As we step into a fresh year, it’s been both pleasing and energising to witness the high level of engagement from colleagues across so many events and forums in recent months. Your participation continues to strengthen our community and the influence of our profession.
End of 2025 Events:
We closed 2025 with two highly successful gatherings:
- The President’s Dinner, attended by more than 70 members, was a particular highlight. We celebrated the achievements of eight new Fellows, presented the President’s Award to Jennie Officer and Trent Woods, and conferred an Honorary Fellowship on Adrian Fini. Adrian delivered an exceptional address—both honouring the work of the profession and challenging us to push the boundaries of design thinking.
- This was followed by a lively End-of-Year Gathering at the Hampden Hotel, again attended by more than 70 members and providing a vibrant close to the year.
Design Intelligence:
Interest in the first seven Design Intelligence (DI) Forums has been exceptional, with audiences ranging from 70–100 people across a diverse span of topics and project types. We’ve seen distinct audiences form around the themes most relevant to their practice, supported by 22 presenters from 21 practices—an impressive cross-section of the profession.
In 2026, we will shift gears, moving the DI series toward sector-based typologies, showcasing projects that demonstrate excellence in user experience and client value. The insights generated will support data-informed advocacy to policymakers and help communicate to the broader public the meaningful value architects bring to the communities we serve.
More to come – don’t miss out!
Density Done Well:
The Density Done Well Exhibition, featuring 40 projects from 20 practices, was warmly received, complemented by two DI Forums dedicated to the topic. We are now synthesising the rich contributions to identify trends and planning parameters that will support our advocacy with government and developers.
The exhibition was opened by Minister John Carey’s Parliamentary Secretary Dr Katrina Stratton MLC and drew strong attendance—estimated between 500 and 1,000 visitors. We are considering touring the exhibition once the analysis has been completed and published.
Practice Forums:
We are reactivating the Small, Medium, and Large Practice Forums, providing a space for practice leaders to come together informally to discuss the issues shaping practice today. The forums will set their own agendas, and topics raised may inform future engagements with policymakers and government bodies.
Six preliminary meetings have confirmed strong interest, with forums likely to meet bimonthly or quarterly.
Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Chapter Council Members for 2026:
I am pleased to announce the results of the recent WA Chapter Council elections. My thanks to all members who participated, your involvement helps shape the future direction of the Institute.
The following members have been elected or re-elected for the upcoming term:
- Michelle Blakeley FRAIA
- Fred Chaney FRAIA
- Leonie Matthews FRAIA
- Ahdha Moosa RAIA
- Mark Young RAIA
I also wish to acknowledge and thank outgoing Chapter Councillor Greg Ewart FRAIA for his valued contributions over the past two years.
New Chapter Council members will commence their two-year terms in February, with the first meeting to be held on 4 February 2026 at the WA Chapter.
Support and Engagement:
Across all activities, we have engaged directly with more than 80 practices and welcomed over 1,000 attendees. With 1,400 members across WA, this level of participation is a strong indicator of momentum as we look to what can be achieved in the year ahead.
My sincere thanks to Jonathan and Viv for their outstanding support in bringing these initiatives to life. Aspiration is one thing; realisation is another entirely.
I also extend a warm welcome to Georgia, who joined us late last year. I look forward to collaborating with her to ensure a rewarding and productive 2026.
Priorities for 2026:
This year, the Chapter Council will focus on:
- Impactful advocacy with government, policymakers, and key influencers
- Effective communication to the public about the value architects bring
- Support for practices through targeted forums
- Engagement with regional architects
- Equity and impact across the profession
We look forward to working with you to realise these priorities and to continue championing our profession with a strong, positive voice.
Wishing you all a great 2026,
Ross Donaldson
WA Chapter President