The Australian Institute of Architects and the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) are pleased to announce the 2025 national leadership team for EmAGN. As we prepare to welcome our incoming President, Callum Senjov, and newly appointed President-elect, Candice Halliday, we also take this opportunity to express thanks to outgoing President Liehan Janse van Rensburg for his outstanding service and leadership over his term.
Farewell and thank you to 2024 National EmAGN President, Liehan Janse van Rensburg
Liehan has been a dedicated advocate for emerging architects and graduates and has consistently worked behind the scenes to uplift those around him. Under his guidance, EmAGN’s co-chairs and local committees worked to support regional members, enhance registration support, and deliver a program that supports community building, advocacy, and recognition for emerging architects and graduates. He was instrumental in advocating for changes to the Emerging Architects Prize, working to expand recognition and create more opportunities for emerging architects to be celebrated.
Liehan also supported the rollout of the archiNATIONS initiative, with a number of committees across Australia holding successful launch events that helped connect recently-arrived international architects and graduates with the local architectural community.
“For me, the most valuable part of the president role has been having a chance to support the chapter EmAGN co-chairs with their advocacy initiatives. Uplifting the voices that need to be heard, and finding ways of making more impact with our work, has been a big focus for me personally through the year. This year, we focused on some of the key topics for the future of our profession: parental support, inclusion, sustainability, and mental health and wellbeing in the profession.”
Welcoming Callum Senjov as the Incoming 2025 National EmAGN President
Stepping into the role of National EmAGN President in 2025 is Callum Senjov, who brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives. His skills in advocacy and drawing people together, along with his interests in sustainability and architectural registration, will be key in guiding EmAGN. His leadership will complement Liehan’s actions, particularly by curating the enthusiasm and knowledge of the Co-Chairs to drive positive change and create better futures for emerging architects.
"As President I aim to create impact by advocating for educational resources and creating space and support for member-led action, particularly in the key EmAGN pillars of sustainability, mental health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and parental support. I strongly believe that our cohort has the necessity to agitate and fight for a more equitable and resilient world. My biggest goal for my coming tenure is to empower graduates and emerging architects, in all positions of power, with the knowledge and support to take action and drive meaningful change.”
Introducing Candice Halliday as the incoming 2025 EmAGN President-elect
We are excited to announce Candice Halliday as the newly appointed National EmAGN President-elect. Since becoming a registered architect in 2017, and later a registered building Design practitioner, Candice has a wealth of industry experience. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring within the architectural community, having collaborated on events like SONA’s Super Studio and organising registration preparation events. As a working parent and small business owner in regional NSW, Candice has faced the challenges of navigating parental leave in the industry firsthand. She looks forward to contributing further to this cause and supporting emerging architects.
“I am confident that I will serve as a successful President-Elect and President by leading our EmAGN Committee in advancing the important work of our current initiatives, including Parental Leave, Mental Health and Well-being, and Sustainability. My primary goal during my tenure is to empower graduates and emerging architects by fostering inclusivity and accessibility. I plan to extend the EmAGN's reach to regional Australia through national online events and "watching parties," ensuring that members outside major cities can engage with the Institute's initiatives getting the most from our membership.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Please join EmAGN and the Institute in celebrating this exciting leadership transition and in welcoming Callum and Candice to their new roles. We also encourage everyone to extend thanks to Liehan for his contributions and leadership.
If you have any ideas, concerns, or possible collaboration opportunities for EmAGN, reach out at emagn@architecture.com.au. For local inquiries, please
contact your local EmAGN co-chairs through the links here. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at an EmAGN event soon.
