It’s a Wrap!
2024 was marked by interdisciplinary collaboration, insistent advocacy efforts, and nurturing of our community of support for architects across all career stages. Alongside significant advocacy projects, such as the 2024 Queensland Election Platform, the Queensland Chapter offered opportunities for professional growth, networking, and meaningful contributions to the profession. Queensland Emerging and Graduate Network (EmAGN) played a significant role in supporting early-career architects, particularly those navigating the registration process. Through workshops, mentoring, and practical advice, they equipped graduating members with tools for success. At the same time, the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) fostered connections between students and professionals, providing platforms like practice visits and competitions to nurture the next generation of architects.
The Queensland Chapter hosted 63 events this year, 17 regional gatherings, with an impressive 3,163 registrations throughout the state. These events were made possible thanks to our chapter staff and many committee members and working groups that help curate and deliver these events. Our program of activities are also made opssible through the ongoing support of our many Queensland Chapter, program and event partners including Hutchinson Builders, Peach Careers, Natspec, Lysaght, Australian Window Systems (AWS), Brisbane City Council, Office of Queensland Government Architect, City of Gold Coast, Cairns Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Townsville City Council, Kennedy’s Timbers, All Construction Approvals, Creative Planning, Don Kibble Drawing Supplies, STP Consultants, The Markedly, Ocean Road Magazine, Allegion, Architectural Technical Solutions, ACE Stone and Tile, Gilboy Hydraulics, LA3, Janes and Stewart Structures, Kehoe Myers, Alspec Aluminum, Matilda Veneer, Moon Mountain Sanctuary, GH Commercial and Great Dane Furniture.
Highlights included visits from esteemed guests like 2024 Australian Gold Medalist Philip Thalis, 2023 NZ Gold Medalist Professor Deidre Brown, and Professor Susan Roaf. These events created valuable opportunities for members to engage in public exhibitions, showcase their work, and advance their skills through targeted professional development programs. Two series of continued professional development were also made available to members; In Harm’s Way: Urban Water and Resilient Cities and In Harm’s Way: Cyclone Resilience – A Holistic Approach provided timely and regionally relevant professional development for an uncertain future climate, while Modernism Legacy and Adaptive Revival – Go West Burra Way and Modernism Legacy and Adaptive Revival – Trusting the process offered insights into practice management and professional conduct on restoration projects.Collaboration was central to the Chapter’s work, with strong partnerships formed with organisations like the Planning Institute, Institute of Landscape Architects, Design Institute, and Engineers Australia. Advocacy initiatives such as Green Pathways, Gold Places underscored architecture’s critical role in sustainable, resilient design. Collaborations with several of our Local Council’s resulted in a range of public exhibitions of awards entries in libraries, squares, and council buildings further increased awareness of architecture’s influence on Queensland’s future. Across South East Queensland, the chapter also collaborated with the Gold Coast Open House, Sunshine Coast Open House, and Open House Brisbane in delivering public activities that showcase and educate. It was demonstrated clearly how many hands make for light work as our collaborative efforts grew and developed during the year, resulting in a significant extended program of activities.
The Chapter also continued to invest in talent development by awarding two Philip Yeats Bisset Scholarships and the Dunbar Fellowship, bringing international research and insights back to the membership. New CPD series, Acumen Notes contributions, and public programs like Ask an Architect and Architect for a Day provided valuable learning opportunities for members and the community alike.
As Queensland transitions into a new year, a new state government, and an incoming Chapter President and Council, the Chapter is engaging actively with government officials to ensure the expertise of architects is central to shaping policy and the built environment. With the momentum of 2024 behind us, the Queensland Chapter is ready to advance the profession, support its members, and enrich Queensland’s cultural and built environment in the new year ahead. We are excited to have you all along with us for 2025, and until then we wish you all a very merry happy holiday and look forward to seeing you all back rested and restored in the new year.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!
Dr Anna Svensdotter, Assc. RAIA
Executive Director Queensland
About the Queensland Chapter
The Queensland Chapter identifies and responds to issues that stand to impact the profession and our members.
We deliver a variety of activities aligned with the Institute’s strategic plan, including mentorship programs for student members and a program of Chapter awards and prizes. We liaise with local and state bodies as well as authorities to promote and represent the interests of our members and the community.
The Queensland Chapter acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples as the traditional owners of the site on which our office stands. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Read more about the Queensland Chapter here.
