ACA NSW/ACT celebrates new architects at Parliament House
On Tuesday, 11 March 2025, ACA NSW/ACT President Ivana Simkovic and Committee Member Steve Pearse attended a special presentation night for 200 enthusiastic newly registered architects at Parliament House. Conversations with key government and industry figures were particularly encouraging, with valuable discussion on the value architects bring to community and consumers.
Invited by Dr Kirsten Orr, the NSW registrar, Ivana and Steve joined 200 enthusiastic new architects – ready to make their mark on the profession – for a lively celebration in the Strangers Room. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Architects Medallion to Tyler Smith from the University of Technology Sydney. We had the opportunity to catch up with some key industry figures, including:
- The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong (Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading; Industry and Trade; Innovation; Science and Technology; Building; and Corrections)
- James Sherrard (NSW Building Commissioner)
- Matt Press (Assistant Building Commissioner)
- Dr Kirsten Orr (Board of Architects Registrar)
- Elizabeth Carpenter (NSW President of AIA)
Our conversations were particularly encouraging. Both the Minister and the Building Commissioner spoke highly of architects, recognising our creative capacity, rigorous standards, and commitment to lifelong learning. They emphasised the value we bring to the community and consumers.
These discussions mirrored our recent conversations at the NSW Building Bill and Architect Design Licensing Working Group, suggesting that our advocacy efforts are gaining traction. However, we’re mindful that the real test will be in the details of the upcoming Building Bill.
For the ACA, it was a valuable evening. We extend our warmest wishes to all the new registrants and look forward to welcoming them into the professional community as they begin their architectural careers.
Stay tuned for more updates as the new legislation develops over the coming months.