SA’s inaugural Commissioner for Integrated Design the right choice

MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 29 April 2010

SA’s inaugural Commissioner for Integrated Design the right choice

The appointment of Professor Laura Lee to the role of South Australia’s first ever Commissioner for Integrated Design is the right choice, and one that re-positions SA at the centre of the national debate on sustainable cities, population and lifestyle.

Applauding today’s announcement of Professor Lee’s appointment, the Australian Institute of Architects’ SA President Timothy Horton said: “The appointment of Professor Lee is an important statement of support for the recommendations of her 2009 residency, including a firm commitment by the State Government to valuing design as the foundation for integrated decision making and promoting innovation.”

“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.”

Professor Lee’s 2009 Thinker-in-Residence term modelled a unique and timely understanding of the need for a new approach to the process of design, planning and development. Her preliminary recommendations, outlined in PLACE magazine in December 2009, represent a significant body of work of national relevance.

Professor Laura Lee is a highly respected architect and educator of international standing. In recognition of her contribution to the discipline of architecture, Professor Lee was made an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in July 2009, and was a lead contributor to the 2010 National Architecture Conference to be held in Sydney 22-24 April.

Mr Horton said that while the detailed terms of reference for the Commission are yet to be released, it looks set to become a major force in the national conversation on design, planning and development. He added: “The Institute looks forward to working with the Premier, and the Commissioner in the selection of an SA Government Architect to deliver this dedicated expertise to the people of South Australia, and to build on today’s announcement.”

Professor Lee’s appointment was welcomed nationally. Institute National President Melinda Dodson said: “We congratulate the SA Government on this forward-thinking appointment, and its recent commitment to visionary initiatives such as the Integrated Design Commission (IDC), designed to ensure the State produces the highest quality built environment outcomes.”
Australian Institute of Architects