The value of getting involved
For the last four years, Matthew Thomas has been a valuable contributor to the SA Branch Committee and the National Executive Committee in his capacity as National Treasurer Delegate. He has been instrumental in helping to develop a robust framework to support ACA’s financial governance processes and a key member of our Audit and Risk Committee. As Matt bids farewell to the ACA, we ask him a few questions about his time with us.
What involvement have you had with the ACA at a branch level over the last few years?
I joined the ACA SA Committee in 2020, just prior to COVID impacting us all. The SA Committee arranged regular Zoom forums to help practices adjust to COVID life, including transitioning to working from home, navigating JobKeeper and other government incentives, and completing the required paperwork. These forums also provided a valuable place for people to share ideas and concerns in an uncertain time.
How did you get involved with the National Executive? What has been the highlight of working with the ACA team?
Due to my background as a Chartered Accountant, after about a year I took on the National Treasurer Delegate role, which allowed me to join the National Executive Committee meetings. This exposed me to the strategic plan of the ACA and I enjoyed being a part of important discussions. These included how to improve the wellbeing of architects in practice, supporting practices to create Reconciliation Action Plans, seeing the ACA lead by example in completing their own RAP, and exploring ways the ACA can advocate for the profession on key issues to improve the profession.
How did you get your start working in the built environment? What has been your career trajectory in this industry?
My career started with six years at a Chartered Accounting practice, which built a foundation of finance and commercial skills. Needing a new experience, I became CFO at a Safari Company located in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. A while after returning to Australia I took up a finance position with JPE Design Studio, Australia’s oldest architectural practice. I didn’t expect to stay over 11 years in the industry. However, I have really enjoyed the challenge of producing amazing designs and projects whilst running a sustainable business, which after six years led to me becoming a Director of JPE.
You have committed your time, energy and ideas to a number of important volunteer roles, including with the ACA and Inclusive Sport SA. What do you value most about volunteer work?
I value and appreciate the support and privileges I’ve had in my life and feel it’s important to pay this forward and use my accounting skills for good! I’m grateful for the camaraderie within the architectural profession and have enjoyed contributing to that through the ACA. It’s also a two-way street, as I have learnt a huge amount working with the leaders of the ACA and its committees, and other organisations.
What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for the ACA and the profession as a whole – short term and long term?
To me, the biggest challenge and opportunity is demonstrating the value architects bring to all aspects of projects, both externally to clients and the public, and internally within the profession. If architects are more confident and have the ability to demonstrate the long-term value their services add to projects, they can then charge fees accordingly. If not done well, then services historically performed by architects will continue to be eroded in the name of short-term cost savings. I believe the ACA can help build this confidence within the industry, and help advocate on behalf of the profession to spread the message externally.