At the conclusion of her term, Kathlyn Loseby FRAIA has handed the NSW Chapter Presidency of the Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) to the unanimously supported Vice President Laura Cockburn FRAIA.
Ms Cockburn holds a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) from the University of Technology Sydney, and her extensive professional experience has seen her practice architecture in small, medium and large firms with a local and international focus. Her current role is as a Director of Conrad Gargett, leading their Sydney Studio. Laura has served on the Institute’s Chapter Council most recently in the role of Vice President providing particular support around regional and procurement issues. She is also an APE examiner, AACA assessor and mentor.
Ms Cockburn said: “I am honoured to be appointed as President for the NSW Chapter of the Institute of Architects. I look forward to working with the exceptional group of practitioners that form the NSW Chapter Council, our architectural community and the broader construction industry to continue our efforts to create a better built environment for all.”
Ms Loseby congratulated Ms Cockburn on taking up the role. “Laura has made a tremendous contribution to the Institute as Vice President, Councillor, awards juror, and key member of the large practices forum and the procurement working group. We have worked together very closely over the last two years and I look forward to seeing Laura leverage her accomplished leadership, collaborative approach and industry insight to realise her vision for our members and the profession.”
Ms Cockburn has worked on a number of major initiatives in her role as Vice President of the Institute, including:
- Providing guidance to government agencies on procurement practices
- Representing the Institute in consultation with the Office of the Building Commissioner with respect to the proposed Design and Building Practitioners Act and Regulations
- Supporting key research and guidelines for tendering and EOIs to deliver better built outcomes and sustainable business practices
Ms Cockburn outlined key objectives that will be the focus of her presidency.
“Following a year that has fundamentally changed the way in which our communities work, live and recreate within the built environment emphasises the importance of quality design that stands to positively impact and support sustainability, wellbeing and liveability. Through my presidency I will be working to ensure the positive contribution architecture can make in this regard is enabled through:
- Collaboration with government and industry towards judicious and effective building industry reforms. Continuing the important body of work undertaken by outgoing President Kathlyn Loseby in placing architects at the forefront of the solution to drive quality design outcomes for clients and the community
- Advancing sound procurement practices. With expected economic recovery and stimulus expenditure the need to advocate for fair and reasonable terms for procurement of services that encourage diversity, inclusion and collaboration amongst our industry and its partners
- Education to ensure a continuously evolving, regulated profession has the tools to continue to practice at a high standard across all aspects of practice management, design and delivery. Connecting our emerging generation of architects with practitioners through mentorship, education and events and looking to future generations of architects through the establishment of links with schools and tertiary institutions
- Engagement with the wider community to demonstrate the value of good design for everyone and responsibility for advocacy for our built cultural heritage.”
On behalf of all NSW members and Institute staff, Ms Cockburn thanked Ms Loseby for her dedication and leadership over the past two years.
“I wholeheartedly thank outgoing President Kathlyn Loseby for her extraordinary leadership and tireless commitment to the role. Over the last two years, she has guided us through some unprecedented times with a steady hand and sound judgement. I wish to congratulate her on her appointment as CEO of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), continuing with her passion for instilling a high level of professional competency across our profession.”
Ms Cockburn takes up her term of office today.
Follow Laura on Twitter here.
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