, through his much-awarded practice Taylor and Hinds Architects, demonstrates a developed approach grounded in architectural research and process.

Mat’s contribution to the profession extends to local and international lecturing, teaching and a key role in multiple architectural forums, conferences and workshops. The extraordinary contribution of krakani lumi towards healing and reconciliation in Tasmania is as important culturally as it is architecturally. Its significance should be widely recognised, and we commend it highly.

 

 

 

Monique Woodward

Vic Award Recipient: Monique Woodward

Practice Name: WOWOWA

Award citation: Monique Woodward is awarded the 2018 Victorian Emerging Architect Prize in recognition of her significant contribution to the profession through design excellence, education and industry leadership.

Monique graduated with a Master’s in Architecture from RMIT University in 2009 and was awarded the Glenn Murcutt Student Prize. In 2011 in collaboration with Scott Woodward, Monique established Woodwoodward (now WOWOWA). The practice’s work has been widely published and has been awarded at a state and national level, with their most recent recognition winning the Silver Medal for Residential at the Melbourne Design Awards.

Monique was one of five recipients to be awarded a place on the 2015 Dulux Study Tour and since 2011 has tutored in design at RMIT and Monash University. Monique is recognised for her passionate approach and continual pursuit for quality architectural outcomes.

Monique was elected as an Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Councillor in 2016 and has since served on the Heritage Committee and is currently the co-chair for the Small Practice Forum and EmAGN. Monique’s enthusiasm and commitment to advocating for the role of architecture has seen her host two seasons of Channel 31’s “Community Designs”. This forum was used as a vehicle to advocate to local Mayors the importance of establishing a procurement panel that was diverse and would acknowledge the importance of engaging emerging architecture practices.

Monique is a much-deserved winner of the Victorian Emerging Architect Prize and we look forward to seeing her continue to excel within the industry in the years to come.

 

 

 

Katherine Ashe

WA Award Recipient: Katherine Ashe

Practice Name: vittinoAshe

Award citation: Katherine Ashe is a most deserving winner of the Emerging Architect Award for 2018. Katherine has enjoyed great success as a practicing architect, innovative educator and scholar. She is clearly excellent in all of her professional endeavors. Through her practice, vittinoAshe, Katherine is producing buildings and designs that are thoughtful, propositional and ingeniously crafted.

Katherine’s teaching and supervision is highly valued by her students and peers and she is, through her involvement in the academy and profession, a leader of her peer group and a mentor for younger and emerging architects.

Leading by example, Katherine manages to combine a broad range of contributions to architecture and also extends the reach of architecture by her work in and for community organisations. She is a progressive advocate for architecture and its role in society.

 

 

 

Policy and Advocacy Update

 

August 2018

As we strive to deliver our key priorities as part of the Institute’s Strategic Plan, we continue to prioritise our advocacy and government relations efforts, with chapter Executive Directors at the forefront of our efforts to advocate for better government decisions and policy, which recognise the importance of the profession in our built environment and position the Institute as the voice of architecture in Australia.

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

 

Compliance

The Institute has written to state and territory Building Ministers, to express support for the recently released report Building Confidence, by Professor Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir, which examined compliance systems for the building and construction industry. Having advocated for some time for changes to the building regulatory environment regarding enforcement and compliance with National Construction Code, the Institute has welcomed the findings of the report and has urged Building Ministers to implement all 24 recommendations, in collaboration with industry.

 

Cladding

The Queensland Chapter has made a submission to the Building Ministers’ Forum on the discussion paper relating to Permanent Labelling System for ACP products. The chapter argued that options one (permanently etched stamped or motif on the non-visible side of the panel), or option three (use of Covert Data as the ideal labelling options to ensure the long-term identification of ACP over the life of a building. The submission also argued that these options should be supported rather than replaced by option four (Maturation of current reviews and reforms).

Victorian Chapter representatives recently met with new Cladding Taskforce CEO Rob Spence to discuss cladding and superintendents. The chapter continues to push for improved responsibilities of architects, the registration of project managers and PI to be bound by a code of conduct, which precludes financial gain from material substitutions.

 
Apartment standards

With Victoria’s Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS) recently turning one, Victorian Chapter representatives have been meeting as part of the Better Apartments Project Reference Group. The chapter continues to advocate for involvement of a registered architect for all apartment buildings over three storeys, clamping down on inadequate building supervision, and putting an end to the practice of product substitution for short-term profits.
 

2018 Victorian election

The Victorian Chapter recently held a joint industry event with the Planning Institute and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects to open talks on collaborative efforts in support of the design and planning industries in the state. The Victorian Chapter’s pre-election platform seeks commitments from the parties in relation to four key issues:

• a strong office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA)
• improved procurement practises
• better design standards
• and more affordable housing.

Victorian Chapter President Amy Muir and Executive Director Ruth White will be meeting with the relevant parties in the next month to ascertain their position around these four focus areas.

 

Planning

The City of Melbourne has prepared Amendment C308 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme – a review of the current urban design policies that will apply to the central city and Southbank. The Victorian Chapter has been active in a number of presentations with industry bodies and the state’s membership and recently hosted a presentation, which allowed the City of Melbourne to directly discuss its thinking behind the need for the amendments. While the Victorian Chapter applauds the general intent, it has expressed concern over how the amendments are implemented and their impact on allowing for innovative design excellence. The chapter will make a formal submission in the coming weeks.

 

Affordable Housing

Following its emergency housing summit earlier this year, the Tasmanian Government introduced legislation aimed at addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing in the state. While offering broad support for measures to accelerate supply of affordable housing, the Tasmanian Chapter raised various concerns about the draft Residential Housing Supply Bill 2018, including the potential release of more greenfield sites without adequate consideration of location, running the risk of increasing social inequality. The Chapter urged the government to consider progressive solutions that do not exacerbate social problems and suggested that the government prioritise a strategic regional plan for Greater Hobart and other population growth centres, in line with a state settlement and population policy.

The ACT Chapter hosted a series of seminars on housing affordability and produced a summary of the presentations and propositions to emerge from the seminars. The document puts forward the view that ongoing commitment is needed to address the availability of well-located, good-quality, stable-tenure housing in Canberra, which can be rented or purchased by residents whose combined household income is in the lower 40 per cent of incomes. The range of housing types currently entering the market is very limited, focussing on apartments and detached housing, with little to address the middle range of housing, such as group housing, terraces, and dual occupancy blocks and innovative ways of procuring housing. This has impacts on affordability as it reduces the range of individually titled affordable housing stock where ongoing costs can be reduced.

The document contains some propositions around the following:
• location of affordable housing
• housing choices
• affordable housing quality
• planning for affordability
• tenure and security
• targeted affordability.

 

Public transport

The ACT Chapter provided a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories’ Inquiry into the Proposed Stage Two of the ACT Light Rail Project. The Chapter’s comments focussed primarily on the inquiry’s terms of reference with respect to the possible impacts on the parliamentary zone and parliamentary precincts, including consideration of heritage impacts on the values and national importance of the parliamentary zone and the national capital.

The Queensland Chapter has commended the Brisbane City Council for its commitment to delivering world-class public transport for the city’s residents and visitors through the Brisbane Metro Project. However, the Chapter has raised some concerns, saying a transparent and rigorous assessment is needed to support the reference design included in the draft report – the Chapter has offered to provide this assessment. It has also raised concerns that the draft does not include a reference point to urban design, and that aspects do not protect and enhance the public realm.

Welcome Michael Linke

When it comes to building successful and engaged member organisations, Michael Linke has a four-word mantra – personal, practical, relevant and responsive.

With these guiding principles, as well as a wealth of experience, Mr Linke has been appointed Australian Institute of Architects’ General Manager – Membership Services and Commercial Business Development. He will be responsible for delivering effective membership services and cultivating strategic revenue growth through promoting national partnerships, events, awards and prizes.

‘I believe the Institute has a really great story to tell, is ready to grow and can be a great champion for innovation,’ Mr Linke said.

‘I see our role as being thought leaders as Australia continues to grow and evolve – we can play a major role in shaping that future.’

Mr Linke joined the Institute on July 23 after a successful tenure as Executive General Manager at the Institute of Public Accountants, where he implemented and oversaw an extensive corporate transformation. This followed 15 years in the UK and the US, where he worked in investment banking and finance for Deloitte and JP Morgan.

‘People join member organisations because they want a sense of belonging and that is at the heart of everything I do,’ Mr Linke said.

‘The members always come first – they aren’t numbers, they’re people, and I want to know the issues keeping them awake at night. I believe effective and open communication is central to success.’

At the Institute of Public Accountants Mr Linke drove change by ensuring members were contacted regularly and asked about factors impacting them and their business, which in turn drove policy decisions. Mr Linke said this type of engagement empowered members, fostered transparency and a sense of ownership, and led to honest, authentic and productive relationships. Building strong ties with industry partners and sponsors was also central to his role, a value-add for members by allowing them to collaborate closely with corporate partners, as well as diversifying revenue stream.

‘I’m excited to join the Australian Institute of Architects and can’t wait to work with members for members,’ he said.

‘My aim is to foster a real sense of belonging and to make sure our members get access to great deals and services and have the opportunity to collaborate with our corporate partners.’

‘Members need to know our door is always open, so don’t be afraid to speak up.’

From the National President

Clare Cousins

 

23 July 2018

International Chapter Architecture Awards
On Friday night, we had the final chapter awards ceremony and I was honoured to be able to join our international members at their celebration in Singapore which was officiated by Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, Bruce Gosper. I would like to again congratulate all the winners from around the country and abroad on the fantastic work accomplished. You can read all about the winners for each chapter here.

The evening also celebrated Dr Liu Thai Ker who was awarded the William J Mitchell International Prize for his exemplary work in urban design and public housing. Considered the ‘architect of modern Singapore’, Dr Liu has remarkably co-delivered 500,000 affordable housing units throughout his career.

Alongside the awards, I joined the International Chapter’s annual two-day face-to-face meeting, providing a great opportunity to discuss with the committee the Institute’s international engagement strategy and seek their input on various membership projects we are currently undertaking. It was a notable occasion as this was the first time that International Chapter has met as an official chapter of the Institute.

International Chapter Council (L to R): Vui Choong (HKG), Annelise Tiller (UAE), Paul Logsdon (UAE – Chair), Grant Marani (USA), Bob Nation (HKG/AUS), Janine Campbell (UK), Hank Koning (USA), Justin Hill (SG), National President Clare Cousins, Fiona Nixon (SG), David Teh (MYS).

 

Building regulation – the Shergold-Weir Report
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy in London we ramped up our longstanding calls for better regulation, compliance and enforcement in Australia’s building industry.

We have been the leading advocates across industry for changes that will better protect public safety and address the many challenges that have arisen over the years when architects’ expertise is not properly recognised and compliance by other building practitioners with the National Construction Code (NCC) is poor.

Our advocacy shaped a very important Senate Committee report and we are continuing our efforts on this critically important issue.

That’s why we welcomed the Shergold-Weir report on compliance systems for the building and construction industry presented to the Building Ministers’ Forum, comprising the relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers with responsibility for the NCC, in April this year. Their report, Building Confidence includes 24 recommendations, all of which the Institute supports.

We are developing a submission in response to the report that goes into further detail around each recommendation including, for example, reiterating our staunch support for recommendation 2 which would prescribe consistent requirements for the registration of building practitioners.

The Shergold-Weir report is a comprehensive, independent assessment of the industry that further validates the many concerns we have raised over a long period and the implications on consumer safety.

Ahead of the next forum on 10 August, we will be calling on the Building Ministers to implement the recommendations, in collaboration with industry, without delay. There are some recommendations that we would like to see refined or altered, particularly the classification of architects by building type (ie domestic or commercial) as part of the registration of building practitioners however, the overall benefit of implementing a registration/licensing mandate necessitates urgency in getting the wheels in motion while these details are resolved.

Stay tuned for a copy of our submission which we will be sharing with members in coming weeks.

 

Venice Biennale
Finally, for those that haven’t been able to experience firsthand Australia’s exhibition at the 2018 Venice Biennale (there’s still time, it’s on until 25 Nov) you can view the video of the official opening and tour of the installation here.

 

Clare Cousins
National President

Winners of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2018 International Chapter Awards announced

The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the winners of the 2018 International Chapter Architecture Awards at a special ceremony officiated by Australian High Commissioner to Singapore Bruce Gosper on Friday 20 July.

The Awards recognise projects located beyond Australia’s borders by members of the Australian Institute of Architects. From a field of 17 entries, the jury honoured six projects sited across Asia and the Pacific, including three in Singapore.

School-in-a-Box by Stephen Collier Architects was ‘the standout project’ for the jury, taking out the Award for Small Project Architecture.

‘The architects have responded to the challenges of the Papua New Guinea environment by creating an easily transportable pod or box, the contents of which create a pop-up school. Responding to the needs of people who have very little, the box includes a tent for shelter that allows for rainwater to be collected, solar panels to power laptops and a printer and plywood joinery for sitting and working.

‘The school in a box is an exemplar of how simple, thoughtful and useful design can positively influence communities and the environment, and have an influence way beyond an intended purpose,’ the jury said.

GreenhilLi’s New Wings at The Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore received the Award for Public Architecture with the jury noting the relationship of the new works to the existing building.

‘The success of the elegant new architecture, with its soft metallic sheen, airy volumes and crisp titanium detailing, lies in its distinctive yet productive cooperation with the materiality, form and use history of its heritage partner. Notably no part of the heritage building has been erased or obscured, rather it provides a counterpoise to the new.’

BVN’s redevelopment of the Australian Embassy Bangkok won the Award for Interior Architecture with the jury lauding its ‘refined and evocative interior’ along with its connection to Australia’s landscape.

‘From the red sand of the desert to the cities along the coastal fringe, the Australian landscape forms an intrinsic part of our national identity. This connection between land and culture provides the conceptual framework for the Australian Embassy in Bangkok, creating a distinctively Australian space within an urban Thai setting.

The Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) was presented to House 412 by Pulina Ponnamperuma + Robust Architecture Workshop. This home in Colombo, Sri Lanka which ‘positively contributes to the life of the street’ has also revealed ‘the potential for architecture to positively contribute to the social and economic development of a community’.

‘By being “technologically robust” and pushing for the visible and considered craft of various trades, the building is allowed to act as both a teaching ground and a positive example of technique thereby helping build capacity and understanding of what is possible in the local workforce,’ the jury said.

The four awarded projects are now in the running for the Jørn Utzon Award for International Architecture at the National Architecture Awards to be announced in Melbourne on 1 November 2018.

In addition to the four awards, the jury bestowed two commendations. One for Commercial Architecture to Kampung Admiralty by WOHA and one for Small Project Architecture which went to Bayshore Park Underpass also by GreenhilLi Architecture + Design.

At the ceremony, renowned Singaporean architect Dr Liu Thai Ker was presented with the 2018 William J Mitchell International Chapter Prize, awarded earlier in the year in recognition of significant contribution by an Australia-linked practitioner to architecture globally.

Considered the ‘architect of modern Singapore’, Dr Liu was born in Malaysia, but grew up and practises in Singapore ‘where he was influential in the conceptualisation and implementation of the urban structure and landscape the city-state’. He received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of New South Wales in 1962 and was later awarded an honorary Doctorate (1995) from UNSW.

‘In the last 25 years, Dr Liu has served as a planning advisor for many municipal governments in China, and master planned more than 30 cities worldwide. His approach is “scientific” with an emphasis on evidence-based provisioning of basic amenities, transport and accommodation but an aspiration to thus enable intellectual and cultural life,’ the prize jury said.

Full list of winners:

Commercial Architecture
Commendation – Kampung Admiralty by WOHA (Singapore)

Interior Architecture
Award – Australian Embassy Bangkok by BVN (Thailand)

Public Architecture
Award – New Wings at The Asian Civilisations Museum by GreenhilLi (Singapore)

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Award – House 412 by Pulina Ponnamperuma + Robust Architecture Workshop (Sri Lanka)

Small Project Architecture
Award – School-in-a-Box by Stephen Collier Architects (Papua New Guinea)
Commendation – Bayshore Park Underpass by GreenhilLi (Singapore)

William J Mitchell International Chapter Prize
Dr Liu Thai Ker FRAIA – Morrow (Singapore)

 

From the Chief Executive Officer

 

Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Cunich. Photo by Kelly Chen
 

July 9, 2018

Chapter Architecture Awards

The past month has been a veritable celebration of the impact of great design on our communities and the incredible achievements of our members across all scales of architecture. With the exception of the International Chapter Architecture Awards which are being held on 20 July, our state and territory Architecture Awards have taken place around the country with successful events bringing members and guests together for memorable nights of festivity. I was lucky to have been able to join many of you as you toasted with colleagues and peers.

Congratulations to all individuals involved in the recognised projects and indeed to all entrants and clients for their commitment to pursuing design excellence. I would also like to thank the many Institute staff and members who dedicated their time and expertise as jurors, without their tireless efforts our Awards would not be so successful and highly regarded. The rigour of our thorough peer-review program, the largest in the southern hemisphere, is well acknowledged within design spheres and the broader audience, resulting in a high level of interest by local and national media, including the Australian Financial Review.

With the Chapter Awards program nearing completion, our national jury will shortly be reviewing the Chapter Award and Named Award winning projects for consideration for national honours. This year, Immediate Past President Richard Kirk (Chair) will be joined on the jury by Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner, award-winning emerging practitioner Charles Wright, award-winning architect Kevin O’Brien, and editor of Houses Katelin Butler. I am sure there will be many insightful and impassioned discussions as they travel the country in search of the best of the best.

 

Banking Survey

Late last month members received information regarding lending conditions imposed by banks specifically in relation to ABIC or Australian Standards contracts. In conjunction with ArchiTeam and the ACA, the Institute distributed a survey asking for your experiences to assist us in representing the profession at the Banking Royal Commission. Thank you to all those who took the time to respond to the survey. We are currently reviewing all your contributions and preparing our submission to the Commission. We look forward to providing further updates shortly.

 

Member Review

Strong member engagement and loyalty is a key priority for the Institute and one of our 2020 outcomes as outlined in our Institute Strategy 2018-2020. To achieve this goal, we have commenced a redevelopment of our membership structure to better support members throughout all stages of their careers.

Significant work has already been undertaken this year by the Institute team, in consultation with National Council, including a comprehensive review and audit of the current structure and membership data; comparative discussions with peer organisations in Australia and abroad; internal workshops and preparation of initial proposals for preliminary stakeholder review.

The next stage involves consultation with your elected Chapter Councillors, a process which is already underway, and will extend to further stakeholder groups including SONA, EmAGN and relevant committees in due course. The valuable feedback provided through these consultations will inform the consolidated and revised proposal that will be submitted to National Council later in the year. This is a wide-ranging review informed by thorough analysis of data and member experience that will provide tangible benefits for current and future members.

 

AIA Convention

During the recent AIA Convention in New York, I had the opportunity to meet with the CEOs and staff from the AIA, RIBA and RAIC. While both reassuring and troubling at the same time, the challenges all four institutes face are similar. Our meeting highlighted that at some level we are all working on issues of procurement, fees, contracts, advocating the value of architects, diversity and inclusion among others. RIBA has an advanced International Strategy and the RAIC is further advancing their work with Canada’s indigenous community and I am confident that we can learn valuable lessons from their programs. We have a robust commitment to share information and data on matters ranging from energy efficiency to public outreach campaigns.

National President Clare Cousins and I also attended a roundtable workshop with Presidents and CEOs from around the world. Topics discussed included energy and carbon, diversity, equity and inclusion, advocacy, design and health, partnerships and resilience, and materials. It was a most informative session and while sometimes we in Australia may feel that we are a smaller player in the global environment, I am encouraged that Australia is leading the way in many areas impacting the design, planning, and building of our communities.

 

Gold Medal Tour

Finally, the 2018 Gold Medal Tour featuring Alec Tzannes AM LFRAIA, and supported by our Corporate Partner BlueScope, will commence in August. Make sure you keep an eye out for event dates in your state or territory.

 

Jennifer Cunich
Chief Executive Officer

Next generation of architects big winners at Tas awards

Several of the state’s up and coming practices have dominated the 2018 Tasmanian Architecture Awards. This year’s winners were announced at a ceremony at Westland Nurseries in Seven Mile Beach, with 21 awards and commendations handed out from a record 43 entries, featuring everything from public amenities and office fit-outs to new and adapted housing and bold and innovative tourist attractions and accommodation.

The big winners were some of the next generation architect practices, with three Hobart-based firms – Preston Lane, Taylor and Hinds Architects and Maguire + Devine Architects – taking home 11 awards between them.

Preston Lane scooped five awards, including three pinnacle named awards – the Alan C Walker Award for Public Architecture for the Kangaroo Bay Pavilion, the Edith Emery Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) for Mawhera Extension and the Alexander North Award for Interior Architecture for 105 Macquarie Street Apartments. The practice also won an Award for Small Project Architecture for the Kangaroo Bay Pavilion and an Award for Interior Architecture for Jakadjari Hair.

Taylor and Hinds Architects’ work with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania won three named awards – the Roy Sharrington Smith Award for Heritage for luwa, and the Colin Philp Award for Commercial Architecture and the Peter Willmott Award for Small Project Architecture for the wukalina walk standing camp, krakani lumi. Taylor and Hinds also won the prestigious James Blackburn Triennial Prize for the best residential architecture of the past three years, for their Lagoon House, and the practice’s co-director Mat Hinds won the 2018 Emerging Architect Prize.

Maguire and Devine also had a big night, with their Bruny Island Hideaway taking home three named awards – The Esmond Dorney Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New), The Barry McNeill Award for Sustainable Architecture and the COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture.

Other award winners included Circa Morris-Nunn Architects, which won an Award for Commercial Architecture for Hobart’s new waterfront hotel, Mac 01, Gilby + Brewin Architecture, which won an Award for Small Project Architecture for the Triabunna Gatehouse, and STUART TANNER ARCHITECTS, which took home an Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) for Elms House.

The Award for Enduring Architecture went to the Friendly Beaches Lodge by Latona Masterman and Associates and Kwan Chak Law was awarded the SWT Blythe Student Prize for his project Sports Training and Research Centre.

The awards jury chair, Todd Henderson, described the 2018 entrants and winners as reflecting the quality Tasmanian architects bring to their craft and the exciting possibilities ahead as the state’s fledgling practices come into their own.

“The body of work presented at this year’s awards shows the depth and breadth of our young talent – it is innovative and bold, often completed on a modest budget with resourceful solutions and beautiful results. Our architects have the ability to create iconic Tasmanian architecture that sits comfortably in its context and their contribution to our built environment and tourism industry is invaluable.”

Award winners are included in a special lift-out in the Sunday Tasmanian on Sunday 8 July and all entries are on show at Hobart’s Brooke Street Pier until 19 July. Tasmanians are invited to vote for their favourite project in the annual people’s choice prize at the exhibition or online at wp.architecture.com.au/tasawards.

Full list of winners:

Commercial Architecture
The Colin Philp Award – krakani lumi by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania
Award – MAC 01 by Circa Morris-Nunn Architects
Commendation – Shorehouse Addition by JAWS Architects

Educational Architecture
Commendation – Helix – Scotch Oakburn College by birelli art+design+architecture

Heritage
The Roy Sharrington Smith Award – luwa by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania

Interior Architecture
The Alexander North Award – 105 Macquarie Street Apartments by Preston Lane
Award – Jakadjari Hair by Preston Lane
Commendation – Kingston Beach Dental by BYA Architects

Public Architecture
The Alan C Walker Award – Kangaroo Bay Pavilion by Preston Lane
Commendation – Port Arthur Visitor Centre by Rosevear Stephenson

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
The Edith Emery Award – Mawhera Extension by Preston Lane
Commendation – Willisdene House by Archier

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
The Esmond Dorney Award – Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects
Award – Elms House by STUART TANNER ARCHITECTS

Small Project Architecture
The Peter Willmott Award – krakani lumi by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania
Award – Kangaroo Bay Pavilion by Preston Lane
Award – Triabunna Gatehouse by Gilby + Brewin Architecture

Sustainable Architecture
The Barry McNeill Award – Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects

Urban Design
Commendation – University of Tasmania City Apartments by TERROIR and Fender Katsalidis, in association

Enduring Architecture
Award – Friendly Beaches Lodge by Latona Masterman and Associates

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects

Chapter Prizes
The James Blackburn Triennial Prize – Lagoon House by Taylor and Hinds Architects
President’s Prize – Leigh Woolley
Emerging Architect Prize – Mat Hinds
SWT Blythe Student Prize – Sports Training and Research Centre by Kwan Chak Law

2018 Chapter Architecture Awards

Congratulations to all winners in the 2018 Chapter Architecture Awards. Named Award and Award winners will now go into the running to be shortlisted for the National Architecture Awards to be held in Melbourne in November.

Learn more about the list of awarded projects via the media releases for each Chapter below: 

ACT

International

NSW

NT

QLD

SA 

Tas

Vic

WA