Australian Institute Of Architects

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The Australian Institute of Architects has recognised the outstanding efforts of both architectural practitioners and advocates for the profession with the awarding of its 2020 National Prizes. 
Awarded annually since 1960, previous Gold Medal winners include some of Australia’s most recognisable architectural names including Robin Boyd, Jørn Utzon, Harry Seidler, Romaldo Giurgola and Glenn Murcutt.The Institute’s most prestigious honour, the Gold Medal, is this year being awarded to the man known as the ‘architect’s architect’, Mr John Wardle. The Jury described John as a most worthy candidate for this highest accolade, a man who, ‘across the nation he has restored faith in what architects do best – the design of buildings that function well and please hand and eye.’
John’s craft is recognisable right around the country on projects of varying scale, from single family homes such as the Kitamura house in Kew to large-scale institutional and commercial buildings such as the Queensland Brain Institute (2004-2007) in Brisbane, or the Jane Foss Russell Building in Sydney (2009). The Jury notes that these and John’s other projects ‘exemplify the national impact of Wardle’s personal project of raising the public status of architectural design.’
From his Melbourne-based studio founded in 1986, the Jury described John as having created a practice ‘of national stature and international repute; a practice where design excellence takes the prime position in every single project and at every scale.’ His practice has won numerous state Institute awards for architectural excellence in Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland as well as at the national level. This peer recognition ‘reinforces the view of John Wardle as an architect whose contribution to the development of Australian architecture has been distinguished and substantial.’  
The ongoing advocacy and achievements of the City of Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore have been celebrated with the awarding of the 2020 President's Prize. Applauded as a ‘vocal advocate of quality architecture, progressive policies and ambitious action on climate change’, National President Professor Helen Lochheadsaid Councillor Moore’s ‘vision and leadership over 30 years, has systematically transformed the City of Sydney into one of our most liveable cities.’ Councillor Moore is Sydney’s longest-serving Lord Mayor, who Professor Lochhead said understands, appreciates and champions the intrinsic value of architecture. ‘Under her leadership, the City of Sydney has developed a global reputation, delivering award-winning buildings, open spaces and transport infrastructure, instituting design excellence as public policy, supporting creative industries and initiating progressive solutions to complex social and environmental challenges,’ Professor Lochhead said.
As an educator, advocate, practising architect, executive director, media commentator and project manager this year’s 2020 Leadership in Sustainability Prize winner Stephen Choi wears many hats but his passion for sustainable design is the constant underpinning his diverse career. Recognised by the Jury for his ‘ability to take the principles to practice’, they commended Stephen for his long-term advocacy and engagement ‘to enable delivery of change within sustainability across multiple areas of the value chain.’ Stephen is currently Executive Director of Living Future Institute of Australia and the Living Building Challenge Manager for Fraser's Brickworks which is aiming to be the world's most sustainable shopping centre, and first to achieve the Living Building Challenge™.
Parlour – a driving force behind national, and increasingly international, change in policy, structure and attitudes towards women in architecture – is the recipient of this year’s Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize. Their work combines research, education, advocacy and engagement leading the Jury to describe Parlour as ‘synonymous with gender equity in architecture’. The Jury commended ‘Parlour’s compelling and wide-reaching projects work to transform architecture into a more equitable and robust profession demonstrating outstanding leadership.’
The 2020 Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture has been awarded to University of Adelaide architecture student Chantelle Fry for her proven leadership and commitment to fostering student engagement, while showcasing their work to the wider architectural community. Described by the Jury as a ‘passionate advocate for her fellow students’ they commended her for her openness, integrity and genuineness. 
The 2020 Jury comprised:
<ul>
<li>Professor Helen Lochhead LFRAIA (Chair)– National President, Australian Institute of Architects | Dean, UNSW Built Environment </li>
<li>Clare Cousins FRAIA – Immediate Past President, Australian Institute of Architects | Director, Clare Cousins Architects </li>
<li>Geoffrey London LFRAIA – Professor of Architecture, University of Western Australia  </li>
<li>Peter Elliott AM LFRAIA – 2017 Gold Medallist | Principal, Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design </li>
<li>Wendy Lewin FRAIA – Principal, Wendy Lewin Architect</li>
</ul>
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Australian architects and advocates celebrated with awarding of 2020 National Prizes 

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the incoming Morrison government’s acknowledgement of the importance of housing and urban policy and infrastructure, as it renewed its call for a focus on building safety, sustainability and effective design.
With the introduction of a dedicated Minister for Housing – the Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar – and the elevation into Cabinet of the Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure - Alan Tudge - the Institute said it highlighted the critical nature of these policy areas for the health, wellbeing and quality of life of all Australians. 
The Institute has also applauded the creation of an Assistant Ministry for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, under the leadership of Luke Howarth, in light of Australia’s affordable and social housing challenges.  
A focus on sustainability is also to be commended, with the appointment of Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor.
Australia’s growth challenge should generate benefits for the country if met with planned and well-integrated solutions. 
We welcome the focus on cities and housing as key areas that with considered policy, design and delivery can create real impact for everyday Australians. 
The importance of planning and the interconnection of infrastructure and housing solutions is well understood by architects, who work across scales and devise solutions to these complex issues in their daily practice.
This is the key to creating integrated, effective cities where all people can benefit– if we get it right.
In the lead-up to the election, the Institute had called for the integration of housing with infrastructure services and the strengthening of the role of the Minister for Cities.
We look forward to working with Minister Tudge in his expanded role. 
We will continue to push for design and sustainability benchmarks and a national architecture policy in urban policy.
The Institute has worked collaboratively with these Ministers in their previous roles and looks forward to engaging with them and other Ministers again to build effective policies for the Australian future.
The Institute will continue to push for increased safety measures for the building and construction industry, in line with the Shergold Weir Building Confidence report last year, to maintain the integrity of our national standards.
Nationally consistent building standards can also generate strong carbon emissions reductions – the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council estimates development and construction could drive up to 28 per cent of the nation’s 2030 target – and the Institute will continue to support decarbonisation across industries. 
Ongoing action on climate change through a plan for net zero carbon buildings by 2040, and fair and open procurement policies are also key priorities for the Institute.
As the new government sets it priorities for the term ahead, the Institute will continue its work to create solutions for Australia’s built environment that benefit the communities, while championing our professionals and effective design.
Professor Helen Lochhead is the National President of the Australian Institute of Architects
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