Australian Institute of Architects

Happy Holidays! Wishing all our members a restful and rejuvenating break. May you spend quality time with loved ones and find joy in life's simple pleasures. Our Chapter offices will be closed over the holiday break from Monday 23 December - Friday 10 January. Pictured are winners from the 2024 National Architecture Awards. Learn more here: https://aus.archi/9fhz #ArchitectureDesign #Architecture #Architect #AustralianArchitecture #Design #ContemporaryArchitecture #Architects #AustralianArchitects

The next Member Lean-In session will showcase four projects recognised in the 2024 Sustainable Architecture category of the Victorian Chapter Awards: – Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan Architects with Finding Infinity. – Preston South Primary School by Kerstin Thompson Architects. – Northcote House by LLDS. – Powerhouse Place by Public Realm Lab. Each practice will share and expand upon their jury presentation from last year, including strategies for pursuing best practice Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) in a wide range of typologies, and valuable lessons learnt. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session with all presenters. Register for the online session here: https://aus.archi/q2m1 When: Thursday, 30 January. Time: 12.00 pm start to 1.00 pm, VIC, NSW, ACT & TAS AEDT 11.30 am start, SA 11.00 am start, QLD 10.30 am start, NT 9.00 am start, WA Speakers: Ross Harding, Principal at Finding Infinity Michael Macleod, Director at Kennedy Nolan Lloyd McCathie, Associate Principal at Kerstin Thompson Architects David Leggett, Principal Architect at LLDS Anna Maskiell, Co-Founder of Public Realm Lab Pictured: Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit | Traditional Owners: The Wurundjeri People | Architect: Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity | Builder: Wilderness Building Co. | Photographer: Eve Wilson #design #AustralianArchitecture #architect #architecture #australiandesign #architectural #architectureanddesign #AustralianArchitects #contemporaryarchitecture #Architects #ESD #sustainabledesign #environmentallysustainabledesign

“During the town planning phase of Whitlam Place,” writes Nikita Bhopti Bophti, “Freadman White developed a deep understanding of the community’s established objectives for future development. Through existing knowledge of direct heritage context, amenities of the area, and the significance of surrounding trees and local landmarks, the Napier Street project team were uniquely equipped with the hindsight to overcome challenges previously faced at a town planning authority level.” Link to the article: https://aus.archi/un3y From Architect Victoria | Lost for Words | May / Jun 2021 Whitlam Place | Traditional Owners: The Wurundjeri People | Architect: Freadman White in collaboration with Anon Studio | Builder: Visioneer Builders | Photographer: Tom Ross | Writer: Nikita Bhopti #Architecture #Architect #ModernDesign #AustralianArchitecture #AustralianDesign #Design #Architects #AustralianArchitects #VictoriaArchitecture #Melbourne #MelbourneArchitecture

What is the Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS)? The series offers a comprehensive preparation program for those wishing to register as architects in Australia, covering the key knowledge areas assessed in the Architectural Practice Exam (APE Part 2). Participants in the series have immediate access to 24 on demand modules addressing a key knowledge areas. These modules consist of a presentation delivered by an industry expert. Modules also include comprehensive notes with short discussions on the topics and further reading, including relevant Acumen notes. To reinforce what you’ve learned in the Modules, we provide a series of livestream events – 'Case Study sessions'. These interactive webinars will hone your ability to analyse, evaluate and respond to real-world situations and assist with your preparation for the APE Part 2 and 3. Convened by highly experienced professionals and topic area experts the Case Study sessions provide an opportunity to apply the theories and principles learnt throughout the modules. There will be 2 rounds of Case Study sessions in 2025 (starting in February and July). Shortly after our first Case Study session we will also organise you into State and Territory study groups via WhatsApp facilitated by a study group leader based in your State/Territory. This is an opt-in feature, but highly recommended as active engagement with your peers throughout your registration preparation maximises your chance of success. The final module is on preparing for the exam and is presented by an APE examiner.   To learn more and register for PALS, visit: https://aus.archi/m64e Smart Design Studio | Traditional Owners: The Eora and Dharug Peoples | Architect: Smart Design Studio | Builder: AJ Bristow & Sons | Photographer: Romello Pereira #AustralianArchitecture #Architect #Architecture #AustralianArchitects #Architects #AustralianDesign #Registration #PALS #PracticeofArchitectureLearningSeries

Are you in the process of preparing trade package documentation? This updated Acumen Note discusses the preparation of trade package documentation for a specific trade or subcontractor involved in a construction project. It outlines what to include, such as drawings, specifications, and schedules, and considers associated risks. Learn more here: https://aus.archi/4auk Celebrating 60 years of the Acumen Practice Notes. Acumen is a member benefit. Pictured: Light House | Traditional Owners: The Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples | Architect: LAYAN Architecture + Design | Builder: Moreprime Constructions | Photographer: Peter Bennetts #AustralianDesign #Architecture #Architectural #Architects #AustralianArchitecture #AcumenNote #architecturalpractice

Are you considering becoming an Australian registered architect in 2025? Here’s what you need to do: 1. Review the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia’s (AACA) outline of the process for the 2025 Architectural Practice Examination (APE) and determine the relevant pathway to your registration. 2. Next, contact your local State/Territory Registration Board for details of their 2025 briefing sessions. While not mandatory, these sessions will inform you of the nuances of your board’s registration procedures and timetable. 3. If you’re intending to do APE Part 2 (National Examination Paper) in 2025 you must submit your APE Part 1 (submission of your logbook of 3,300 hours under the supervision of an architect and Statement of Practical Experience) with your local registration board by either January or July. Specific deadlines vary by state/territory so check these. 4. To prepare yourself for passing APE Part 2 we recommend you enrol in the Institute’s Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS), which offers a comprehensive registration preparation program that covers the key areas assessed in the Architectural Practice Exam. While there are some resources for those finalising their logbook (APE Part 1) the focus of PALS is APE Part 2 (National Examination Paper) and APE Part 3 (Interview). 5. To learn more about each step, visit our website for details: https://aus.archi/m64e Pictured: Cox Architecture Adelaide Studio | Traditional Owners: The Kaurna People | Architect: Cox Architecture | Builder: Shape | Photographer: Timothy Kaye #AustralianArchitecture #Architect #Architecture #AustralianArchitects #Architects #AustralianDesign #Registration #PALS #PracticeofArchitectureLearningSeries #ArchitecturalPracticeExam #BecomingARegisteredArchitect

The Gold Medal is the highest individual honour bestowed by the Institute, recognising distinguished service by Australian architects who have: – designed or executed buildings of high merit; – produced work of great distinction resulting in the advancement of architecture; or… – endowed the profession of architecture in a distinguished manner. Members are encouraged to make recommendations to their Chapter Councils on nominees. The Gold Medal Jury will assess the nominations submitted by Chapter Councils, shortlisted nominations will be added to the Gold Medal Register. Once on the register, nominations will be considered each year for five consecutive years, after which the nomination will lapse. Previous nominees may be re-nominated by Chapter Councils. The Gold Medal Register will be kept confidential. Those nominated are not guaranteed a place on the Register. For more information about Gold Medal recommendations, please visit: https://aus.archi/gold Pictured: The Institute’s Gold Medal. #ArchitectureDesign #Architecture #Architect #AustralianArchitecture #Design #ContemporaryArchitecture #Architects #AustralianArchitects

“Contextualising knowledge takes time and tremendous effort;” writes Peeraya Suphasidh, “requiring that all stakeholders understand the construction methods. This project points to the fact that there are many traditional methods and materials for heat mitigation in the face of the climate crisis. How these materials and techniques might be implemented where most needed remains an immense challenge.” Read the article by Peeraya Suphasidh here: https://aus.archi/l9c1 From Architecture Bulletin | Technology: AI and Architecture | 2025. Chonburi Multi-Purpose Building | Architect: Suphasidh Architects | Builder: ChangKid Engineering | Photographer: Jessica Tang | Writer: Peeraya Suphasidh   #ArchitectureDesign #Architecture #Architect #AustralianArchitecture #Design #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArchitecture #Architects #AustralianArchitects #rammedearth

This updated Acumen Note highlights the importance of establishing a clearly written and appropriate agreement with your client, to avoid misunderstandings and disputes during a project. It discusses various items to be included in an agreement and provides examples of different agreements you can use. Learn more here: https://aus.archi/zejl Celebrating 60 years of the Acumen Practice Notes. Acumen is a member benefit. Pictured: Spinifex House | Traditional Owners: The Kaurna People | Architect: Khab Architects Pty Ltd | Builder: Custom Built Projects | Photographer: Peter Barnes #AustralianDesign #Architecture #Architectural #Architects #AustralianArchitecture #AcumenNote #architecturalpractice

“White House is a celebration of place”, writes Olivia Lomma, “which Spaceagency characterises as an ongoing repair story. As you journey through the house, you are taken through the many repairs the house has undergone throughout its life. A notable architectural feature is the stained-glass door from the existing cottage, acting as the threshold between old and new. Architect Alessia Richards described it as 'a node to the quirkiness of the existing cottage,' which was sanded down just enough to restore, but not taint, its heritage charm.” Read Olivia Lomma’s review of White House here: https://aus.archi/uhmz The Architect WA | 2025. White House | Traditional Owners: The Whadjuk People | Architect: Spaceagency | Builder: Assemble Building Co. | Photographer: Jack Lovel | Writer: Olivia Lomma #Architecture #Architect #ArchitectureDetails #AustralianArchitecture #AustralianDesign #Design #ArchitectureandDesign #Architects #AustralianArchitects #WAArchitecture