One of Queensland’s most highly esteemed architects, Philip Follent, takes up the position of Government Architect after eight years with the Gold Coast City Council. For the past two years Follent has been Head of the Council’s Office of City Architect and Heritage – the first of its kind for any local government in Australia.

Currently Adjunct Professor of Architecture at Queensland University of Technology, Follent has won 23 awards and commendations throughout his career for projects including Elephant Rock Café and Currumbin Sanctuary Conference Centre.

The Australian Architecture community has applauded the appointment. “[We see] this as a solid commitment by the Government to ensuring the best possible built environment outcomes for the State,” says Australian Institute of Architecture (AIA) Chapter President Bruce Medek. “We warmly welcome him, and look forward to the continuation of our positive working relationship.”

The AIA continue to lobby for similar positions to be created in those states without such roles – the ACT, South Australia – and at Commonwealth level.