Festival Season

The Design Canberra Festival is upon us and it’s another big one for the ACT Chapter. We have numerous events occurring throughout the next three weeks, and I encourage you to attend as many as you can. Visit designcanberrafestival.com.au/events/ to see what’s on offer.

This is our biggest opportunity to illustrate the value of good design to the community and advocate for the use of architects in the shaping of this city. Many thanks to everyone involved in rolling out the programs, including Sheila Hughes, Shannon Battisson, Jack Shimada, Evan Williamson, Yuri Leong Maish, Catherine Townsend, Michael Jasper, Tony Trobe, and Aarthi Ayyar-Biddle.

National Awards

The ACT Chapter was delighted to host the 2017 National Architecture Awards at Albert Hall on Thursday 2^nd November. It was a terrific event, although I admit a tad cold at the outdoor after party. And the ACT winners were:

Commercial Architecture: National Award – Willinga Park by Cox Architecture, National Commendation – NewActon Nishi by Fender Katsalidis Architects

Heritage: National Commendation – Embassy of Sweden by Guida Moseley Brown Architects

Interior Architecture: National Commendation – Canberra Airport – International by Guida Moseley Brown Architects

For more information, go to: wp.architecture.com.au/awards-2017/winners/

National Council

I attended my last National Council meeting last week. It has been an honour to represent the ACT at the national table and contribute to discussions on the future of our institute. I’m sure that they are probably relieved to see the departure of the raging redhead with youthful perspectives!

You will be aware that we have been going through a large restructure of the organisation, and it was clear from the last meeting that we have pushed through the administrative elements and can now focus on delivering tangible improvements for our members. Our new governance structure and strategic plan will enable us to rebrand our Institute with confidence and, with support from our national committees (Policy, Practice, Gender Equity, and Education) and numerous taskforce’s, we can now target key areas of Advocacy, Education, and Membership support to strengthen our industry and the people within it. Look out for a new digital media platform by the end of 2018!

In my last meeting I presented a paper on, and discussed the importance of, engaging with students, graduates, and emerging architects, as they are the future of our institute. I have full confidence that the incoming National President, Clare Cousins, and the current National EmAGN President, Ksenia Totoeva, will continue to support my campaign and drive changes to assist this important demographic.

Elections

Expressions of interest for the Chapter President position and Chapter Councillor positions are now open. Feel free to contact me if you are considering these roles. I have plenty of positive stories to share.  Note: Nominations close on 17^th November 2017.

Within the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct, we state that members ‘must not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, disability, marital status, or gender’ and that members ‘conduct themselves in a manner that respects the legitimate rights and interests of others’. I encourage you to engage respectfully and inclusively in the debate.

In reading this message, some of you may question why the ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects is getting involved. My answer is simple. The Institute is a strong supporter of diversity, inclusiveness and the right for all members and employees to equality. It is essential we deliver a message that discrimination is not tolerated within our industry, and that we care about the health and wellbeing of our architectural community.

I believe that an equitable society, free of discrimination, allows all employees to function at their best. A happy workforce is a productive one. All LGBTI employees deserve to live and work, free of prejudice and discrimination, and with all the essential freedoms enjoyed by other members of the workplace.

As President of the ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects I wish to express my personal and professional support for marriage equality in Australia. I have received support from the ACT Chapter Council to advocate on behalf of our members for marriage equality. I have written to National Council and asked that they join over two thousand other organisations and publicly support the ‘Yes’ campaign, as an act of solidarity. And as a symbolic act, I have erected the rainbow flag at the ACT Chapter in Mugga Way.

As President, and as a friend, I am here to support all LGBTI members of our Chapter, of which there are many, through this difficult process, and into the future. I encourage other members to do the same.

Love is love.

Hello members! Thank you for choosing to read this message. As a result, you’ve gone into the draw to WIN A NEW CAR. I’m joking, but it got your attention right? Please keep reading……

Inquiry into Housing

The ACT government’s inquiry into housing is underway and there is an opportunity for the public to get involved. Refer to the below link. Submissions are due on 31st October 2017.

The ACT Chapter will be providing a submission on behalf of members and we ask that you contact us if you would like to assist. We are currently organising meetings with each MLA on the standing committee to talk through our position. Our key agenda is to promote affordability, diversity, and design excellence.

https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/in-committees/standing-committees-current-assembly/standing-committee-on-planning-and-urban-renewal/inquiry-into-housing

The ACT government has also released a discussion paper called “Towards a New Housing Strategy”. Refer to the below link. Again, you can help by filling in the survey.

https://www.yoursay.act.gov.au/affordablehousing

ACT Chapter Housing Taskforce

The Housing Taskforce has been busy putting together information on exemplar projects that address diversity and affordability in housing through design. This document will be launched in conjunction with the ACT government’s Housing Summit on 17th October 2017.

Design CBR Festival 2017

We recently held our first workshop to organise events for this year’s Design CBR Festival in November 2017. There is a great list of things planned to both celebrate architecture and advocate for the use of local architects in the city building process. Keep an eye out for more details and please assist where possible. This is our greatest opportunity to interact with the public and support the growing design culture of this great city.

Thanks, Rob

14 August 2017

Design Canberra Festival 2017

 Held in the month of November, the Design Canberra Festival is our greatest opportunity to showcase talented of local architects, exemplar architectural outcomes, and the important role architecture plays in community building.

This year we would like to start early and design a thoughtful series of events that capture who we are and what we can offer. We need your support to do this. We need your ideas.

Chapter Council have listed the following ideas as a starting point:

• Urban Planning and Housing Diversity Forum
• ACT Awards Bus Tour – 2017 winners
• ACT Awards Exhibition – 2017 awards entries
• Sustainable Living Tour – self guided tours of houses
• Open Architects Offices – a coordinated approach to public visitation of offices
• Music and Architecture – a collaboration with the school of music and embassies
• Sketchy Tuesdays – sessions on drawing architecture

We ask that you consider how you, or your office, can assist in the process. Just a couple of hours of your time will make it easier for the Institute to deliver on our mission to “make the world a better place through architecture”.

If you are interested in helping, please get in contact with the Chapter Office on 6208 2100 or act@architecture.com.au

A small reminder that the National Conference is on in Sydney on the 4-6 May. It’s a great opportunity to secure all the CPD points you need for the year! I hope to see you there. 

Rob Henry
ACT Chapter President

I hope that most of you have seen the exciting new program that our EmAGN team have been working on – The ACT Mentoring Program.

We’ve done things a bit differently this time round and the program is open to all members (other than students).

So what is it?

Mentoring complements training at university and experience in the workplace, offering perspective on the broader industry and a greater understanding of the culture in which architecture takes place. The program pairs architects and graduates at different points in their career to provide support and guidance, in a setting that cultivates ideas and aspirations. Feedback shows that mentors often gain as much insight from the process as the mentees, and we encourage participation from a range of backgrounds and positions. Mentoring is an rewarding process that is valuable at any stage in your career. 

The program is open to graduates of the Master of Architecture program or Registered Architects, all of whom must be current members of the Australian Institute of Architects. I have signed up as both a mentor and mentee and I hope you will too. Applications have been extended and closes COB Wednesday 19 April 2017. For further information on the benefits of the program, please contact the ACT Chapter.

Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President

Design Canberra is in full swing with many exciting events being delivered by our members over the month of November. The ACT Chapter is opening its Mugga Way doors to the public as part of the ‘Living Room’ exhibition series. Artist Estelle Briedis will showcase a series of hand screened printed textiles in our living room space for the public to view. Go to the Design Canberra website for further details. http://designcanberrafestival.com.au/

Last weekend we had a very successful ‘House and Garden’ bus tour where several architecturally designed houses with gardens designed by Harris Hobbes Landscape Architects were opened to the public. Many thanks to Pedro, Philip and Tony for sharing your stunning projects with us. Please support the upcoming tours which will showcase work of our International Architects and Emerging Architects.

With the ACT election wrapped up and the new line-up of ministers back at work, we will be continuing to advocate for improved tendering processes and the use of local architects for publicly funded projects in the ACT. One of the more exciting commitments during the election campaign was from the Green’s party whom wish to establish a Nightingale project here in the ACT. I hope to meet with Shane Rattenbury soon to discuss how the ACT Chapter can support this initiative.

The Gender Equity Taskforce (GET), currently led by Sander de Vries and Sarah Herbert, recently presented to the Small Practice Group a series of initiatives that are aimed at improving equity and diversity within practice. Please take the time to read their article and think about how you can deliver some of the initiatives in your workplace.

If you haven’t done so already, please pencil in the ACT Chapter Xmas party on Thursday 15 December.

Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President

ACT Chapter President’s Message – September 2016

ACT Procurement and Capital Works (PCW) have formally responded to our recent submission regarding current ACT government tendering processes. They have acknowledged our concerns and are showing a willingness to implement changes after further consultation with the industry. In the coming weeks we will be meeting with PCW and our joint signatories of the submission (MBA, AILA, Engineers Australia, and AIB) to reiterate our concerns and suggest changes that will deliver a model that is ethical and will produce better built outcomes.

Planning Minister Mick Gentleman made the announcement recently that the next ACT Government Architect will be Catherine Townsend. “Catherine brings a wealth of local expertise in roles such as the Director of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, Chair of ACT Board of Architects, and as a member of the Building Regulatory Advisory Committee, as well as being recognised as a highly competent architect.” Minister Gentleman said. Naturally the ACT Chapter is delighted and fully supportive of Catherine’s appointment and look forward to assisting her in the role. I am confident she will continue on with the legacy left by Alastair Swayn, whom will be remembered by all as strong advocate for design quality, city planning and education. Alastair was warmly remembered this last week with a memorial service at his NATSEM building that concluded with scotch shots for the hundreds of attendees.

In recent meetings with the Planning Minister we have discussed possible changes to the role of the Government Architect and also the implementation of changes to the planning approvals process. The Minister has spent time visiting South Australia and discussing the planning process in Adelaide with their Government Architect, Kirsteen Mackay, and is supportive of adopting a similar system. Catherine’s workload might end up being more than she thinks!

Other recent events hosted by the ACT Chapter recently include a tour of the Snowy Hydro facility to learn about the thermal and construction benefits of our sponsor Ritek’s SIP’s products, a record attendance at the Small Practice Group presentation by our Planning Committee, and the first of the Contemporary Australian Architecture Speaker Series talks by James Russell. Needless to say I am exhausted by all the great events our chapter fits into one month and I thank the support of our chapter staff and members in pulling it all together.

 
Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President

It is with great sadness that I write to you about another great loss from our community. Alastair Swayn was an incredible character whom inspired many of us to remain passionate about architecture and our city’s future. Our thoughts go out to those many individuals that were close to him, particularly the team at DJAS.

Solar House Day was recently held with a lecture at the Shine Dome and two bus tours on consecutive weekends. The event is a great opportunity to promote the value of architects to the public, and our Sustainability Committee excelled in this mission in 2016. The bus tours were a sell-out, with larger buses having to be ordered, and it was delightful to see well over 100 members of the public learning from our members about the various ways to tackle solar design. Whilst there were several key individuals involved, a special thank you goes to Yuri Leong for pulling it all together.

Design Canberra is fast approaching and we are energised by the opportunities the new management are offering. We have committed to a series of architectural tours, a series of art in architecture installations, and a series of pop-up image based exhibitions. I see this as our best opportunity to illustrate that Canberra architects are leaders in design excellence. Please let us know if you would like to be involved. There are a few opportunities for your work to get exposure. Consider it as a free marketing opportunity! And if you snooze, you lose.

The ACT Chapter Council are reviewing our committees and workgroups, the programs they run, and what they should be doing in the future in regards to advocacy, education, and membership. The reality is that with declining participation we may not be able to keep rolling out the excellent events we have done in the past. The review will also include discussion on what committees are desirable at the national level. Feel free to send your comments and suggestions in to act@architecture.com.au . We look forward to hearing from you.

Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President

ACT Chapter President’s Message – July 2016

How good was the ACT Architecture Awards night this year! Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to the juries and the ACT Chapter staff for all of their efforts. Look out for the beautiful origami ‘creature of the night’ at future events throughout the year. If you have some feedback on the awards night, please send it through to act@architecture.com.au

We recently hosted an important meeting with ACT Procurement and Capital Works at Mugga Way. A robust and constructive discussion around the current methods of engaging architects will be developed into a paper that the Chapter can use to advocate for a more ethical procurement system. With support from our members and our industry partners, we hope to make this a key issue in the upcoming election.

Volunteers needed – To build on the significant work that the Chapter has been doing in advocacy, education and community engagement, we need your help. There are so many opportunities for you to get involved, and many of these require very little time and can be a once off commitment. If you can spare the occasional hour, please get in contact with me at actpresident@architecture.com.au and I’ll provide you with a list of opportunities.

Keep warm as the snowflakes dust our beautiful city’s hilltops.

Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President

Start practicing your dance moves because the awards night is here this weekend. With over 250 people attending, this event is a great opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate our people and our projects. It’s also a good chance to network with our industry partners.

Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration……

We hosted our first collaborative event with Engineers Australia last week. The 70+ people that attended left with knowledge on how the 3D printing world is likely to revolutionise our industry and our world. Whilst 3D printed materials that have the ability to heal themselves sounds like futuristic talk, it exists today. Incredibly we were informed that the United Arab Emirates have committed to having 25% of all their new buildings constructed using 3D printing by 2030. Bridges are being constructed on site and over water in northern Europe using 3D printed concrete. I will be talking with National Council at our July meeting about how we can assist in preparing architects for this extraordinary change in the construction industry.

We have been in discussions with AILA about some combined events as part of the Design Canberra festival and as fringe events to their national Landscape Architecture Festival later this year. A series of bus tours will be on offer as well as some talks, and possibly even a great debate between architects and landscape architects.

We met with ACT Government Procurement and Capital Works to discuss their upcoming industry forum on project procurement and contracts. We provided them with some feedback, tabled by our Practice committee and other interested parties, and discussed issues including appropriate remuneration for services and the value of using local architects. They were supportive of setting up monthly or bi-monthly meetings with the AIA and will also provide us with a draft of their industry forum content for our review and comment prior to the July forum. On the whole, it was a positive meeting that paved the way for future collaboration.

Don’t forget to by your CAASS tickets as they sell out quickly.

See you at the awards!

Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President