Hello fellow members,
I am pleased to report on the status of our new Chapter headquarters at 620 Wickham Street. As most of you will be aware, the Institute purchased the building last year. It was originally the Wests Furniture Showroom designed by Dr Karl Langer in the 1950s, and subsequently the offices of Riddel Architecture. That practice won a National RAIA Heritage Award in 2009 for the refurbishment of the property.
The project design has now been submitted for DA after a rigorous process of consultant selection and vigilant governance of the design process. Of course, not all architects will agree with every aspect of any project design. For this project, it needs to be understood that our governance structure was carefully assembled to give the appointed architects full opportunity to apply their expertise with critical guidance and review from the PCG, whilst unimpeded by conflicting commentary from our 2,400 members.
PCG members, Past President Amy Degenhart LFRAIA, Roger Mainwood LFRAIA and myself (as Chair) representing the membership, and Dr Anna Svensdotter and Dr Cameron Bruhn representing the organisation, have provided continuous critical feedback, critique and management of stakeholder issues throughout the design process, to help bring the project to its current standard. As for any project, budgetary considerations have provided limitations on what is to be delivered in Stage 1, however the design allows for substantial future growth and flexible adaptation. PCG members can attest to the high quality and investment value of the developed design.
Congratulations are due to the appointed architects, Architectus Conrad Gargett in partnership with Lineburg Wang (as lead design architects) for an exquisite design outcome. In the view of the PCG members, the design represents optimal use of a limited site, excellent value, and an exemplary statement about our profession’s ideals including inclusiveness and sustainability. Additionally, the outcome has benefited from a deep ESD review under the architects’ certified Integrated Management System.
Cost management of the project has included Early Contractor Involvement in addition to a series of professional estimates and subcontractor/supplier consultations, allied with low-cost innovative solutions delivered by the architects, always with care for future development flexibility.
I reiterate our gratitude to our architects, Lynn Wang, Michael Lineburg and David Gole for their professionalism, care and diligence with our treasured project. I note that David Gole of ACG, a leading heritage architect, is a former part-owner of the building and was project architect on the 2008 restoration.
I am in a position to advise all members that the partnership of two National award-winning architecture practices, (one large and established and one emerging), supported by a highly credentialed PCG, is delivering an exceptional facility for Institute members and staff.
We shall update membership with project status as work proceeds. The PCG members and I certainly look forward to the facility becoming a reality.
Dr Mark Jones LFRAIA
RAIA Qld HQ: PCG Chair
