Ross Donaldson (Left) confirmed as National President-Elect & Lisa Moore (Right) re-elected as National Council Director
The Australian Institute of Architects is pleased to announce the confirmation of Ross Donaldson as National President Elect and Lisa Moore as National Council Director, following a resolution of National Council late last week.
Ross Donaldson confirmed as National President Elect
Ross will serve as National President Elect effective from the 2026 Annual General Meeting in May 2026, at which time David Wagner will formally take up the role of National President of the Institute. Ross will then assume the role of National President at the conclusion of the 2027 AGM.
Based in Western Australia, Ross bring his years of experience across academia, small and large practice, culminating in working internationally as CEO and Chairman of Woods Bagot whilst based in Hong Kong (2006-2016). His appointment reflects National Council’s confidence in his ability to provide strong, inclusive leadership across the Institute’s national membership. Ross has contributed extensively to the Institute through governance and leadership roles at both chapter and national levels with a particular focus on the decarbonisation of the built environment.
He brings a strong focus on collaboration, professional standards and ensuring the Institute continues to represent and support members. As National President Elect, Ross will work closely with National Council, the Board and the National President to support the delivery of the Institute’s strategic priorities and advocacy agenda. The last WA based National President was over a decade ago in 2014–2015.
Speaking on his confirmation as National President Elect, Ross said: “I am honoured to serve as National President Elect and grateful for the confidence placed in me by National Council. The Institute plays a critical role in advocating for our profession and the value of good design, and I look forward to working closely with David, Adam and National Council and the Board to support members and advance architecture’s contribution to the community — nationally, and across every chapter.”
David Wagner, who will take up the role of National President following the 2026 AGM, said: “It is a privilege to be stepping into the role of National President at such an important time for the Institute and the profession. I am very pleased to be working alongside Adam as Immediate Past President and Ross as National President Elect, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our advocacy, governance and engagement with members across Australia.”
Lisa Moore re-elected to National Council Director
National Council also congratulates Lisa Moore on her re-election to the Board as a National Council Director for a further three-year term, acknowledging her significant contribution to national governance and her ongoing commitment to representing members’ interests. Lisa has served as the Institute Board Chair for the past 2 years and we look forward to her continued contribution on the Board and National Council.
Lisa said: “I am delighted to continue serving on the Board as a National Council Director and I thank National Council and the members for their trust. It has been a privilege to contribute to the Institute’s national governance, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support strong leadership, informed decision making, and outcomes that reflect the needs of the organisation for the benefit of members across the country.”