Image: John O’Rourke
The Australian Institute of Architects has today announced the appointment of Julia Cambage to the position of Chief Executive Officer for the architecture profession’s peak body.
Ms Cambage joins the Institute, which represents more than 11,000 members in Australia and overseas, with over 20 years of CEO experience. Most recently, she was CEO for TRY Australia – an innovative youth charity and mentoring organisation employing over 400 staff and 200 volunteers across Australia with a $30 million turnover.
Welcoming Ms Cambage to the Institute, National President, Clare Cousins reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to developing a strong architectural profession and position as the public voice for architecture.
‘The Institute is firmly in an era of transformation and Ms Cambage’s entrepreneurial nature coupled with extensive experience and commercial acumen provide the perfect fit for the organisation and the profession as we continue on this exciting trajectory,’ Ms Cousins said.
Ms Cambage has previously held top level positions at national not-for-profits Procurement Australia and Family Business Australia, developing and implementing sustainable programs to achieve strategic growth.
‘I believe innovation aligned with speed, flexibility and agility adds to success, and this is a philosophy that I am excited to explore within the architecture community and across the built environment,’ Ms Cambage said.
‘Our society, our communities and the architecture profession are rapidly changing and with this comes the opportunity to challenge the status quo and strengthen our ties within the building and construction industry to effect meaningful change across the sector for the safety and benefit of our communities.’
During her six-year tenure as CEO at TRY Australia, Ms Cambage was instrumental in the development and implementation of a range of sustainable enterprises including TRY Uncontained, a progressive social business converting shipping containers into affordable, small footprint housing. The program was supported by property maintenance, furniture production and labour hire, providing training and employment for some of our most vulnerable. The initiative was recently recognised at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh as a true game changer.
Ms Cambage commences on Monday 4 February and will be based at the Institute’s Melbourne offices at 41 Exhibition Street.