Sydney-based architect, Louise Cox, will take up the three-year key position as head of the International Union of Architects (UIA), following her appointment at the UIA world congress in Italy earlier this month (July 2008).

Cox had been Vice President of the UIA for the past three years. The UIA encompasses the key professional organisations of architects in 116 countries and territories, and represents more than 1,300,000 architects worldwide.

Cox completed her Bachelor of Architecture at Sydney University and is former National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, as well as NSW Chapter President, a life fellow of the Institute, and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Congratulations, President Cox.

Ms Cox was one of two candidates standing for nomination, with fellow contender, 54-year-old Italian architect Giancarlo Ius, tragically suffering a massive heart attack before dying on 4 July in Turin.