This is my last message before I start the joys of retirement. I actually tried to count up the number of messages I‘ve written in the Institute, the number of committees I have attended and was truly astounded at the numbers. The plan was that I would be here for 3 years and then move on… but, no, still here for 18! Amazing.
People have asked me how I could survive that long in a job but I must admit it has been wonderful working with such great members and staff with the myriad changes that have occurred within the Institute plus the constant legislative change. Life has never been boring but constantly exhausting.
Architects have even more imposts on their profession than ever before and trying to accommodate for these changes has brought on many challenges. Besides the Risk Management involved in projects, computer modelling, going through the tendering processes , the difficulties in achieving reasonable fees etc the Institute itself has been involved in training and lobbying to accommodate these changes. These changes have involved numerous committees working on projects to assist members in obtaining better outcomes for architects and I thank them all for their support and willingness to get the job done.
A special thanks to all 8 State Presidents, Chapter Councillors, members and sponsors who have assisted greatly. Without you this Institute would not exist. Whilst not one State President can be singled out over another, as they all worked extremely hard, congratulations must go to David Karotkin who will become National President in 2014.
Have you noticed that authors often acknowledge the most important people last? That’s me too! Besides the members, many thanks to Kim Burges who I have worked with in two jobs for over 20 years. She has been a wonderful 2 IC and I couldn’t have done it without her. Bravo Kim. Thanks to Laura Black who is also an asset to the team as well as Nicole Kerr, Veronica Candy and Regina Chua of the Architects Board and Maureen Letter of Archicentre.
It has been much fun and most enjoyable working with you all.
Best wishes to everyone and may you continue to appreciate the Institute which is always working on your behalf to making WA a better place for architects and the public.
Cheers
Meino