25 Jul

David Homburg would ordinarily have prepared a piece for this E-News. However, as he has been enjoying some much deserved time with family over the school holidays and is currently at the National Council meeting, I am writing in his stead.

I want to start by thanking all of you who responded to the premises survey. The feedback has clearly identified that the following are clear priorities:

• The premises needs to be of high architectural merit and communicate the value of architecture
• A strong public presence is valued
• A central location is important to support member access and public engagement
• Meeting/function space is required

This confirms the discussions that have taken place at Chapter Council and will inform the ongoing search for our new home. Those people who indicated that they would like to participate in the premises focus group will be contacted soon.

A few responses also raised the potential of co-locating with other architecture and design peak bodies. The Institute has a collaborative relationship with allied member organisations. A number of Institute initiatives including FAD and the Adelaide Design Alliance have been established as collaborative platforms for the development and promotion of the design sector.

However, it is fair to say that many of the allied member organisations do not have the capacity of the Institute and are generally not in a position to support the premises and staff resources that Institute members enjoy. This will limit the opportunity to share premises, although we are not ruling this out as an option should the right circumstances arise. Whatever the outcome, the SA Chapter will continue to work closely with the design sector to build cross-disciplinary collaboration, enhance understanding of the value of design and to promote the value of architecture.

On David’s return next week I look forward to hearing about the National Council meeting. It is an important meeting from my perspective for two reasons.

Firstly, this meeting marks the transition from the existing structure to the new National Council / Board structure adopted at the Annual General Meeting. It will enable National Council to concentrate on strategic issues to a much higher degree and will provide the capacity for the Institute to address the significant issues facing the profession in a more focused manner.

Secondly, the meeting is addressing key issues regarding accreditation of schools of architecture. Significant changes to the accreditation system have been occurring over the last two years, with the implementation of the new National Standard of Competency for Architects about through a revised accreditation procedure likely to occur in 2017. This is a critical moment for the Institute to clearly define its position and to advocate for world class, best practice architectural education. A strong education system is vital to the future of the profession and worth our full support.