As we step into 2026, I would like to warmly welcome you, both returning and new members, to another year of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose across our global International Chapter community.
Reflecting on 2025, it was a year of meaningful progress. The International Chapter delivered a number of social and chapter-led initiatives that enhanced engagement and united members across borders. Highlights included our hybrid Boarding Pass event, which culminated in the International Chapter Awards presentation held in Osaka, Japan, at Expo 2025, marking an important milestone in celebrating design excellence and reinforcing our international profile.
Our mission to India, which coincided with our annual face-to-face meeting, marked another important achievement. In partnership with the the Australian Consul General in Mumbai, this visit offered valuable exposure and connections across government, universities, professional institutions, organisational networks, and most importantly, our local members in India. Productive discussions with the Indian Institute of Architects and the National Association of Students of Architecture have subsequently led to strategies for developing a reciprocal platform for cooperation, reinforcing our shared commitment to professional exchange and future collaboration.
These efforts set the foundation for a more targeted and intentional 2026. This year, we will focus on enhancing the quality of engagement for our members through meaningful social events, relevant content, and purposeful connections. We will also commit our energy to a single flagship initiative to maximise impact, while expanding our reach to younger and future members of our SONA and EmAGN cohorts through an upcoming national initiative. More details will be announced soon, so please stay tuned.
With a heavy heart, and on behalf of the International Chapter Councillors, we bid farewell to a long-serving councillor, Gold Medallist and LFRAIA Hank Koning, as he retires from the Council. Hank’s intelligence, wit, and considered counsel have played a vital role in supporting and shaping the Chapter over many years. We thank him sincerely for his service and generosity.
We also thank Orlando Illiopoulos, SONA Representative on the International Chapter Council, for his enthusiasm and tireless dedication to the Chapter and its members. His initiative in establishing an International Chapter Student and Graduate Prize is an important step in supporting our emerging cohort, and we are glad to welcome his continued involvement in bringing this vital initiative to fruition.
I would also like to congratulate Roy Liu, Vui Choong, Peter Kirkness, and Grant Marani on their re-nomination to the Council, and warmly welcome Caroline Mitchell, who is based in Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France. Caroline brings extensive experience, having served six years on the NSW Chapter Council, as well as Chair of the NSW Practice Committee and a member of the National Practice Committee since 2018. She has acted as juror and jury chair for numerous design awards and honours and has contributed significantly to advocacy committees in NSW. Her broad professional network and global perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen international ties and advocate for our profession worldwide.
In the coming months, we will also update our regional hub contact list. Please feel free to contact your councillors, share your ideas, and tell us how we can improve our service to you. We are here to support you.
Finally, the 2026 International Chapter Awards are now open. Submissions close on 10 February 2026. We encourage you to submit your work and be recognised for the design excellence that Australian architecture brings to the world.
We look forward to an engaging, impactful, and connected year ahead.
Wei Yap, OOI
International Chapter Chair
Australian Institute of Architects