From the EmAGN President, Tiffany Liew
As 2023 draws to a close, I’m feeling grateful for the remarkable acts of generosity that have defined this year. It has been a privilege to volunteer alongside passionate and dedicated individuals who have significantly shaped our profession for more sustainable and equitable futures.
The Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN), comprising professionals within 15 years of graduation, relies on the dedication of over 130 volunteers across nine committees. Guided by our pillars of Advocacy, Career Support, Community and Networking, and Awards and Recognition, our collective efforts have shaped many successes:
Key Achievements in 2023:
- Connecting the architecture community: EmAGN Committees have tirelessly connected architectural professionals through over 150 events in 2023, a significant increase from the 130+ events in 2022. The events included registration support events, building tours, social catch-ups, panel discussions, mentoring events, portfolio reviews, and collaborations with allied professional bodies, such as Architects Declare, AILA and Young Planners. We hope that these events fostered meaningful connections within the architecture community.
- Supporting parents through Archibubs: Following a successful pilot in EmAGN SA in 2022, we successfully expanded Archibubs events nationwide. This series aims to break down parenthood stigmas in the industry, providing safe spaces for conversations and networking. Special thanks to Gabrielle Seymour, Lauren Jeans and Caroline Kite for championing the start to this initiative.
- Embedding sustainability as a core advocacy area for EmAGN: In 2023, we collaboratively established our EmAGN Sustainability Action Plan, informed by EmAGN leadership, Co-Chairs, and external groups, including ACAN UK. As part of this initiative, Blake Hillebrand (SONA) and I launched Sustainability Snacks, a joint EmAGN and SONA initiative featuring 15-minute online talks demystifying sustainability in practice.
- Celebrating Emerging Architects: Continued recognition through awards such as the Emerging Architect Prize, Emerging Project Award, and Dulux Study Tour.
- Advocating for architects and architecture through the Hearing Architecture Podcast: Our committees played a pivotal role in Season 4 of the Hearing Architecture podcast, founded by Daniel Moore, educating the public about architecture and what architects do.
Outgoing EmAGN Co-Chairs
I would like to express heartfelt thanks to the outgoing EmAGN Co-Chairs for their enormous contributions after two years of leading local EmAGN Committees:
- Marc Pilla, Architect, Ashford Architects | Connect on LinkedIn
- Caroline Kite, Co-Director, Architect, Studio KaaKi | Connect on LinkedIn
- Phil Chum, Graduate of Architecture, CO-AP | Architecture | Connect on LinkedIn
- Holly Caton, Graduate Architect, Munns Sly Moore Architect |
- Callum Senjov | Architect, Architectus Conrad Gargett | Connect on LinkedIn
- Aaron Lougoon, Associate, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
- Gabrielle Seymour, Architect, baukultur | Connect on LinkedIn
- Hayden Federico, Senior Architect, Buchan | Connect on LinkedIn
National EmAGN Appointments
I am delighted to announce that Liehan Janse van Rensburg will continue as EmAGN President in 2024, and Callum Senjov has been elected EmAGN President Elect.
Key Supporters and Sponsors
Our gratitude extends to national sponsors Dulux (Dulux Study Tour), Brickworks (Hearing Architecture podcast), and Bluescope (Emerging Architects Prize Tour). Local sponsors play a crucial role, and we thank them for supporting emerging graduates and architects.
Special thanks to the Board, National Council, and Institute Staff, including Michael Linke, Claudia McCarthy, Madelynn Jenkins and the National Education Team for their extraordinary support.
A personal thank you to Andrew Burns of Architecture AND for supporting my Institute roles with EmAGN and my appointment as a National Council Director. I would also like to thank my partner, family and friends for their support over the years.
Get Involved
As a membership organisation, the Institute is only as strong as its members. If you’d like to see change on something, please consider getting involved. Chapter and National Councillor elections are underway; make your voice heard by voting before January 15, 2024.
For those of who are interested in joining your local EmAGN Committee, please keep an eye on your local EmAGN Instagram page for EOI callouts to join your local EmAGN Committee in 2024.
In closing, thank you to everyone who contributed to EmAGN. Your support is vital, and as we look ahead, we are excited to see what the coming years hold. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a promising start to the new year.
Tiffany Liew
Senior Associate, Architecture AND
EmAGN National President, 2022 – 2023
National Council Director, Australian Institute of Architects
