As you have probably noticed by now, the Institute is undergoing a period of reflection and restructure.  This has resulted in a range of changes to the organisation across Australia, including the sale of the SA Chapter building.

Another change that you may not be aware of is that the SA Chapter became home to the National Education Unit in late 2015.  This Unit coordinates and supports the National Education Committee and the accreditation of schools of architecture across Australia.  It also administers international education agreements such as the Canberra Accord, which was established to improve the portability of university qualifications between member countries.

Co-location of focus areas within the Chapters is occurring across the Institute to utilise the expertise of staff and distribute resources.  In SA this has resulted in Rebecca Duddy taking on the role of National Education Accreditation Officer.  We have also been joined by Zaf Papanikitas, who will work across member services and the National Education portfolio.  Please introduce yourself to Zaf when you visit the office and say hello to Rebecca, as she is still very much a part of the SA team.

In parallel with the current changes, the Institute also continues to deliver a range of established programs and services, including the Awards program.  As I am writing the presentation boards for this year’s entries are being delivered.  We are enjoying the opportunity to connect with some of the members who we don’t see regularly and to share in their pride regarding their work.

The SA Chapter has a range of public events structured around the awards program this year.  The aim is to celebrate design excellence, foster professional engagement and increase public awareness.  Stay tuned for an Awards update on Friday as we announce this years’ entries and juries.

Another key Institute event occurring in SA this year is the National Conference.  This is the first time in 20 years that the conference is being held in Adelaide and provides a fantastic opportunity to engage in topical debate regarding our profession and to participate in this significant gathering of the architectural community.

The conference theme will explore the capacity of architecture to drive change and influence our future socially, environmentally, culturally and economically.  This transformative ability has been demonstrated through a range of South Australian projects, and a selection of these will be showcased through a series of tours held on the Thursday prior to the main conference program and on the Sunday following.

We look forward to seeing you at these events and contributing to the community of architectural practice.

Nicolette Di Lernia, Chapter Manager