Institute appoints NSW chapter president

Elizabeth Carpenter has been elected as the Australian Institute of Architects New South Wales chapter president, in replacement of Adam Haddow, who stepped down following his appointment as national president elect.

Carpenter is a practising architect with over 30 years of experience. She is a managing principal and company secretary at FJC Studio and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA). She has served on the NSW Australian Institute of Architects Chapter Council, among other design and advocacy committees.

Carpenter said she is honoured to represent the NSW chapter.

"I am committed to advocating for a sustainable future. This is not just a desire but a necessity and should be our primary focus. Sustainability should permeate every aspect of our work-it starts from the beginning and is a state of mind rather than an add-on. Recognising and promoting sustainable work practices is as important as the projects we produce," she said.

"My approach is collaborative, welcoming participation and engagement. I aim to draw upon the combined expertise of the many active members of the Institute's community and expand this community further.

"We all know the critical issues facing our profession and our interaction with the built environment. However, I want to take the time to personally ask what we can do better to improve our impact and how we can work together as a connected community of professionals."

Carpenter will serve as chapter president until the end of 2024. Her three areas of focus as chapter president will be housing, supporting graduate and emerging architects, and maintaining and communicating the value of the craft of architecture.