VIC

RAIA Victoria: President’s Report


RAIA Victoria acknowledges the contribution of Members who have been directly involved with the work of RAIA Victoria during 2007. The considerable time and expertise individuals and practices make available to the RAIA is greatly appreciated, as well as the talents, skills and experience each person brings to the many and varied pieces of work that have been undertaken during the 2007 year.


Highlights

The RAIA spent time in 2007, planning a refurbishment of the building at 41 Exhibition Street, Melbourne. Members will be familiar with this building as the RAIA Victoria office location and the 3rd Floor Seminar Room venue for events. The RAIA commissioned the Six Degrees architectural practice, in collaboration with Sustainable Built Environments, to undertake design and documentation with a view to upgrading the profession’s architectural physical presence.

The important work with the Victorian Government was continued in 2007, through good working relationships with the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect. The RAIA partnered with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and the Office of Housing to launch two design competitions in November, which reflect the State Government’s commitment to high-quality innovative design.

RAIA Victoria also worked with WorkSafe Victoria to assist designers of workplaces to meet their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. This involved conducting education and awareness programs in association with other built environment design professions.

The ‘Why you need an architect’ marketing brochure was published as a marketing tool for architectural practices to promote the value of using an architect to potential clients. This valuable initiative means the brochures are now available for use Australia-wide.

In 2007, RAIA Victoria Council members met with groups of Members who live and work in regional Victoria, with luncheon meetings being held in Ballarat, Wodonga and Geelong. Professional challenges were discussed and strategies identified to assist these rural-based Members.

Within the architectural community, RAIA Victoria worked with the:

-Robin Boyd Foundation, aiming to keep the Boyd House 2 in public hands
-Parties involved with the redevelopment of the Harold Holt Swim Centre
-Creative Director of the 2007 National Architecture Conference, in planning the program offered in Melbourne in April
-Three Schools of Architecture at the Deakin, Melbourne and RMIT Universities and welcomed the new School, commencing at Monash University in 2008
-Media to present architectural projects entered in the Victorian Architectural Awards program to the public
-Architectural competencies to present an informed continuing professional development program from February to November
-Broader sustainable community in presenting the Sustainable Architecture Forum workshop program.