The Australian Institute of Architects has today announced the appointment of Dr Cameron Bruhn as the new CEO of the peak body.
An experienced advocate for the profession, Dr Bruhn will succeed interim CEO, Barry Whitmore, and assume responsibilities on 11 April 2023.
Dr Bruhn will leave his current role as Dean and Head of School – School of Architecture at The University of Queensland. He is an accomplished writer, administrator and leader.
Board Chair and National Council Director, Peter Hobbs said the Institute – which represents more than 13,000 professionals across the built environment – was thrilled to welcome Dr Bruhn.
“On behalf of the Board, I am thrilled to announce Cameron’s appointment as our new CEO,” he said.
“During what was a rigorous recruitment that produced a number of high-quality candidates, Cameron impressed us with his grasp of our organisation, of the key issues that our profession faces, and with his sense of energy and optimism that he will bring to the role.
“Cameron’s experience in the industry, in his role as editorial director of Architecture Australia and as Dean of Architecture at UQ – in addition to his absolute love of the profession – makes him the ideal leader to move the Institute forward.”
Dr Bruhn said the leadership appointment came at a critical moment in the life of the organisation, and that he was looking forward to working collaboratively to shape a vibrant future for the Institute.
“My vision is for a lively and sustainable peak body, positioning it as a critical infrastructure that anticipates and nurtures the needs of the membership and addresses the complex demands of a career in the profession,” Dr Bruhn said.
“In parallel, I will use my ability to advocate and connect with the diverse industry and government stakeholders who shape the built environment to give clarion voice to the value and impact of the profession and its contribution to the lives of people, places and communities.”
“The Institute has made an august contribution to the progress of Australian architecture, and I will work to positively lead the organisation toward its centenary and beyond.”
From 2009 to 2018 Dr Bruhn was the editorial director of Architecture Media, Australia’s leading cross-platform publisher and events organiser for the built environment community. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Queensland and a practice-based PhD from RMIT University.
Dr Bruhn is the co-author of The New Queensland House (2022) and author of MMXX – Two Decades of Architecture in Australia (2020), books published by Thames and Hudson. He has written more than fifty introductions, reviews and interviews and has been a peer juror, sessional teacher, exhibition curator and guest speaker in Australia and internationally.
Mr Hobbs added: “Cameron is going to bring a special energy to the Institute”.
“As an educator, we expect he will engage with SONA and EmAGN and harness the energy of this important cohort, as an excellent communicator, he will become an effective advocate to various stakeholders including government, industry partners and the private sector,” he said.
“Cameron will be an excellent voice for the issues most important to the Institute – inclusivity, sustainability, and the public recognition of the significant role architects play in shaping our community”.
