Advocacy and profile raising of landscape architecture can take a variety of forms. AILA has been active in a number of initiatives recently which shines a spotlight on our profession:
The Australian Deans of Built Environment and Design is the peak tertiary education body in the fields of architecture, design and the built environment. This week the AILA CEO, Shahana McKenzie, was in Adelaide to present an overview of the work AILA has been doing to align education policy with the profession and tertiary education in Australia. Education and research as an essential part of the future of a dynamic and growing profession like landscape architecture.
AILA’s major corporate partner, Austral Bricks & Austral Masonry has been bringing together representatives from AILA, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Planning Institute of Australia at networking lunches in each major city. Bringing together the allied industry bodies has obvious benefits for the promotion of landscape architecture. The focus of discussions has been the exploration of issues and initiatives where all three organisations can collaborate.
Plans are also well advanced for the next National Council meeting which is taking place in Hobart on 5 and 6 March. A City Talk has been arranged to coincide with the meeting which will provide the opportunity to promote landscape architecture in Tasmania as well as the chance to meet local landscape architects.
We have been overwhelmed by the incredible response of our membership campaign #AreYouReady. With over 150 new members joining since December, I would like to extend a big thank you to those members who have got behind the AILA membership drive. The more members AILA has, the greater its influence and the more it can do.
Mark Frisby
National President
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects