The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the appointment of a new National President.

At 39-years-old, Melinda Dodson is the youngest person ever to become National President and the second woman to hold the position.

This is a deliberate move by the Institute to shift the profile of the peak body, reflecting the ‘new face’ of the architecture profession that is “dynamic, young, innovative and ‘green’”.

Dodson has had an impressive 15-year career since graduating from the University of Adelaide. Working for practices in Adelaide and Canberra, including Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn Architects and most recently joined GHD Architecture as Principal.

The new President is focussed on providing leadership and promoting sustainability within the profession.

“In Australia, we are not yet meeting the challenge of climate change, despite incontrovertible and overwhelming evidence about cities and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions,” she says

“Through the creative process, we can provide architectural solutions that sustain long-term human health and wellbeing.”

Over the next 12 months Dodson’s key priorities as National President will involve the development of sustainable architecture and cities, effective contract and project partnerships, support for emerging and female architects and the ongoing role of fostering the architectural community at home and overseas.

Hero Image courtesy of the Institute

architecture.com.au