Since 2009 (the period of Professor Laura Lee’s residency), the Institute here in South Australia has been pressing for policy makers and others to better utilize the skills that we have as a profession, and utilize them earlier in the decision making process.

It’s been a long process, with plenty of setbacks along the way. And to be honest, until recently the outsider’s view of the profession has remained static - that we are the people to bring in once things are settled and there is a clear outline of what’s required, and we are commissioned to get on with designing a building for our clients.

For that matter, far too many architects subscribe to that view as well.

But in the last couple of months, I’m sensing real change. Our lobbying is gaining traction.

It started with a lunch with the Treasurer back in May where he was interested in how we can influence the supply chain here in South Australia, and how we should be involved early in the development of projects. See May’s e-News here

Ian Nightingale, the Industry Participation Advocate, has since taken carriage of this topic, holding a series of workshops with Institute members to better understand how our decisions influence the supply chain. The conclusion from these workshops has been clear – the earlier we can get involved in a project, the better the outcome will be for the state economy.