The Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) enters 2026–2027 with deep gratitude for the leadership of Immediate Past President Callum Senjov. His commitment has strengthened national connections, amplified the voice of emerging practitioners, and ensured our volunteer efforts continue to create meaningful impact. Sincere thanks also go to our outgoing and continuing Co‑Chairs and committee members for their energy, advocacy, and the outstanding events delivered over the past year.
EmAGN is powered by a network of dedicated committees across every State and Territory, supporting architects and graduates within 15 years of completing their Masters. Representing around 35 percent of the Institute’s membership, this community is defined by generosity, enthusiasm, and a shared drive to shape a more inclusive, collaborative and resilient profession.
About candice
Candice Halliday is the Principal Architect and founder of CNA Design Studio, a multidisciplinary practice known for delivering innovative, user‑centred and detail‑driven design. CNA creates environments that respond intuitively to client and occupant needs, prioritising quality, accessibility and spatial richness across all project types.
Candice is an enthusiastic committed mentor within the architecture community and a strong advocate for sharing knowledge to elevate design outcomes. She contributes to the profession through national panels, Institute working groups, Super Studio juries and tutoring programs, and continues as an active member of EmAGN Newcastle.
Candice is a Registered Architect and Building Design Practitioner under the Design and Building Practitioners Act. Her portfolio spans industrial, adaptive reuse, hospitality, education, residential, commercial fitouts, health, aged care and interior design.
Candice has received multiple honours, including the Dylan Connelly Memorial Travel Scholarship, the AIA Student Prize for Second Year Studies, and recognition across several built‑environment award programs.
As our industry navigates social, technological and environmental transformation, EmAGN is committed to strengthening the role of emerging practitioners in conversations around climate resilience, compliance, community, wellbeing, and long‑term sustainability. Over the coming term, we’ll be building a national resource hub to better support our students and early-career practitioners. Our goal is to centralise practical tools and guidance into one accessible, nationwide platform.
Supporting regional members will also remain a priority. National online events and local “watch parties” will continue to expand access for those living outside major cities, ensuring all members can participate fully in EmAGN Institute initiatives. EmAGN will also continue to collaborate with the regional committees to extend EmAGNs reach to regional areas.
EmAGN will maintain its strong emphasis on climate‑positive practice across design, research, policy and cross‑disciplinary innovation. Our ongoing Sustainability Snacks series will continue to spotlight emerging professionals and the practical ways information‑sharing can drive change through detailing and real project examples.
Wellbeing, Equity, access, and support for parents and carers also remain core values for the network. EmAGN continues to champion diverse voices, elevate First Nations design leadership, and strengthen pathways into architecture so every emerging practitioner can see themselves reflected in our community.
I particularly look forward to working closely with the EmAGN National committee, National Council, and the Institute Staff including Claudia McCarthy, Katie Katos, and the National Education Team, in the year ahead.
We welcome members to share ideas, questions, and opportunities for collaboration at emagn@architecture.com.au. For Interest in Joining EmAGN and for local activities, please reach out to your regional EmAGN Co‑Chairs. We look forward to connecting with you at events throughout the year.
Acknowledgment of country
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia. We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive. We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.