From the National President
From the National President
Change is in the air. At the very least, the urgent need for change is at the front and centre of many of the conversations taking place within the profession and more broadly in public discourse, where the public interest is back in focus
These conversations are not unique to Australia. They are happening all over the world in established and developing economies along with deliberative action ranging from the small to city-changing. While these conversations are vital for progressing and challenging our understanding of the world we live in, they also highlight the disconnect between our aspirations and our actions – as a profession and as individuals.
At both the American Institute of Architects’ Convention in May and last month at our own National Conference, Collective Agency, there was an overwhelming focus on highly altruistic aspirations. Having articulated this, we now need to make conscious and collective choices to bridge the gap between our ambitions the profession can, and should make, and the actions we take to realise them.
Collective Agency co-curator Monique Woodward aptly welcomed delegates by saying ‘This is not a call to action, it is a response to a call that hasn’t been answered’.
Now is the time for us as architects, to take greater responsibility for our roles in creating the world we want to live in, for stepping up and being the leaders we say we are. For me, this is what these conferences were really about. Not about just talking idealistically of an environmentally, socially, culturally and economically just world, they challenge each of us to look to ourselves to make a meaningful difference in the here and now.
To do this we need to face our current reality and understand the complexities of the systems in which we work and the different perspectives of our collaborators and peers. While we could all picture working in a world with perfect procurement and construction processes, we need to be more cognisant of the, at times, harsh reality of our political and economic frameworks as well as the opportunities we have to press for their reform.
Building safety is a prime example. We have fronted up to the challenge of convincing governments that change is not only imperative but urgent. We are championing safety and quality, putting forward practical solutions to better protect the community that focus on regulatory reform and compliance. At the same time, we are also supporting our members to be better informed, with everything from practice advice to CPD. Other important actions to underpin this include research into risk allocation, procurement and novated contracts and the development of procurement guidelines. Our direct advocacy is being complemented by media commentary to keep up the pressure for change.
As conference keynote speaker Lesley Lokko said: ‘Change is possible, it is happening right here right now’. To affirm ourselves as leaders we must now walk the talk. We as individual members of the profession need to act, so let’s work collectively as agents of change. As we head into our workplaces we have a choice – do we maintain BAU or do we make change in what we do on a daily basis.
With so many participants in the built environment we may not dictate the conversation, but we need to start by advocating for what is fair, equitable and responsible, to achieve the best outcomes for the built environment and the communities we serve. There is no simple solution to fix the planet or our industry but, as architects we need to continue to earn respect, with not only our own priorities, but also higher order priorities, in order to grow our influence. Advocating for, and delivering a carbon positive, culturally inclusive, built environment should be as core a priority, as building industry reform.
Buildings and construction play a big part in our energy and resource consumption, environmental depletion and waste, accounting for nearly 40% of Greenhouse Gas (CO2) emissions. We as architects can do something about this. Together with our clients, we can commission and design buildings, cities and infrastructure that resets the paradigm. We can strengthen our work practices to create architecture and urbanism that has a more positive impact on the world around us. And the Institute can play a role too, providing principles for all the profession to follow, to show our leadership and commitment to a high quality, more regenerative and sustainable built environment.
We need to commit to upholding best-practice through engaged CPD, not just because it’s mandated but because as a profession we know an informed profession is not only more valued, but ahead of the curve. The Institute is working on developing consistent CPD programs for all our members, nationally and internationally. It shouldn’t matter where you are located, you will be able to access high-quality CPD programs to suit your needs.
Acknowledging our Indigenous communities in the work we do is long overdue and was another welcome theme from Collective Agency. At our last National Council meeting just prior to the conference, we unanimously voted for a national Reconciliation Action Plan. The RAP program provides a framework for practices to support the national reconciliation movement.
As the voice of the profession, we are committed to helping create a country in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians participate in opportunities and expectancies afforded to all Australians. We are working to help arrive at a day when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and connection to Country are reflected in the built environment of all our cities, regions and towns. We add our efforts to an inclusive process of reconciliation for all Australians with positive benefits for everyone. We support the maintenance, respect, celebration and growth of one of the world’s oldest, richest, and most distinctive Indigenous cultures.
Finally, I would like to congratulate all the winners of the Chapter Architecture Awards. I know the National Jury have a challenging, yet exciting job ahead as they review all the winning projects. The Awards program provides an affirming moment of the work being done around the country. Exemplars that we should all aspire to, be they small projects, examples of ambitious regional and urban regeneration and everything in between. Architecture at all scales can have a positive impact on people and places. Collectively we can make a powerful difference when we put words into action.
Helen Lochhead
National President
From the National President
13 May 2019
Welcome and thanks
Congratulations to our incoming National President Helen Lochhead, who will take up the role tomorrow at our annual general meeting.
I thank Helen for her support over the past year as President Elect as well as her valuable contributions to the Board and National Council over many years. I wish her all the very best as she takes up the role. Her expertise in urban design and planning comes at a critical time for Australian cities facing population and infrastructure pressures. I am sure Helen will have a lasting impact on the Institute’s strong advocacy platform, particularly around these important issues.
I would also like to congratulate and welcome Alice Hampson to the role of National President Elect, and to our incoming Board director, Peter Hobbs (WA) and returning director Vanessa Bird (Vic). Knowing the depth and range of issues faced across the Institute, I look forward to the coming year ahead with you all on the Board.
After five impactful years on National Council, Richard Kirk is stepping down as Immediate Past President. Richard has provided me with immense support in my role as president. Thank you to Justin Hill (Singapore) and independent director Giselle Collins who have also stepped down from the Board. Their tremendous effort during their tenures, particularly over the last 12 months, is greatly appreciated and their expertise valued as we continue with our transformation of the Institute for the benefit of members.
Vale Enrico Taglietti
We were saddened to hear of the passing of esteemed Gold Medal winning architect Enrico Taglietti last week.
I had the pleasure of meeting Enrico in 2014 while the National Awards Jury considered his Apostolic Nunciature building in Canberra for the National Enduring Architecture Award. Known for his striking projects including Canberra’s Australian War Memorial Annex, Melbourne’s St Kilda Library and the Embassy of Italy Chancellery, Taglietti had a profound and lasting impact on Australia’s architectural history.
Born in Milan, Italy, in 1926, he came to Australia to coordinate an exhibition of Italian modern art and design in 1955. He settled in Canberra the following year and continued his practice well into the 2000s.
National conference set to challenge and inspire
As the final speakers are confirmed for this year’s National Architecture Conference, I’m excited that this conference is deliberately different. Curated by Monique Woodward and Stephen Choi, Collective Agency will focus on ways architects can transform contemporary challenges into opportunities. Its international and local speakers will challenge attendees to harness their collective strength, effect change and deliver social benefits.
We are expecting more than 1000 delegates to hear the bold ideas from the range of international and national speakers, including University of Johannesburg Director of Research, Lesley Lokko; Het Nieuwe Instituut Director of Research, Dr Marina Otero Verzier; aLL Design Director Marcos Rosello; and AD-WO co-Founding Partner Emanuel Admassu alongside his Australian born co-founder Jen Wood.
I encourage you to join us in Melbourne on June 21 and 22.
Thank you
It has been a transformative year and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved, the result of a huge collective effort. From the recently launched Procurement Guidelines for clients and government and the revised Client Architect Agreement, to our extensive advocacy on issues relating to building safety, banking practices, and the wanton demolition and misuse of our treasured public buildings.
There is still much work to do.
As I prepare to step into the role of Immediate Past President, I wish to thank the Institute staff for their counsel and assistance during this time of change. I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many of you throughout the past year.
I also thank our CEO, Julia Cambage, who in her first three months at the Institute has impressively grasped the opportunities and challenges the profession and organisation face. I have every confidence that the Institute is in capable hands under her leadership.
I would like to thank the National Council, Board and our many committee and taskgroup members for their tireless efforts and look forward to continuing our efforts to make the world a better place through architecture.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
18 Mar 2019
On behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects, I offer our sincerest condolences and support to the people of Christchurch and Islamic communities here and abroad. At this sad time it is more important than ever that we all stand together and remain committed to creating safe spaces – be they places of worship, learning, work, play or living – for all our communities.
Regulatory reform
The Building Minister’s Forum (BMF) last week released the much-anticipated ‘implementation plan’ for the recommendations put forward in last year’s Shergold-Weir Building Confidence report.
You can view the relevant materials at this link.
The Institute has been a vocal supporter of that report and active contributor to policy debates surrounding it. I was pleased to represent the Institute’s members at last month’s BMF meeting in Hobart.
Naturally we have been reviewing the plan in detail and will have more to say on the matter.
Our preliminary view, however, is that certain features, such as the commitment to taking a national approach to reform, and to work with industry and regulators, are very positive.
Other aspects are distinctly underwhelming, such as a lack of agreement to true, nationwide harmonisation of regulation and timeframes for implementation. We also have outstanding concerns around the issue of registration of site or project managers, and how regulators apportion responsibility.
The latter potentially has implications as regards the recent landmark Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruling regarding Lacrosse.
VCAT decision on Lacrosse
The VCAT decision has caused concern for members and consultants in the building and construction sector.
The case was brought against the contractor and consultants by the owners of the Lacrosse apartment building in Melbourne’s Docklands, which was damaged by a blaze in 2014 that was affected by the tower’s external cladding.
We continue to work through the implications of the decision, and further matters in the case that are yet to be decided and will be offering further advice in the coming weeks.
One issue that is under discussion is the implication of the judgement on future relationships between contractors and their consultants, and what responsibilities the contractor, superintendent/project manager, architect, engineers, building surveyor and other consultants have under all contractual arrangements, including novated contracts. The responsibility allocated to architects as lead consultants under novated contracts needs a deeper investigation to make sure that contractual arrangements allocate risk appropriately to those who are best able to manage it. There needs to be clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all parties, especially project managers and superintendents. The Shergold-Weir report recommends they are registered/licensed to ensure they are appropriately qualified and experienced and we fully support that recommendation. We have been vocal on the adoption of all the recommendations from the report and we continue our call urging state and territory governments to implement this recommendation, and the other 23 recommendations, as a matter of urgency.
The Institute’s document Guiding Principles for Balanced and Insurable Novation Deeds aims to simplify the negotiation process for architects and their clients contemplating novation.
We are working with insurance firm Planned Cover and external legal professionals to provide articles and targeted, high quality CPD to assist the profession in developing a deeper understanding of their risks, roles, responsibilities and accountabilities under a novated arrangement, and throughout all stages of the procurement process.
Click here to read Five Tips for Successful Novation by Wendy Poulton from Planned Cover.
If you have any concerns, please speak with your insurer and a reminder that all corporate member architects (Member Level 1 and A+ Members) have access to a free legal reference service through the resources section of Acumen Practice Notes.
We are undertaking a research project on the impact of novated contracts on the profession. We will shortly be issuing a survey to members to gather facts and figures around the issue.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
21 Jan 2019
A warm welcome back to all of our valued members as we launch into 2019 and an ambitious program for the year ahead.
Leadership
Our first order of business, after a specialist national search, was the appointment of Julia Cambage as the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer. With more than two decades of CEO experience, a strong entrepreneurial nature and outstanding commercial acumen, Julia will further enhance the Institute’s capacity to deliver even more for members, be it on the advocacy, events or professional development front. And as we move into the second year of implementing our strategy, there is a comprehensive program of work underway on each.
Advocacy
With elections fast approaching in NSW and federally, the strength of our advocacy continues to grow as we tackle critical issues of concern not only to the profession but also, the broader community.
Building safety and the adequacy of Australia’s regulatory environment when it comes to the built form are once again in the spotlight with Opal Tower in Sydney’s West continuing to dominate headlines and disrupt the lives of residents.
Next month marks a full year since our nation’s state, territory and Commonwealth building ministers were handed the Shergold-Weir report, Building Confidence, and its recommendations for reform. We have been vocal in our support for the much-needed improvements to the National Construction Code – and compliance with it – together with the other measures.
Disappointingly, there has been slow and meagre progress by governments in heeding the call for action. While investigations continue into the specifics of the issues at Opal Tower, what is clear is the urgent need for governments to pick up the pace of reform.
Next month we will be hosting a breakfast briefing for MPs and Senators at Parliament House in Canberra to ensure policies around housing affordability and the design of our cities are front and centre ahead of this year’s early Budget and the election campaign commencing.
The integrity of the competitions process and the need to champion and protect our public architecture remain priorities with further activities being planned for the #handsoffAnzacHall campaign. If you haven’t signed up to show you support yet, you can do so here.
Conference
The campaign is just one of many ways that architects can be activists, agents of change, which is the concept at the heart of this year’s National Conference. Collective Agency, which will be held from 20 to 22 June in Melbourne promises to be a powerful gathering full of passion with offerings for practices both large and small. Creative Curators Monique Woodward of WOWOWA and Stephen Choi of the Living Future Institute of Australia are hard at work on a program and line up of speakers that will be sure to impress so stay tuned for updates in the coming months and get in early with your registration.
Awards
A highlight of the calendar each year is our prestigious National Architecture Awards program with entries for the Regional and Chapter Awards now open. Key dates are published online so don’t miss your chance to celebrate excellence and all that is exceptional across the profession.
Digital transformation
A key pillar of the Institute’s strategy was a far-reaching transformation of the Institute’s digital systems, designed to build capacity and significantly enhance members’ online experience. The initial stages of this project have already been delivered, including the redeveloped Acumen Practice Notes, and we are advancing the new website project. This will also be a valuable tool to better promote the profession.
Renewals
A quick reminder that membership renewals are now due. If you haven’t already done so make sure you renew before 1 Feb to ensure you don’t lose access to your benefits. To support our next generation of practitioners and design professionals, we’re pleased to be able to offer our student members annual SONA membership for an affordable $30. As an exciting new addition for 2019 we have also opened up eligibility to students in an architecture related course (such as landscape architecture, engineering, planning, interior design, urban design or environmental design) in Australia.
Wishing you all the best for a wonderful year ahead.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
10 Dec 2018
In my final message to you for 2018, I’d like to thank all our members for your support throughout what has been a tremendously busy and productive year. Your involvement, whether through committees, completing our surveys or participating in awards and other events strengthens the Institute immeasurably. It enables us to be a stronger advocate for you and your practices. I would also like to thank all staff for their hard work and commitment to our organisation to deliver the Strategic Plan.
There are many memorable things to mention in recapping 2018, from the festivities of the Venice Biennale to the re-launch of Acumen Practice Notes and the passionate defence we mounted to protect the integrity of our public architecture – be it the Sydney Opera House or the War Memorial’s Anzac Hall.
These campaigns and others on cladding, housing affordability, competitions and many more that impact the daily practice of our profession are centred on the value architects bring to our communities and the built environment.
And while the festive season is fast approaching, there is still a lot of work underway at the Institute that I would like to provide an update on before the Christmas break.
New Environment category for Acumen
Following the successful re-launch of our Acumen Practice Notes earlier in the year, I’m pleased to announce that from next week the platform will house our Environment Design Guide under the new category, Environment – containing over 175 peer-reviewed design notes on built environment sustainability. Acumen Practice Notes will be a one-stop online architectural resource for our members.
Anzac Hall campaign update
We have received tremendous support from the community and members for our #HandsoffAnzacHall campaign. The strength of the community’s opposition to announced plans to demolish this award-winning, and relatively young, building has been clear. The proposal still needs to be approved by the National Capital Authority (NCA) amongst other hurdles and we will maintain pressure on government and the Australian War Memorial’s management to reconsider their plans. We’ve had initial meetings with both parties and will organise a series of community events to kick off 2019.
2019 National Conference
On behalf of the Institute and members, I extend our congratulations to Monique Woodward and Stephen Choi for their appointment as Creative Curators for the 2019 National Architecture Conference in Melbourne, which will be held from 20 to 22 June. They are preparing an inspiring and thought-provoking program under the theme Collective Agency, that will celebrate projects from small, medium and large practices inside and outside of architecture. Tickets will go on sale early next year and we look forward to announcing the speaker line-up and program soon. Expressions of interest are also now open for the role of Creative Curator for the 2020 Conference so make sure to visit the website for details.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. I’m looking forward to a productive 2019.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
12 Nov 2018
The last month has been both an exhilarating and challenging time for Australian architecture.
National Architecture Awards
It was wonderful seeing many of you at the Institute’s 2018 National Architecture Awards, where we could come together and celebrate the amazing achievements of Australia’s architects and our international members.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every architect and practice who entered, the juries and the Institute staff.
Demolition of Anzac Hall
The Institute was disturbed to hear the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that the Australian War Memorial’s Sir Zelman Cowen Award-winning Anzac Hall, just 17 years old, would be demolished to make way for a new, larger building.
While we recognise and support the vital importance of properly honouring our service men and women, we are saddened and angered that the proposed redevelopment fails to consider options that would allow for Anzac Hall’s preservation.
This appears to be part of an emerging pattern where great public architecture is not appropriately valued or respected by our politicians. To demolish Anzac Hall would not only represent wanton waste but illustrate flagrant disregard and disrespect for our craft. It also raises concern as to what iconic buildings may come next.
I met with Australian War Memorial director, Dr Brendan Nelson, last Wednesday to discuss our concerns, together with ACT Chapter President Philip Leeson and Adrian FitzGerald from Denton Corker Marshall.
Our sense coming out of the meeting with Dr Nelson is that he and the AWM Board and management have no intention of reconsidering their intention to demolish Anzac Hall. This is despite Dr Nelson advising us that some 18 designs were considered, 17 of which allowed for the preservation of the existing structure. We understand at least one of these alternatives was also more cost effective.
Needless to say, we will continue to contest this approach so stay tuned for how you can lend your support. A huge thanks to those local members who turned out at short notice in the rain on Wednesday – it was terrific to get some continued media coverage of our message.
Competitions
Another growing issue for the Institute is what appears to be an increasing tendency to seek out the so-called ‘cache’ of overseas architects for major new public buildings. We are putting governments around the country on notice that the Institute will accept nothing less than a full, fair and transparent process for each and every competition they run – especially those funded by the taxpayer.
The architectural profession in Australia demonstrably has the talent, capability and capacity to compete at the highest levels alongside international counterparts.
While we would never seek to exclude our overseas colleagues from participating, the Institute will call out any suspected bias or government-directed preference for an overseas architect over an Australian architect, for any reasons other than a fair, peer-judged process of merit.
The Institute has a robust competitions policy and guidelines which competitions need to comply with in order to be endorsed. Any significant departure from this policy risks the Institute and its members’ endorsement being lost.
We acknowledge the NSW Government’s engagement with the Institute to date regarding the Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) at Paramatta competition and look forward to seeing full compliance on this and in all other competitions around the country.
Submission to the Royal Commission
Following our submission to the Royal Commission I recently met with Anna Bligh, CEO of the Australian Banking Association, to discuss our concerns with the increasing discrimination by banks of architect-administered construction contracts.
Ms Bligh was receptive to our concerns and agreed to raise the issues we discussed with a number of lenders. It was a very positive meeting, and we hope to be able to work collaboratively with the ABA to inform lenders of the value of architect-administered contracts in lowering their risk profile. We will keep you informed of progress.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
15 Oct 2018
When Jørn Utzon conceived the Sydney Opera House, his vision went beyond function. What he created was a work of art – in his own words, a ‘sculpture’.
The Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most pervading symbols of Australia, for us and people the world over.
But, as recent history has shown, those famous white sails can now be used as a billboard.
The controversial decision to project the barrier draw for a horse race on to our Opera House was understandably met with outrage. However, it has also brought a critical issue to the fore – the importance of protecting, not profiting from, our public assets.
It is the Institute’s position that using buildings like the Opera House for advertising is unacceptable, disrespectful and represents exploitation of our public assets for commercial gain.
Behind the scenes our members have been working tirelessly to ensure this does not happen again and, moving forward, this is a cause we will be fighting for.
Andrew Nimmo, the Institute’s NSW Chapter President, and the NSW Chapter team have so far met with the NSW Government Architect and Sydney Opera House management, raising the Institute’s concerns and offering its assistance. Letters have also been sent to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the state Minister for Heritage and the Environment, the Heritage Council and the Government Architect’s office.
We applaud the efforts of Andrew and other members in ensuring the voice of architects has been heard. And we won’t stop here, there is more work to be done in collaboration with our heritage and cultural partners. We are stronger together.
As architects we need to be vocal in protecting our iconic buildings and precincts. It is not enough to just object – we must work with governments and the wider community to educate them about the social and cultural value of these places, ensuring they are appreciated, respected and conserved. We will keep you informed of our actions on this issue and share opportunities for members to add their voice as we seek to enact change.
As outlined in our recent advocacy update, the Institute’s joint submission with ArchiTeam and the ACA to the Banking Royal Commission has been lodged. It highlights discriminatory behaviour by the banks in relation to architect-led contracts. In addition, engaging closely with key stakeholders and law makers will be vital if we are to see legislative change. We have communicated with various senior representatives in government and the banking sector to further progress our cause and we will keep you up-to-date with any developments.
And finally, on a lighter note, it’s that time of year again, with the National Architecture Awards just around the corner. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there for our night of nights, where we can come together to celebrate outstanding architecture and our passion for our profession. Good luck to all our finalists!
Clare Cousins
National President
Building Up report
Australia needs a strategy to guide future growth.
It’s not the size of the population that matters, but rather it’s the characteristics and distribution of the population that is important. This is a pressing matter as Australia continues to grow and our society evolves.
That why’s the Institute supports a range of recommendations made in a new report Building Up and Moving Out, which calls for the development of a national plan of settlement for Australia to provide a holistic strategy to guide Australia’s future growth and help ensure prosperity, sustainability and liveability.
The report by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, articulates the need for Australia’s cities and regions to be better planned, better connected, more compact, more diverse and more sustainable over the next 50 years and beyond.
It also highlights the profound changes Australian communities are – and will continue – to experience because of population growth, urbanisation, an ageing population and an evolving economy, setting the national agenda to connect, reinvigorate and integrate cities and regions.
A national approach is needed to ensure Australia continues to prosper. The report recommends better governance arrangements between state, territory and federal governments, an accelerated City Deals program, stronger Commonwealth engagement in master planning at a national level, the formation of city commissions, as well as a national institute for cities research.
It also reinforces the need to attract and retain populations outside in our regions. To make this work, we need to implement strategies that ensure we have access to adequate schools, hospitals, housing, employment opportunities, transport and telecommunications.
The Institute welcomes the concept of a new governance model, bringing together all jurisdictions and to introduce better connectivity between cities and regions, through transport and telecommunications networks.
Furthermore, strategic, long-term infrastructure investment provides the Australian government with the opportunity to have the biggest impact. We also support recommendations that our cities should be a national policy priority and that a senior minister for housing be appointed together with a Cabinet Minister for Cities and National Settlement together with the creation of a statutory Office of a National Chief Planner and Cities & Regional Development NGO Roundtable.
These measures should be complemented by the appointment of a Federal Government Architect.
Importantly, the Committee recommended that the Australian Government consider master plans for major cities and regions and re-endorse Creating Places for People: An Urban Design Protocol for Australian Cities and provide financial support for the purposes of maintaining and promoting these design principles.
The Institute has, in the past, called for policies and programs to provide affordable, sustainable and high amenity housing. This can be achieved through clever design strategies, including smaller, energy-efficient dwellings; cost-effective, space-efficient and quality-controlled mass housing; and the adaptation of existing housing stock to accommodate multi-generational families and support ageing-in-place.
To this end, we strongly support a focus on multi-residential developments and urban consolidation as the sustainable and affordable solution to the increasing demand for housing in dense urban environments.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
17 Sep 2018
Interim CEO appointment
I’m very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Judith Slocombe AM to the role of Interim CEO, commencing Tuesday 18 September. Judith brings a wealth of senior executive experience to help lead the organisation as we progress with the delivery of the transformative projects currently underway.
Recipient of the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 2001, Judith joins us having recently undertaken a similar role with an educational provider. Her previous roles in both the corporate and non-for-profit sectors have provided her with a deep knowledge of governance, people and culture, project management, risk management, strategy development and digital transformation. She has held a portfolio of non-executive directorships in various business sectors for over 15 years, and consults on business growth, digital transformation, innovation and organisational culture, making her an excellent asset to our organisation at this time.
Judith will be based at 41X in Melbourne and I will be providing her with a comprehensive handover this week along with support as I resume my role as National President. Please join me in welcoming Judith to the Institute.
I am very grateful to all the staff at the Institute and thank them for their support and encouragement over the past six weeks. It has been a valuable experience working closely with many of them and an opportunity to better appreciate the incredible work taking place around the country as we deliver on our strategic plan and strengthen our Institute and the profession.
The permanent CEO recruitment process is already underway. We will be appointing an executive recruitment agency this week to undertake an extensive, national search. We will update you as the search progresses.
Droga Architecture Residency
The Australian Institute of Architects’ Foundation was established in 2013 and since its inception has delivered a variety of cultural programs fostering and promoting the art and creativity of architecture for the benefit of the Australian community.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Foundation Board for their tireless efforts during this time. We are fortunate to have such incredible expertise to help drive our philanthropic activities. Our current Board is chaired by Alec Tzannes AM and comprises The Hon Ted Baillieu, Karl Fender OAM, Janet Holmes à Court AC, Prof Helen Lochhead, Robert Nation AM, Penelope Seidler AM and Brian Zulaikha.
The Foundation’s inaugural program, the Droga Architect in Residence launched in 2014 and was the first of its kind in Australia. During this time, eight international architects and practices have engaged, educated and enamoured Australian audiences throughout their three-month residency – from grass-roots social innovator Liz Ogbu (USA) to renowned architect and philosopher Juhani Pallasmaa (Finland).
The Droga Architect in Residence program was made possible with the generous support of our many Patrons and founding Patrons, Daniel and Lyndell Droga, who gifted the use of their award-winning Durbach Block-designed apartment in Sydney for the residency. The Droga’s were instrumental in the work of the Foundation since before its inception.
With our new three-year strategy well underway, we are taking the opportunity to review our philanthropic strategy in an effort to maximise our advocacy and education initiatives. As part of this refocus, which we aim to launch in 2019, we are looking to elevate the profile of the residency and are exploring a program of national tours. We would like to thank Daniel and Lyndell Droga for their extraordinary patronage and the use of their remarkable apartment over the past five years.
Daniel and Lyndell have generously offered to provide strategic input into our new philanthropic strategy, advice we gratefully appreciate given their extensive experience. As a token of our gratitude for their patronage over the past five years, I am pleased to present Daniel and Lyndell with Honorary Memberships to the Institute.
I look forward to sharing further details as we strengthen our philanthropic endeavours for the benefit of the profession and our communities.
National Architecture Awards
Finally, I would like to add my congratulations to all those shortlisted for the National Architecture Awards. I look forward to celebrating with you all in Melbourne on 1 November.
Clare Cousins
Acting Chief Executive Officer
From the National President
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.
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
From the National President
25 June 2018
Help strengthen our advocacy outcomes
One of the most valuable benefits the Institute can provide members is strong advocacy.
Over the next fortnight members will have an opportunity to help strengthen the advocacy outcomes we can deliver by taking the time to complete two surveys.
Information on each of these is provided below and I would like to emphasise the considerable advocacy dividend that members can receive from sharing their data and input with the Institute.
We appreciate the many existing practice demands on members, but a small investment of your time on these projects has the potential to deliver a big benefit so I encourage you to please support the surveys if you can.
Construction contracts and bank lending
In response to growing member concern about the increasingly problematic lending conditions imposed by banks for domestic building work, particularly the unwillingness of some banks to approve construction loans where ABIC or Australian Standard contracts are used, the Institute is now taking a multi-pronged approach to this issue.
We will be speaking with the banks through the Australian Banking Association, talking to state and territory small business ministers, and putting together a submission to the Banking Royal Commission in the hope of educating the banks to improve their policies.
To do this successfully, we need information about the actual effects on architects, builders, our clients and projects. We want to know if you have been involved in a project that has been impacted by the banks’ resistance to loan against ABIC or AS contracts, whether that impact was large or small.
To this end, we, in conjunction with ArchiTeam and the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA), are asking you to undertake a 10 minute survey. This is essential research and I strongly encourage you to contribute. The survey will be open until 9am, Monday 2 July.
When the results are analysed and we have made our submission to the Banking Royal Commission, we will circulate it via the Institute, ArchiTeam and ACA communication channels.
A link to the survey was distributed last Thursday and you can also access it here.
Fee calculator
The Institute is collaborating with the ACA to further develop their Fee Calculator tool.
The tool utilises historical data to estimate the time it takes to deliver a project based on its type, scale, location and scope. In order to strengthen the tool’s data the Institute will issue a survey in the coming weeks to capture member project data of all scales. I encourage practices with time management programs to enter as many projects as they can in the survey.
Not only do we see this tool as an asset to all practice scales, it has added potential benefit as a powerful client communication tool, by clearly and transparently demonstrating the time involved in delivering projects.
Procurement
I am also pleased to announce that a taskforce is being formed to oversee a research project on the procurement of architectural and design services, led by national councillor Adrian FitzGerald. The project involves research into best practice procurement methods with a view to producing a series of guidelines for purchasers of architectural and design services, advocacy points and an advocacy plan. Stay tuned for more information on this important work.
AIA conference
I have just returned from New York where I represented the Institute at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) annual convention. Hosted in New York for the first time in 30 years, the convention attracted over 25,000 delegates globally.
The visit provided an opportunity to have roundtable discussions with many national presidents and Institute CEOs from around the world about the common issues our profession is facing and exchanging ideas on our approaches to tackling them.
My strategic meeting with the Royal Institute of British Architects was particularly valuable and I look forward to continuing collaboration with them in coming months in particular regarding reciprocal recognition between us.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
28 May 2018
Tomorrow marks two weeks since my inauguration as the Institute’s 79th National President and in this, my first message to members, can I once again thank you for this extraordinary privilege. It is from you that the Institute derives both its purpose and strength. Your time volunteering, your expertise and most of all your passion – strengthens our profession immeasurably.
I look forward to collaborating with you over the next 12 months to leverage our collective capacity for the good of architecture and the clients and communities we support.
But I’m conscious that this time will pass by in the blink of an eye, so I am determined to seize this opportunity with both hands.
That’s why we are hitting the ground running, taking the Institute’s respected position and substantial legacy of achievement and building on it. I want to look back on my time in this role and be proud that together we have made a difference.
Action and change
Achieving this ambition means sharpening our advocacy sword to enable us to cut through the politics and see projects implemented that have social conscience, quality and exceptional design as their backbone.
Effecting real change means engaging in genuine consultation and following sound process. We will do this in our approach to the membership, with inclusivity as our guiding principle, and seek to hold government and other decision-makers to the same high standards.
Membership review
I’m keen to ensure that the Institute remains relevant and inclusive to the diverse range of members that constitute our profession. In order to do this, we will be reviewing and redefining our membership offering this year to reflect the different voices and life situations of architects, graduates and architecture students.
ABIC contracts and bank lending conditions
The lending conditions imposed by banks for domestic building work have become increasingly problematic. Lenders not recognising the ABIC contract and bank imposed staged payments are detrimentally affecting our members, building contractors undertaking the work and the clients commissioning the projects.
I recently convened a meeting with the Master Builders Association, Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and Australian Institute of Building Surveyors to better understand the issues from the broader industry’s perspective regarding lending conditions. We are looking to approach the banking sector collectively as a united voice with the intent of achieving a better outcome…They could certainly do with a good news story at the moment!
Board composition
At our National Council meeting in March, elections were held to select the Institute’s Board of Directors. I would like to congratulate Helen Lochhead, who was appointed National President Elect, and nationally elected councillors Vanessa Bird and Justin Hill, who join the Board for 2018–2019. Following our annual general meeting (AGM) in May, Andrew Broffman, former Northern Territory Chapter President, was reappointed to the Board by National Council as an interim independent director. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to former independent director Sarah Richardson, who stepped down at the AGM. Sarah was one of our inaugural independent directors and over almost two years provided much guidance on good governance, transparency and culture.
I would like to acknowledge the immense contribution made by my predecessors, Richard Kirk (Immediate Past President) and Ken Maher (departing Director), who have worked tirelessly to serve the best interests of our members during their terms as president. I look forward to their support as I take up the baton and build on the legacy that they have both left.
Venice Biennale Architettura
How to describe the indescribable? This international festival is without parallel and unquestionably one of the most influential and wide-reaching platforms on which to showcase architectural excellence. I was fortunate to join hundreds of Australians in Venice last week for the opening of the Australian Pavilion. The curators have accomplished a truly inspiring exhibition with Repair. For the next six months, Australian architecture will enjoy exposure on a global stage. More than two hundred thousand people from around the world visited the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2016, which gives a sense of the scale this opportunity provides the profession.
National Conference
The countdown is well and truly on and this year’s national conference, edge, will be here before we know it. As our biggest event of the year, the conference is an opportunity to be immersed in two days of architecture, to professionally learn from others and to reflect on our own work.
If you haven’t registered there is still time – June 6-8 on the Gold Coast – please click here for more information.
It is also a chance to catch up with colleagues and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Clare Cousins
National President
From the National President
National President, Richard Kirk. Photo by Toby Scott
30 Apr 2018
There is arguably no better way to sign off my final column as National President, than with the highly anticipated relaunch last week of the Institute’s Acumen Practice Notes product. The delivery of this new and vastly improved platform is the culmination of sustained and exemplary work by the Acumen Content Review Panel and Institute staff and I once again acknowledge and thank them for their tremendous efforts. Both the refreshed content and redesigned operating system provide members with a tool that is sophisticated, yet simple to use and that will have a multiplier effect in terms of the benefits it delivers to individual practitioners and the profession more broadly. The early feedback has certainly been positive and I would urge you to provide us your comments on your experience of the new platform. The Institute acknowledges the generous support of the Architects Registration Board of Victoria. If you haven’t had a chance yet to have a look I would urge you to do so.
The Acumen Practice Notes project highlights the multiple streams of benefit the Institute is geared to offer members, from high-impact advocacy on major policy issues to targeted support at the practice level. It’s also demonstrative of the Institute’s heightened capacity to deliver on the significant commitments made as part of our 2018-2020 Strategy. Production of this important strategic plan is another example of how much can be achieved through collaboration and leveraging the strengths from the transformative governance changes supported by our members.
And the time has come to turn our attention to the next suite of measures that members will vote on with notice of our next Annual General Meeting having now been issued for 12.30pm, Tuesday 15 May 2018. Not only will this provide an opportunity to review the Institute’s audited financial statements and other statutory business, we will be moving a special resolution to amend the Institute’s current Constitution including the full recognition of the International Chapter. The International Chapter is a very important step towards the Institute developing into a membership organisation that can serve our membership irrespective of where they are based – a recognition of the globalisation of the profession.
The Institute is now in a very strong and stable financial position and we’ve seen a 12 per cent increase in membership over the past two years. This significant turn-around is due to the incredible commitment of Institute staff and our members who volunteer much of their own professional and personal time. On behalf of the Institute I want to thank you for this generous contribution. We are becoming stronger and are growing our value offering as a partner in your practices and careers and through this program of renewal we expect this growth to continue.
Our profession’s largest gathering, the National Architecture Conference – edge, is taking place in just over a month (6-8 June). Featuring the celebrated Israeli Canadian American architect Moshe Safdie, French duo Nicolas Moreau and Hiroko Kusunoki, Borja Ferrater of Spain, Sarah Manning from the United Kingdom and Lek Mathar Bunnag from Thailand alongside local practitioners and academics – it is an event not to be missed with a truly global perspective. It’s not too late to register so visit the website now and I look forward to seeing many of you on the Gold Coast.
Last week, esteemed New Zealand architect David Mitchell passed away. David was a respected practitioner and an influential teacher, recognised with the 2005 NZIA Gold Medal. On behalf of our Institute I would like to offer our condolences to David’s partner, Julie Stout, their children, family and the NZ architecture community.
It has been a great privilege to serve as President during this incredibly productive period for the Institute as we have made significant strides down a path that will deliver a legacy of lasting benefit for the profession. In passing the presidency to Clare Cousins I offer my best wishes for the year ahead where the Board and National Council will continue to implement the reforms of the Institute in order to support our members and the profession more effectively. I also will take this opportunity to thank all members for your support throughout my tenure – your support has enabled us to achieve great outcomes and I have no doubt with the incoming leadership team they will continue to be delivered.
Richard Kirk
National President
From the National President
National President, Richard Kirk. Photo by Toby Scott
3 Apr 2018
National Council
Just before Easter, National Council and the Board met in Canberra for our first face-to-face meeting for the year. I’m pleased to share with you all that at the meeting Helen Lochhead was elected incoming President Elect. Helen has been an integral member of National Council since 2013, with a short hiatus, and the Board in its current structure since 2016. Please join me in congratulating Helen who will take up the President Elect role at the AGM on 15 May when Clare Cousins is sworn in as National President. I’d also like to take this moment to thank our outgoing Immediate Past President Ken Maher for his exceptional and tireless efforts as we underwent a period of necessary renewal.
The two-day meeting also provided an excellent opportunity to welcome our newly elected Councillors Philip Leeson (ACT), Jenny Culgan (NT), Paul Trotter (QLD), Amy Muir (VIC), Justin Hill (Nationally-Elected), Troy Borg (SONA) and Thom McKenzie (EmAGN). All have come on board with much enthusiasm which serves us well as we continue to strengthen our organisation. I would also like to thank Bruce Wolfe, Andrew Broffman and Rob Henry for their generous contributions to National Council over the past two years and congratulate Vanessa Bird for being re-elected to Council as a Nationally-Elected Councillor.
The organisation is certainly in a much healthier position, our finances are on track and over the last two years we have seen solid increases across all membership categories. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, our members, for your ongoing support as we secure a stronger Institute.
International Chapter
In March a poll was conducted for all members in the International Area to vote on the formal recognition of the area as a Chapter of the Institute. The votes received were overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal and following endorsement at National Council we can now proudly declare that members in the International Area constitute our newest Chapter.
With full recognition as a Chapter, current International Area Committee members will form the new International Chapter Council led by current Chair Paul Logsdon. Paul will also join National Council.
However, it remains necessary for the members at the AGM on 15 May to pass critical amendments to the Constitution that clears away any inconsistencies between the existing governance wording and the members’ intention to fully recognise the international area as a Chapter. We will be issuing the Notice of the AGM shortly and I encourage you all to vote either in person or by proxy to support these changes.
This is a progressive move that acknowledges the key role our international members play in supporting and advancing the Institute and Australian architecture on the world stage and I congratulate all involved.
Acumen
This month we will be launching our new digital platform for Acumen Practice Notes. I have seen the new platform in operation and I think you will all be pleased and excited by the power of this new tool which can be used on any device. And, this is just the first element of our digital transformation project with further upgrades following throughout the year with the goal to have the project complete and operational in the first quarter of 2019.
ABIC contracts
Today marks the launch of the new suite of ABIC contracts which have undergone a comprehensive review. Learn more about the revised contracts here.
New speaker for conference
Joining the speaker line-up is Mathar Bunnag from Thailand whose work focuses on cultural heritage and has held positions at the National University of Singapore and University of Hong Kong. Bunnag was also the curator for the Thailand National Pavilion at the International Architecture Exhibition at la Biennale di Venezia in 2014. The conference is arguably the most important event on our architectural calendars – it’s not only an excellent opportunity for our own personal CPD but also provides an integral backdrop for networking and the collective gathering that unites our profession as we seek to reclaim our position within the built environment. Register now at www.architecture.com.au/edge.
Richard Kirk
National President
From the National President
National President, Richard Kirk. Photo by Toby Scott
5 Mar 2018
Turnbull announces City Deal
The long awaited Western Sydney City Deal was confirmed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the weekend which sets out a grand vision for the growing city. This follows on from the first City Deal for Hobart in January and the Darwin City Deal announced late last year. Refer here for more details about yesterday’s announcement.
SONA
The Institute’s Student Organised Network for Architecture is celebrating its 20 year anniversary this year. This a great milestone to have attained and we thank all the SONA members and representatives over the last 20 years for their energy and enthusiasm that has certainly contributed to the Institute’s culture and sharpened our attention on the needs on the younger members of the profession. It is also pleasing to see how many of the SONA representatives have also moved into other leadership roles within the Institute. Please see more here regarding the celebrations and events to mark this great achievement.
Dulux Study Tour
Last week we announced the winners of the 2018 Dulux Study Tour and I was privileged to chair the jury for this important prize. I want to thank my colleagues on the jury for their wonderful support: Jennifer Cunich (Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute of Architects), Richard Hansen (Dulux), Natalie Ruuska (Dulux), Ksenia Totoeva (EmAGN President, Australian Institute of Architects) and Adam Pustola (Dulux Study Tour Alumni). I also extend my congratulations to the winners who were selected from a field of 62 applicants. The Dulux Study Tour is one of the most important member engagement programs for emerging practitioners and I encourage you apply in the coming years to this generous program. Refer here for more.
National Council
The first National Council meeting will be held in Canberra later this month where our new Chapter Presidents and Nationally-Elected Councillors will be welcomed. Congratulations again to Amy Muir (Victoria), Paul Trotter (Queensland), Jenny Culgan (NT) and Philip Leeson (ACT) who will be representing their respective Chapters as their Presidents. I also congratulate our new Nationally-Elected Councillors Vanessa Bird, who is the outgoing Victorian Chapter President, and Justin Hill who will be the first International Chapter member on National Council.
The National Council meetings are an important opportunity for all States and Territories to share current issues and to explore how best to strategically respond to them as a National body. On behalf of the whole membership I would like to thank Andrew Broffman (NT), Rob Henry (ACT) and Bruce Wolfe (Queensland) for their tremendous contributions to National Council over the past two years.
Richard Kirk
National President