SA CHAPTER PRESIDENT ANNOUNCEMENT
I’ve just finished up the most motivational week I’ve had since the beginning of the year.
It started with the SA Architecture Awards Jury Presentation Day, followed by a trip to Canberra to represent the SA Chapter at our first 2-day face to face National Council meeting for the year. Then back to Adelaide to join Ben Peake for his EAP National Tour presentation on Generosity.
As a part of the presentation, I also had the opportunity to share my story as the 2023 SA Emerging Architect. It was a cathartic experience, and a process that allowed me to fully reflect on my career to date. Although the presentation was a really rewarding experience it was also very challenging on a personal level, as I announced to the audience (my friends and peers) that I had made the decision to resign from my position as the SA Chapter President.
Just over a month ago I sat down with Nicolette to talk through my current circumstances, and how they have changed since I initially took on the role. On one hand, I’m extremely fortunate that Echelon Studio is growing from strength to strength. However, with the level of commitment that is required to carry out the Chapter President role, I don’t feel I have been providing either of these roles with the time and dedication they need. My practice has been stalling, and the SA members deserve a person who can continue to represent their voice to the capacity that the role requires.
I want to sincerely thank the SA Chapter team, Nicolette, Jan and Emily for your unwavering support during the last 14 months, and a massive thank you to the broader Chapter Council team, and of course the legends of EmAGN.
We have achieved so much in a short space of time, and I’m excited see what the future holds for our Chapter as they embark on aligning the aims and agenda of our local committees with the recently announced 2024-2026 national Strategic Plan.
As a natural part of the process, I will move into the role of Immediate Past President where I can continue to support the Chapter at a more manageable capacity. In the coming weeks, the Institute will call a by-election and appoint a new SA Chapter President to fulfil the remainder of my term.
I urge those with the capacity and with the support of their practices to step forward when the by-election is called. It is imperative that we find a new Chapter President swiftly. Whomever it is, they can have confidence that they will have the full support of the Chapter Staff and that of our diverse and engaged Chapter Councilors. It has never been down to the work of one individual, but a united team effort.
I look forward to staying involved with the Institute and the SA Chapter, so this is not a goodbye by any stretch, simply a validating realisation that I need to take a step back.
Thank you.
Chris Morley
