Chapter reports

ACT Chapter

2009 has been a busy and successful year for the ACT Chapter. We increased the number and the quality of our initiatives, as well as attendance numbers at events.  Throughout the year, our volunteer members have worked with enthusiasm and professionalism to drive our success.  Particular highlights for 2009 were: the Sustainable Cities Forum run by the Chapter Planning Committee which actively encouraged debate on sustainability in urban planning and incorporated various members of the architectural, design, building and scientific community; the ACT Architecture Awards with 41 entries and 250 attending guests; Amazing Space, an event run in conjunction with the Canberra International Music Festival, incorporating the complementary elements of world music and inspiring architecture; events such as the 2009 Contemporary Australian Architects Speaker Series which attracted a big crowd of architects and non-architects alike; and, successes from the Chapter RSTCA and Heritage Committee who completed their grant to develop a series of signs in the Northbourne Housing Precinct.

Graeme Trickett
Eugenie Keefer Bell
Melinda Dodson
Sheila Hughes
Nathan Judd
David Flannery
Erin Hinton
David Clarke
Andrew Smith
Alex Gray
Dominic Maiuto
Cassandra Keller
Annabelle Pegrum

NSW Chapter

The Chapter’s committees including Practice, Sustainability, Education, Heritage, Editorial, Honours, Urban Design Alliance, Large Practice Forum, LPF Human Resource Group, Media, Awards, DARCH and Constructive Mentoring were well attended and achieved significant results for the profession by contributing to the numerous government submissions and recommendations on building and planning issues in NSW. 

Several round table discussions were held with NSW government ministers and officials.  These formal submissions and meetings included discussion on issues surrounding the stimulus package, planning reform, centres policy, coastal development and the Architects Act, to name a few.  

There have been many new developments at the Chapter and a very positive uptake of A+ membership.  A comprehensive CPD program is now firmly established with the NSW Chapter supplementing the National Refuel program with an additional 20 events per year, some of which are free to NSW members. 

The Awards process underwent considerable deliberation and change in 2009 with the introduction of a more comprehensive judging procedure. Members are now encouraged to apply for a jury that has now been extended from one small jury to five distinct juries responsible for a particular awards category.    

2009 was a very busy year throughout the NSW Chapter. Around 6000 people attended more than 400 events held throughout metropolitan and regional areas. Tusculum played host to 4500 people, which is an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year. 

Brian Zulaika
Deborah Dearing
Steve Kennedy
Adam Haddow
Nick Murcutt
Gerard Reinmuth
Abbie Galvin
David Springett
Esteban Insausti
Matthew Pullinger
Chris Jenkins
Glen Spicer
Agi Sterling
Paul Berkemeier
Howard Smith
SONA:
Alison Huynh
Paul Pang
Josh Harrex
Chris Ross

Victorian Chapter

The Victorian Chapter coordinated the architectural profession's contribution to the reconstruction and recovery effort following the massive bushfires in Victoria in February 2009.  This continued throughout the year and included the establishment of the Architects Bushfire Homes Service, in association with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect, and pro bono work by architectural practices designing built environment projects for communities affected by the fires.

Two newly-formed working groups offered additional services: A Working Group of Chapter Council members lead a promotional program to increase coverage for architects and architecture in the media; and another Working Group drafted a Reconciliation Action Plan.

Karl Fender
Philip Goad
Jose Alfano
Tony Battersby
Paul Coffey
Callum Fraser 
Graeme Gunn
Ian Laging
Robert Puksand  
Shelley Roberts
Delia Teschendorff   
Tim Whitefield

Northern Territory Chapter

The NT Chapter continued to work closely with government, industry and community groups. The Chapter has been actively involved in providing a response to the Proposed NT Planning Scheme Amendment; we had presenters at the Conference for the Council of Educational Facility Planners International; and we held regular meetings with Minister for Planning & Lands.

We worked closely with a large number of subsidiaries, relevant corporations and industry stakeholders, with Chapter representation on at least 10 boards or panels, including, the Council for the Built Environment Design Profession, Building Appeals Board, Building Advisory Committee, House Energy Industry Reference Group, and the Future of Alice Springs Steering Committee.

Yet another acclaimed awards presentation evening was held under the stars. Thank you to the Institute members who submitted projects for the 2009 Northern Territory Architecture Awards and congratulations to the recipients of awards and commendations. Thanks also to our jurors and sponsors.

Ross Connolly
Ross Tonkin
Charmain Enthaler
Steven Huntingford
Richard Layton
Brendan Meney
Greg McNamara
Simon Scally
Robyn Shaw
Max Weston
Jessica Edwards – SONA

Queensland Chapter

The 'HEAT' initiative was a wonderful success for the Queensland Chapter, drawing an unprecedented international focus. We achieved a 30-day media blitz in May and June, when Queensland architects and architectural projects from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville and the Whitsundays, were presented with the opportunity to present to three of the world’s most prestigious architectural journalists. Lucy Bullivant and Rob Gregory represented titles such as Architectural Review, Architectural Journal, InDesign, The Financial Times, Wallpaper and the Guardian from the UK, while Debra Pickrel was here for journals such as The Wall Street Journal, Metropolis, Architectural Digest and Architectural Record amongst others. Over  $2 million in global media coverage was attained during the year.

In other news, Qld State Architect Philip Follent and Rod Sheard, Senior Principal Populous presented at the World Architectural Festival in Barcelona, Spain 4-6 November.

On the home front, Queensland received a record number of entries in the Awards program with 213 projects entered.  The Awards involved the participation of over 60 jurors, eight award functions, and a supportive cast of sponsors and volunteer members without whom we are unable to run this flagship event.

Bruce Medek
Ian Mitchell
Allan Reilly
Richard Kirk
Diane Lund
Peter Skinner
Liam Proberts
Liasiasa Utovou
Richard Sale
Leigh Shutter
Glenn Jones
John Clarke
Sarah Briant
Sarah Hartridge

South Australian Chapter

In April 2009, the SA Chapter successfully lobbied for a new Architectural Practice Act In State Parliament. We are now consulting on the regulations.

We have worked closely with Government as a partner on the Thinkers in Residence Program, culminating in Professor Laura Lee making a range of recommendations to the Premier on the Built Environment. This has led to the establishment of the Commission for Integrated Design and which includes an International Commissioner and Government Architect. Laura has also been made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute.

The Chapter is now working closely with the Government on a range of important initiatives and enjoying much greater influence than previously experienced. We have also established a new monthly publication and have seen a significant increase in local sponsorship.

Timothy Horton
Andrew Vorrasi   
John Schenk
Damian Madigan
Mario Dreosti
Scott Colegate
David Cooke
John Endersbee
David Pinnock
James Sage
Jim Jovanovic
David Holland
Jessice Miley (SONA UniADL Rep)
Sam Jeyaseelan (SONA UniSA Rep)

Tasmanian Chapter

In 2009, a major highlight for the TAS Chapter was our strong CPD program, with over 10 renowned interstate speakers and two international speakers presenting to our members.

Other highlights include the range of submissions made to various levels of government and statutory authorities, our Awards program, with the greatest number of entries in over 10 years, and our well-attended Architecture Week activities, held in Launceston and Hobart. 

The appointment of a State Architect, Peter Poulet, was the result of several years of Chapter lobbying of the State Government on the need for this critical position. Much of this was achieved with the support of our corporate partners, sponsors and the assistance of the UTAS School of Architecture + Design.

Richard Crawford
Karen Davis
Jeremy Holloway
Roger Fay
Paul Johnston
James Jones
Paul Lan
Alisdair McPhee (SONA Representative)
Ceridwen Owen
Jonathan Pyefinch
Peter Scott
Cornelis Wegman
Mike Wilkinson
Andrew Williamson

West Australian Chapter

In summary, highlights of the year for the WA Chapter were the range of events that were held throughout the year, and the record numbers of members and guests who joined us. These included: The President’s Cocktails with 75 members; Exhibition Opening Cocktails, attended by 250 members; the Awards Presentation Evening, which saw a total of 123 entries, and was attended by 750 members and guests; and the Architecture Week Cocktail Function, with more than 80 members and guests in attendance.

Rod Mollett
Ian Dewar
Maxine Canning
Ralph Hoare
Fred Chaney
Tony Ednie-Brown
Brad Cook
Carolyn Marshall
David Karotkin
Bill Hames
Patrick Beale
Trent Woods
Gerard Siero
Dean Johns MERGE Rep
Blair Sandover UWA SONA Rep
Kathryn Vanvugt Curtin SONA Rep