From the President & CEO

From the President

By Ingrid Hornung, President, Design Matters National 2020-2022

I write this at the end of my first year as President.

When I started, I could not have envisaged what this last year would bring!

In this issue we explore the many challenges this has presented to the professions we represent, and some of the ways we have sought to rise to those challenges.

We developed new ways of working together, and apart;

We responded to a big rise in renovation rates, driven both by need (as people spent more time in their homes than ever before) and also by government stimulus;

We responded to the challenges that the builders we work with faced; as the construction industry was affected by both material and labour constraints (due to so many different causes!)

I hope you find inspiration and food for thought in these pages; I know I find inspiration in the creative ways that members have responded to the ‘brief’ that these times have given us! As an organisation I’m proud of the ways we have found to support members during these times; and how our members have supported each other. I believe this attitude is the thread that connects everyone in our organisation; from its very beginnings, right through the last 39 years as we have grown; and into the future.

While there’s a sense of having to brace ourselves for what may be around the corner, post the pandemic, I find myself filled with a sense of optimism and hope; as we recreate our connections with family, at work, and in our communities: in almost every aspect of life.

I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday season with your friends and family; and I look forward to meeting many more of you in person during the next year!

Ingrid Hornung

From the CEO

By Peta Anderson, CEO, Design Matters National

Silver Linings The controlled material palette consisting of 4-5 key materials, recycled grey and silver lining boards, off-form concrete, brass fittings, and white oak joinery revealed a surprisingly versatile outcome despite the various conditions within the building. Against the backdrop of a debilitating pandemic, we persisted with delivering on our mandate - to protect and promote the building design profession. There is no doubt that we’ve managed to survive the second round of COVID primarily because of the loyalty of our members.

For me, serving the professional needs of more than 2000 members means that we’re constantly looking for ways to develop our capabilities solely to benefit our members. We’re focused on understanding the needs of the building design and thermal performance industries, and engaging through promotion, advocacy and education programs.

This year, we’ve seen a solid increase in non-member webinar registrations, buoyed by the online environment. We’ve become recognised for our quality of educational programs across Australia which is proven in the thousands of purchases of pre-recorded webinars from our online store. We have continued our major online events this year including Sustainability month, TPA intensive program and InspoExpo of which we had hundreds of registrations this year.

DMN’s success is all about connection and contribution. I’d like to recognise each of you that have played a part in our success. Thank you to our members for the valuable support that you provide for our activities. And a special thank you also to those members who serve on the Committee of Management, working groups and those who provide education and support services to our members.

I hope you enjoy reading through our final issue of INTERSECT for the year.

And as we close the door on year, amongst the climate of challenge and change of 2021, one thing remains – that we will continue to grow with our core values and efforts to guide us along the way.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous summer holiday season,

Peta

Infinity Views The form of the two volumes has subtle curves and angles, clad in teak, to meld them into the adjoining landscape and create view angles from every habitable space.