NEW SA CHAPTER PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED

The SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects is pleased to announce its new President, Kirstie Coultas. The appointment follows the decision by previous President Chris Morley to step down due to the growth of his practice Echelon Studio.

Chris welcomed Kirstie as the new President saying that her appointment provided continuity; “her participation on Council has seen the Institute continue to provide advocacy and strategic vision while supporting day-to-day practice, and we have great confidence in her ability to further the SA Chapter agenda.”

Kirstie is a registered architect and worked in practice for 15 years. While working at ODASA, Kirstie commenced a Masters in Project Management at UniSA and is currently a Senior Project Manager at RPS Group.  

Kirstie is a strong ambassador of the South Australian Architectural, design and construction community. Throughout her education and career so far, she has actively promoted the profession and fostered the development of future Architects. Valuing the opportunity of having a mentor during her formative years and the benefit of continuing this throughout her career, she has been both a mentor and mentee.

As a mentor (formally and informally) and through involvement as a guest juror for the UniSA final year presentations, she understands the importance of aligning practice and education, and the immense benefit this provides to both parties.

Kirstie has actively been involved in the design community starting as a student receiving Institute awards and throughout her career to date; and appreciates the importance of cross pollination between sectors in the construction industry. She has served as a SA Chapter Councillor for 7 years, is Chair of the South Australian and National Education Committees and a member of the SA Designers for Diversity committee. She currently holds the National Education Committee Chair position and has sat on many state and national jury panels.

Outside the office environment, Kirstie is passionate about promoting other facets of the Design and Construction Industry; she is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, a member of the National Women in Construction (NAWIC), and previous sat on the Property Council of Australia Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member.  She also enjoys being actively involved in the community and is presently sitting on the St Raphael school Board and serving as the Financial Chair.