Following her proposal to create an Integrated Design Commission (IDC) late last year, Professor Laura Lee has been appointed South Australia’s first Commissioner for Integrated Design.

Lee, a Professor of Architecture at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh USA, was one of South Australia’s Thinkers-in-Residence in 2009 – a program which invites “world-class thinkers” to help develop the states creativity and innovation.

The appointment has been greeted with excitement by the Design Institute of Australia. “Laura Lee’s multi-disciplinary understanding of design will enable the effective operation of the Commission for Integrated Design and allow it to harness the benefits all areas of design can bring to South Australia,” said Joanne Cys, SA-based National President of the DIA.

An Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Professor Lee has worked closely with governments, education and industry to develop ‘integrated design strategies’.

Australian Institute of Architects’ SA President Timothy Horton said: “The Institute has deep respect for Professor Lee’s understanding of the place for architecture in shaping more liveable, sustainable cities, and her emphasis on open collaboration in the design of our cities reflects a global recognition that multi-disciplinary solutions are inherently better solutions.”

While the National President, Melinda Dodson congratulated the SA Government’s “forward-thinking appointment” and it’s commitment to “initiatives such as the Integrated Design Commission (IDC)”.

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