I am honoured to be undertaking the role of Chapter President this year, receiving the baton from Mr Craig Rosevear. I wish to thank Craig for his hard work, considered input and advocacy during his tenure as Chapter President. The Chapter has been privileged to have had Craig at the helm.
I certainly hope that all members have taken the time to enjoy a relaxing break in recent weeks and are fairly refreshed for the year ahead.
During my presidency, I intend to continue with Craig’s initiatives, along with Jennifer and the Tasmanian Chapter team, as well as ongoing advocacy on the varied issues confronting all practices, indeed of us individually as architects. Many of these we have been investigating through the Practice Committee, which has been a sound precursor to taking on the role of president.
COVID-19 continues to have a huge influence over our way of life and does not appear to be abating anytime soon. All of us need to accept, adjust and accommodate its influence on the way we operate. The COVID-19 circumstance has had a varied impact on our economy and some sectors have seen significant and damaging downturns, while others, such as the property industry, have seen unprecedented upturn, generating a disturbing fallout for those not already property owners. Homelessness remains a very real issue in Tasmania.
The way we are all beginning to modify our behaviour in public is changing and this poses interesting challenges and opportunities for our cities and public spaces. I believe architects can be at the forefront of harnessing change as a catalyst for civic improvement.
My core message will be that quality and sustainability in the built environment, irrespective of the scale or application, is not only warranted, it is vital for the future liveability of our cities and towns.
During the coming few weeks I will be holding a president’s forum, where I invite all members to voice key topics as they see them. Many issues challenge us as practitioners, therefore my aim will be to distil these and limit my portfolio to achievable aims during the next twelve months. I also hope to informally visit a cross section of a few practices to speak directly about how they best feel their president and the Tasmanian Chapter of the Institute might represent them.
Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous 2022.
Stuart Tanner RAIA
Tasmanian Chapter President
Australian Institute of Architects
