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