08 April 2019

^{Image: Jonathon Wherrett}

As many of you know its awards season again. The Australian Institute of Architects Tasmanian chapter kicked off with Presentations to the Jury on Saturday 23rd March. 

For those of you that didn’t attend it was a great day with 40 entries spread across 9 categories. The level of effort in undertaking the presentations was outstanding and the near record number of quality entries reflects the healthy state of our profession in Tasmania. 

The awards are a significant part of the Institute’s work each year. On a national level, the Institute’s Awards Program is important in that it is the chief opportunity for public and peer recognition of the innovative work of our members, and it provides the Institute generally with a valuable platform to promote architects and architecture across Australia and internationally.

As those involved with the awards know, the Australian Architecture Awards are a hierarchical process.  Starting in some states at a regional level, working through to chapter and state level and then to a National Awards program. 

So for us, the Presentations to the Jury represent each of our local practices first steps in this process, and for many of the projects presented it is the first time they will be shown publicly.   

The awards are the main opportunity we have to celebrate the work of our peers and our state and they present an opportunity for our community to engage with the great projects our profession is undertaking.

Thank you to all entrants who submitted an entry into the Institutes Awards program, as well as the jury – Megan Baynes, Felicity Bott, Neal Mackintosh, Shelley Penn & Martin Simpson.  Thank you to the chapter staff Jennifer, Fiona, Katie, Pip and Lara as well as our Awards Taskforce – David Button, Rachel Englund, Neal Mackintosh, Craig Rosevear, Matt Sansom, Bek Verrier and Fred Ward for all the work done organising the awards program so far.

To those not participating in the awards as entrants please come along to the upcoming awards functions and support your peers, the profession, Tasmanian architecture and great design. 

Shamus Mulcahy RAIA
President, Tasmanian Chapter,
Australian Institute of Architects

25 March 2019

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

I had the pleasure of watching the Tasmania Architecture Awards presentations to the jury on Saturday.  It was wonderful to see such a diverse range of projects with 40 entries over nine categories, along with seeing newcomers enter the awards. As Shamus Mulcahy aptly noted on the weekend, “the Institute’s Awards Program is important in that it is the chief opportunity for public and peer recognition of the innovative work of our members, and it provides the Institute generally with a valuable platform to promote architects and architecture across Australia.” It is always great to take part and support our fellow peers and I encourage everyone to get involved in promoting architecture in Tasmania on social media through sharing this year’s entrants with the wider community.  We will release further details in the coming weeks.

Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects

18 March 2019

^{Image: Jonathon Wherrett}

A notable architect and ex-president of the NSW Chapter of the Institute once remarked that ‘gender equity was the issue of our time’. 

As the celebrations around International Women’s Day subside, it is important to reflect on what this means for our profession. Despite increasing numbers of women in the workforce, inequality remains:

• women represent 50.8% of the general population but only 31% of the architectural workforce;
• from the ages of 25-40 the number of men in the profession remains stable whilst the numbers on women decrease by 50% – there are many reasons for this, however the most sobering static is that the next decade 40-50 age group: instead of bottoming out, this trend continues reducing by another 50%;
• more than 77% of women are employees rather than owners;
• the gender pay gap persists generally across the board, however, the 25–29 age group has near equal numbers of women and men participating with similar levels of experience and yet a gender pay gap of 5.2% exists.

The Institute’s National Gender Equity Policy recognises that, ‘many systemic, often unintended and largely invisible effects continue to impact on the participation and progression of women within the Australian workforce, and specifically within the architecture profession.’

Over the last 15 years statistics suggest that there have been some incremental improvements.

The Parlour Census Report 2001–2016: Women in Architecture in Australia maps comparative statistics from 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 and despite the inequity, there has been incremental improvement over each census period:

• women are increasing their proportion of the architectural workforce, and are increasingly owners of architectural practices;
• the proportion of women becoming registered is closer to their graduation rate;
• from 2011 to 2016 there was equitable attrition of men and women from architecture for those aged over forty;
• while a long-hour culture is still prevalent in the architecture profession, particularly for men, there has been an easing off in recorded working hours since the 2001 census.

You can read the report here.

However, we still have a long way to go to achieve equity. So, what can we do?

• call out unacceptable behaviour and support those around you who do also;
• remove the pay gap;
• create flexible workplaces supporting each employee’s diverse situation;
• reduce the propensity for long hours and provide flexibility and opportunities for part time work;
• make work meaningful for all whether full time or part time;
• provide mentoring and support for women towards registration and into leadership positions;
• provide opportunities and pathways for career progression for all;
• get involved with your local Institute Chapter Committee for Gender Equity;
• apply the Insitute’s Gender Equity Policy to your practice;
• nominate a practitioner for the Paula Whitman-Leadership in Gender Equity Prize;
• offer the Institute’s Parental Leave – Special Circumstances Membership to employers on parental leave;
• get involved with Male Champions for Change;
• support the Findlay Project locally.

The Institute has a National Committee for Gender Equity if you would like to learn more about this issue. Start by checking out the Institute’s National Committee for Gender Equity web page and read the Institute’s Gender Equity Policy as well as some of the other interesting articles and links.

http://www.architecture.com.au/councils-committees/national/national-committee-for-gender-equity

Also, try Parlour. Parlour is an Australian resource for research, informed opinion on women, equity and architecture.

https://archiparlour.org

Here in the Tasmanian Chapter of the Institute, we are proud to have an equitable and diverse representation of voices on Chapter Council.

Genevieve Lilley is the Tasmanian Representative on the National Committee for Gender Equity. If anyone has any queries about this committee or the work that they are doing, please ask Genevieve. For anyone interested in being a part of this committee, keep an eye on the e-news over the next few weeks and when this vacancy is advertised, I encourage you to make an application.

Shamus Mulcahy RAIA
President, Tasmanian Chapter,
Australian Institute of Architects

12 February 2019

^{Image: Jonathon Wherrett}

I am very honoured to be Chapter President and I am excited by the opportunities that lie ahead over the next few years. I look forward to doing my best to promote The Institute and to support you, our members.

The Institute’s three-year strategy focuses on education, advocacy, and practice.  These platforms each offer unique opportunities to advance The Institute and the interests of our members, with the overall goal of improving the quality and sustainability of our built environment. Yes, there will be challenges and plenty of elbow grease required, but with passion, collaboration and participation anything is possible, and we can make the most of the diverse opportunities available to us in our wonderful state.

Over the last few months I’ve been gradually transitioning into my new role as Chapter President, and last week Yvette, Jennifer and I met with the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Anna Reynolds, to touch base and to discuss our shared vision for the city. For me, the coming weeks entail meeting with chapter councillors individually, attending committee meetings and participating in my first National Council meeting in Canberra.  I’ll be continuing to build on the Institute’s longstanding relationship with UTAS Architecture and Design and Master Builders Tasmania through regular meetings.

I’d like to congratulate and welcome new chapter councillors Emily Ouston, Dik Jarman and Daniel Lane, as well as returning councillors, Richard Crawford and Carly McMahon.

Finally, I’d like to thank Yvette who has done an amazing job as Chapter President over the last term.  I have personally witnessed the tremendous amount of time and the enormous commitment Yvette has made, for which we are truly grateful.  As I reflect on the legacy of her term – including her fierce advocacy in promoting gender equality within the profession, the success of Open House Hobart and Launceston, and her role in strengthening ties with government and key ministers – I know that the benefit to our members, profession and the greater community will be longstanding.

I am hoping we can build on the work of Yvette and the previous council and I look forward to working with all chapter councillors and the Institute team to achieve this.

Shamus Mulcahy RAIA
President, Tasmanian Chapter,
Australian Institute of Architects

17 December 2018

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

 

The week prior to the end of year break is always a confusion of the frenzy of finishing what needs to be done and celebration of the year gone by. A flurry of issues have recently been circulated such as the new 3rd party pre-qualification requirements and draft legislation such as Draft Building Services Providers Licensing Determination as well as the Tasmanian Development Regulatory Reform Project that is keeping the Chapter staff, those members who have volunteered to assist, and me, scrambling to do due diligence at this time of year (if you would like to access any of these documents, please contact the Tas Chapter office). In addition, the Hobart City Council building height determination continues as an issue of importance to our city. Thank you to those who have stepped up to assist the Chapter in these matters – a membership organisation such as ours relies on your willingness to follow up and put in the hard yards on regulation that impacts on our profession and our built environment.

Architects registered in Tasmania will have received recent communication from the Board of Architects’ Registrar, alerting them to registration renewal detail and CPD submission deadlines. At our December 2018 Tas Chapter Council meeting, Councillors voted on filling the two Chapter member positions on the Board of Architects that become vacant this month and we look forward to announcing the successful candidates once they have been made official. Similarly, recent interviews for the vacant Government appointed position on the Board have taken place and we look forward to the official outcome being made known in the near future as well. In 2019 the Board will be making a submission for Gap Reform of the Architect’s Act of 1929. For this and all that it undertakes, it is important to have strong representation on the Board. Thank you in advance to those who have made this commitment.

On a lighter note, it has been my recent pleasure to host a wonderful President’s Lunch sponsored by Access Solutions, as well as the Chapter’s Christmas Party where Brickworks, our event sponsor, laid on a colourful and superbly catered evening. Thank you so much to both sponsors for their generosity. These events provided me the opportunity to reflect on particular aspects of my presidency and to celebrate the unique and amazing creative talent you all express through your practice and within our community. It is my sincere hope that you will all continue to engage actively in the Chapter affairs and in robust debate at our events which can only be to the benefit of our overall industry into the future.

My two-year term as President ends at the first Chapter Council meeting in February 2019. It has been both a challenging and rewarding experience and a great honour to serve you. While there is still work for me to do in the interim, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for the contributions you have made to the Institute during this time. I am confident that we will be taken forward in competent hands by Shamus Mulcahy, our in-coming President, and the new Chapter Council who will take us through the next two years.

I wish you and those dear to you a happy, safe, relaxing and revitalizing festive season and the very best for all that 2019 may hold for you and your practices.

Yvette Breytenbach RAIA
President, Tasmanian Chapter,
Australian Institute of Architects

03 December 2018

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

 

As the end of the year draws near, we are excited that entries are now open for the Tasmanian Architecture Awards.  The Awards recognise the finest accomplishments of Tasmanian architects and we encourage members to engage with the process, whether it be through entering a project, attending the presentation to the jury, or through the active encouragement of peers.

I am delighted to announce Shamus Mulcahy as the new Chapter President for the 2019-2020 term.  Congratulations also to Emily Ouston, Daniel Lane & Dik Jarman who will be joining the Tas Chapter Council this year, with returning members Richard Crawford and Carly McMahon.  We are looking forward to working with the Tasmanian Chapter Council to tackle industry issues and promote the profession in the coming years.

Every week the chapter office draws closer to the final tally for attendees at this year’s Open House Hobart, currently the total sits at 18,497, with a few venues still left to count.  We are very happy to see the numbers fast approaching 19,000 after a huge effort from our Institute members, the greater architectural community and of course the general public.

Lastly, I’d love to extend a warm invitation to you all for our upcoming Christmas parties taking place in Launceston on Thursday the 6th and Hobart on Friday the 14^th, please be sure to RSVP.

Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects

19 November 2018

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

 

November has been an exceedingly busy month with the Chapter delivering so much in addition to our ongoing successful CPD program.

In response to member requests a task group is assessing member input called for last week regarding the recent pre-qualification changes announced by the Dept of Treasury and Finance. The Chapter is also making submissions regarding project procurement issues raised in relation to the Central Coast Council, and the University of Tasmania tender processes. Please contact the Tas Chapter if you would like further information.

Nominations for the next Tasmanian Chapter President and five Chapter Councillor positions saw strong candidates step up, and I look forward to the Chapter continuing to benefit from such high calibre member input. Please do all make the effort to familiarize yourselves with, and vote for, National Council nominees in due course.

Through Open House Hobart (OHH) the Institute:

• celebrated the OHH start with the City Shapers Ball,
• opened doors of intriguing buildings to many people with the help of our wonderful volunteers (Jen will I’m sure give full details in her next message),
• exhibited all 14 Cascade Female Factory Part B entrant submissions at TMAG’s Bond Store (the shortlisted and winning Part C submissions are on display at the historic site),
• delivered two Presidents Forums on Facing our Future: Development, Design & Diversity and Character, Culture & Community, with speakers from Melbourne, Perth and Hobart.

Parlour’s most recent report by Dr Gill Matthewson has been released and her presentation attended by a small number of Chapter members last Thursday. Updated data and useful diagrams tracking gender equity within the architectural profession and continue to raise awareness and discussion in this regard. The report summary can be found in a handy abridged version, along in full on Parlour’s website. That evening saw the Parlour Spring Salon hosted at Brickworks, with Cath Hall of 1+2 and Hannah Webber of Circa Morris Nunn in a “‘Nelson Road, bend-5’ six degrees of separation” conversation highlighting common aspects of their lives and journeys in practice. I encourage all members to attend these enjoyable and insightful Parlour events.

Congratulations to Friday evening’s recipients of Barry McNeill Student Prize, which was awarded to Harriet Kossmann, with Lachlan Taylor receiving a commendation; and the Board of Architects Graduate Prize, which was won by Evan Davies. Six superb professional projects are on display at the Institute, with a digital presentation of others. The exhibition opening and prize giving was a perfect opportunity for recent graduates and members of the profession to get to know one another. The Architecture and Design Exhibition showcasing these works is on show till November 28 – so go on down to view it. We hope to see the enthusiasm of recent graduates swell new Institute and EAT / EMaGN membership numbers.

The most recent short Chapter Committee and Task Group reports submitted to November’s Chapter Council meeting can be read here.

Yvette Breytenbach RAIA
President, Tasmanian Chapter,
Australian Institute of Architects

05 November 2018

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

We are counting down to one of the Institute’s biggest events of the year – Open House Hobart – which is being held this weekend on November 10 & 11. This is a time when we collectively work with our members and the people of Hobart, volunteers and building owners alike, to develop the public’s understanding of the built environment through accessing buildings that we seldom have the opportunity to experience. But we need your help! If you have a spare 3 hours over the weekend between 10am – 4pm then please contact me to volunteer. We need about another 20 volunteers to be able to fully cover the event which comprises of almost 70 buildings and nearly 240 individual tours. The community that has been created around this event is huge and we are very grateful for your enormous contribution.

So far as part of the month-long architecture and design festival, our President Yvette Breytenbach has hosted Facing our Future Series – Forum 3: Lovable Hobart, Liveable Hobart – Development, Design and Diversity where we heard from Peter Elliot, Judith Abel and Kathleen Flanagan. Our EmAGN team also hosted the City Shapers Ball on the weekend, bringing together professionals from the broader industry to collaborate and collectively celebrate.

Over the next week we have a jam-packed program leading us into the weekend, with the fourth forum in the Facing our Future Series and The Cascade Female Factory Design Exhibition Launch.  We also have The Esmond Collective this Sunday – read more about upcoming events below in the e-news and on the website here.

Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects

22 October 2018

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

 

Suddenly we are heading towards the end of the year and no doubt you are all feeling the quickening of the pace. Certainly I am. Together, Chapter Council, the Institute staff and I continue to promote the visibility, worth and contribution that our members make to our cities and communities and the importance of good design through ongoing advocacy at a state, local and community level, as well as through promotion by our ambassador scheme.

 

The Tasmanian Chapter provided an online submission to Hobart City Council’s Building Height Standards Review. Two Public President’s forums, to be held in the lead-up to Open House Hobart, will address aspects of city development to provoke further discussion on development in Tasmanian cities. For details, including interstate and Tasmanian speakers, see links here and here, please note that 1 CPD point will be awarded for attending upon completion of the formal activity.

 

If you haven’t bought your tickets to the EAT City Shapers Ball why not do it today? It promises to be an excellent opportunity for strengthening industry ties over the course of an enjoyable evening.  And thank you to the many of you who are participating in making Open House Hobart 2018 the success I know it will be – I hope you all get the opportunity to see some new gems as well.

 

As you all know, nominations are now open for the next term on Chapter Council and the Chapter Presidency and I look forward to a strong response – the more engaged and active you are, the more the Chapter is able to achieve. I will be heading to my final National Council face-to-face meeting in early November representing the Chapter.

 

Finally, on behalf of the Chapter, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of John Blythe and to acknowledge not only his personal contribution, but also the immense intergenerational contribution made by the Blythe family to the Tasmanian architectural community.

 

 

Yvette Breytenbach RAIA
President, Tasmanian Chapter,
Australian Institute of Architects

10 October 2018

^{Image: Nina Hamilton}

We’re are extremely excited for the program launch of Open House Hobart this Thursday night at the iconic Treasury and Finance Complex. There are very limited spaces left so be sure to grab a ticket while you still can here, we’re looking forward to seeing you all there.

In order to deliver a program like Open House Hobart, we require a small army of volunteers, if you feel you are able to help out on the weekend of November 10th and 11th please get in contact with Katie.  Having passionate and knowledgeable volunteers enriches the event for the general public and helps to promote the profession within the community.

 

Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects