2021 has nearly drawn to a close, and I would like to sincerely thank all of you for your contribution to the profession. Collectively you contribute so much to the Institute and the profession, and it is not to benefit your own practice, but is born out of an aspiration to improve people’s lives through architecture. I am continually in awe of the selflessness of the profession and the passion you all have for the built environment. Good design adds value for all and can play a transformative role in the lives of every person. It really is a privilege for my team to work toward the community’s appreciation of this.
I want to acknowledge that this year, like last, has presented many challenges, particularly for our members living overseas. It has been with adversity that we have seen our community continually pull together, and this extends beyond our architectural community and into the broader community.
It is heartening to see government engage with our organisation, particularly through the Institute’s involvement in Expo 2020, held in Dubai this year, with A Day at the Australia Pavilion.
This event involved many Institute members – both in-person and via a digital stream – who spoke about about their work and experiences of designing key assets for Expo 2020, the Venice Architecture Biennale and Indigenous architectural awareness. The Australian Commissioner General for Expo 2020, Justin McGowan, awarded International Chapter Chair, Samantha Cotterell, with a Gold Medal, and the event culminated in him announcing that, “Austrade will work with the Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter to promote architecture as a key export in the MEA region.”
So many gains have been made, and in 2022 we look forward to working with you all to build on these. Where ever you are in the world, I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas, and hope you are able to enjoy a well deserved break with your family and friends.
Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, International Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects
