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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Institute provides members with a community of practice to support and educate the profession.\u00a0 The launch of the Student Mentor Scheme for 2017 was held last Thursday and it was fantastic to see \u2013 and hear – new connections between students and architects being formed.\u00a0 The Student Mentor Scheme provides a very real and effective way of supporting the future of the profession.<\/p>\n
As Glenn Murcutt said at this year\u2019s conference, he considers it his responsibility to give back to the profession.\u00a0 As a sole practitioner he does this through teaching.\u00a0 Being a mentor provides another avenue.<\/p>\n
Thanks to all who\u00a0contributed to the organization of this program including Zaf from the SA Chapter, our fabulous SONA reps Chantelle, Steph and Andrew and the SA Chapter Education Committee chaired by Craig Buckberry.\u00a0 Thanks also to the architects and students who are participating.\u00a0 We trust that you will all benefit from the program.<\/p>\n
I am also pleased to report that the SA Chapter Practice Committee is taking shape.\u00a0 This is very heartening given the range of practice related issues that the Institute has\u00a0been working on in recent times.<\/p>\n
Having an active and engaged group of members who can develop our position in relation to these issues and strengthen the relationships that have been developed with stakeholders will enable the profession to maintain an effective voice in these discussions.\u00a0 This will also position the Institute as a valued source of informed opinion into the future.\u00a0 This is particularly important in the lead up to the state election.<\/p>\n
As professionals, architects have a responsibility to each other and the public to be engaged in this way.\u00a0 The Institute provides a platform for advocating for design and built environment positions that is not necessarily open to architects as individuals.\u00a0 The Institute\u2019s resources \u2013 including policy, national benchmarking, access to key stakeholders and staff support \u2013 provide members with the capacity to effectively contribute to debate and build the value and credibility of architecture.<\/p>\n
Demonstrating the benefits of architecture through built outcomes is not enough.\u00a0 Informed engagement in political and public discourse is required to ensure that architects are seen as expert advisors whose opinion is sought after and respected.<\/p>\n
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