The Institute provides members with a community of practice to support and educate the profession.  The launch of the Student Mentor Scheme for 2017 was held last Thursday and it was fantastic to see – and hear – new connections between students and architects being formed.  The Student Mentor Scheme provides a very real and effective way of supporting the future of the profession.

As Glenn Murcutt said at this year’s conference, he considers it his responsibility to give back to the profession.  As a sole practitioner he does this through teaching.  Being a mentor provides another avenue.

Thanks to all who contributed to the organization of this program including Zaf from the SA Chapter, our fabulous SONA reps Chantelle, Steph and Andrew and the SA Chapter Education Committee chaired by Craig Buckberry.  Thanks also to the architects and students who are participating.  We trust that you will all benefit from the program.

I am also pleased to report that the SA Chapter Practice Committee is taking shape.  This is very heartening given the range of practice related issues that the Institute has been working on in recent times.

Having an active and engaged group of members who can develop our position in relation to these issues and strengthen the relationships that have been developed with stakeholders will enable the profession to maintain an effective voice in these discussions.  This will also position the Institute as a valued source of informed opinion into the future.  This is particularly important in the lead up to the state election.

As professionals, architects have a responsibility to each other and the public to be engaged in this way.  The Institute provides a platform for advocating for design and built environment positions that is not necessarily open to architects as individuals.  The Institute’s resources – including policy, national benchmarking, access to key stakeholders and staff support – provide members with the capacity to effectively contribute to debate and build the value and credibility of architecture.

Demonstrating the benefits of architecture through built outcomes is not enough.  Informed engagement in political and public discourse is required to ensure that architects are seen as expert advisors whose opinion is sought after and respected.