Clem Cummings Award 2006
 Clem Cummings AwardNoel Potter An outstanding contribution to architecture and the built environment. The Award recognises contributions by non-architects and architects to architecture and the public interest. The spirit of the award is exemplified by the public service exhibited by the late Clem Cummings FRAIA, who died in 1997. Clem was well regarded in the Canberra profession not only through his practice: C G Cummings and Associates, but also through his contribution to the profession with the RAIA Chapter Council, the Complaints Committee, a founding member of the RSTCA Committee and in establishing the architectural student mentoring scheme. Noel Potter's prodigious contribution to the profession and in the education of graduates in professional practice has been an outstanding contribution to the promotion of architecture. Noel received the 1953 RAIA Prize for Graduates, became a partner in Bunning & Madden in1960, was the project architect on the National Library, and remained the firm's partner in charge in Canberra until retiring in 1996. He was responsible for the design of the Hayden-Allen Building (ANU), Indian High Commission and Birch House, Yarralumla, (CS Daley Award, 1969). Noel was on RAIA National Council, National Practice Committee (14 years), RAIA ACT Chapter Council (18 years), Chapter Practice Committee (29 years) and Chapter Complaints Tribunal; an examiner for the ACT Architect's Registration Board and an RAIA Senior Counsellor. As a Senior Counsellor, Noel has given of his time in advising young architects in their profession and his involvement in supporting young architects through the establishment of what is now known as the Practice of Architecture Lecture Series (PALS). The ACT Chapter PALS was the first established in Australia with Noel taking a leading role in its instigation and in coordinating the lecturers over 19 years. The informal lectures assist graduate architects prior to taking their registration exams. It is without a doubt that Noel's tireless contribution in these areas is part of the reason for the professionalism of Canberra architects. Noel Potter is indeed a worthy winner of the 2006 Clem Cummings Award. |
