WA Branch Update EOFY 2024
The first half of 2024 was jam-packed in WA, with social and informative events, critical advocacy, and a welcome to three new committee members – Fred Chaney, Kahla Murphy and Fernando Faugno. Sadly, we said goodbye to three retiring committee stalwarts – Malcolm Jones, David Gulland and Andrew Rogerson. You can read about their much-valued contributions here.
Here’s a summary of what’s been keeping us busy…
CONNECTION
We started the year with a breakfast at Wards Central Dining at the new Victoria House development in Shenton Park. The event was attended by members and other colleagues in the built environment, including the Australian Institute of Architects, PIA Property Council and newly appointed Government Architect, Emma Williamson.
We were lucky to have Emma Williamson present at our Business of Design event in June. Over lunch at Lawson Flats, Emma gave a provocative speech, challenging us to consider how we stay useful, relevant and forward-thinking as a profession.
These two events are exactly the type we love to host in WA – informal, conversational, thought-provoking and in a great location. Join us at the next one!
ADVOCACY
ACA Western Australia has several important and regular industry meetings. The Built Environment Reference Group (BERG) meets monthly to discuss current issues and priorities for industry bodies involved across the built environment. The BERG members are the ACA, Australian Institute of Architects, PIA, UDIA, Property Council, AILA, Engineers Australia and the HIA. The group is committed to representing the industry to advocate for policy and outcomes that improve the built environment in WA.
The ACA, the Institute and AILA also meet bi-monthly with Emma Williamson, the recently appointed Western Australian Government Architect. These meetings provide the architectural profession and ACA members with a regular forum to advocate and engage with Government on key issues. We welcome Emma’s commitment to engaging with the profession and look forward to an ongoing dialogue with her and the Office of the Government Architect.
In March, we joined with Woods Bagot to host an event at Perth Design Week entitled, “How’s the Amenity – Renewing the Great Australian Dream”. Over evening drinks, we took a deep dive into density, exploring how to challenge Perth’s obsession with the standalone home.
We hosted a Business of Small Practice (BoSP) event at PSAS to explore recent changes to the Medium Density Code. This topic has been a major focus over the past year, with Vice-President Kate Fitzgerald leading our advocacy with the WA State Government. Over 65 people attended to hear Kate, Michael McGowan (Housing Industry Association), Georgia Young (Senior Planner, Hames Sharley), Matt Delroy-Carr (MCG Architects) and Daniel Paton (Developed) unpack planning reform and the housing market in WA. Read Emily Van Eyk’s reflections on the event here.
INFORMATION
Isla McRobbie, a construction lawyer, Partner at Jackson McDonald and former architect, was perfectly placed to lead an information session on joint ventures. The presentation discussed the merits and pitfalls of working in a joint venture and offered practical advice for making the relationship work. This recording is available to view on demand here.
In March, Paul da Costa from the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety gave an online presentation on the role of the building surveyor – an important topic for practising architects. You can view a recording of this event here.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We’ve got a lot planned for the next six months, including an event focused on our regional and remote members; a discussion on meaningful First Nations procurement; mental wellbeing in practice; and continuing our pursuit of a reasonable outcome for architects in the NRF reform. And, of course, our always popular end-of-year drinks!
THANKS
We couldn’t do the work that we do without the generous support of our branch sponsors. Thank you to:
- GOLD: Rondo, Lysaght, Armstrong Ceilings, Armstrong Floorings
- SILVER: Winnings Appliances and Qasair.
Our WA Committee includes volunteers from various practice scales and locations, including regional WA. We always welcome feedback and engagement! Thanks to:
- Kukame McPierzie, WA President + National Vice-President (Woods Bagot)
- Kate Fitzgerald, Vice-President (Whispering Smith)
- Janine Marsh, Treasurer (Doepel Marsh)
- Kali Passmore, Secretary (Gresley Abas)
- Felice Burrows, Sponsorship (Architects&Co)
- Michel Greenhalgh, Regional Practice Working Group (MCG Architects)
- Kahla Murphy (Hassell)
- Fred Chaney, Reconciliation Action Working Group (TRCB)
- Fernando Faugno (COX)
- Emily Van Eyk, University Engagement Working Group (Mt Eyk)
- Julia Armstrong, Executive Officer
For more information on our Committee members, their roles and goals with the ACA, Meet the Committee here.