Well, it is back to reality after an amazing weekend at Junction Arts Festival with a team of staff, building owners, organisations, custodians, volunteers and our members, many who travelled from far and wide to deliver Open House Launceston (part of Open House Hobart). On what was a wet and joyous day, we opened 34 buildings, showcasing architecture and the built environment for all to experience, completely free of charge. It was an honour to work alongside several partners and organisations to deliver nine events as part of the program that further explore architecture, practice and design. Counting has not yet concluded but so far we had 3700 visits which is up from 1600 in the previous year. I am immensely pleased that we were able to welcome people into buildings and spaces to foster a better understanding of architecture and design. At its very core, the idea is to have a direct experience of the buildings themselves, accessible and free to all, with opportunities to learn, discuss and debate with experts and citizens alike. It is this civic position of the program that makes it so highly valued by the community. I would like thank the huge team of people that contributed – Open House can only be because of you all and I am immensely grateful. Well done team, and fantastic coordination Katie and Pip, who were supported by Fiona, Lara, Nick, Mike and Tash.
It is with great sadness that we farewell Pip Grainger at the end of this week. Pip has been an incredible team member – whilst you might think she has only been here a short time, what she contributed to our team in this time has been enormous. Pip is fair and very level headed, has the most incredible positive attitude and can-do realistic approach to everything she puts her hand to. I am going to miss her terribly.
Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects
