The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) is the newest member of the Australian Design Alliance (AdA) – a strategic partnership of Australia’s peak design bodies across a range of disciplines, including design, urban planning, craft and the arts.

Committed to using design and creativity to spearhead Australia’s cultural and commercial future, the AdA was formed based on the perceived need for governments to recognise design as a potent means of realising policy objectives such as digital technological innovation, increased productivity, and environmental sustainability.

The existing twelve peak bodies that make up the AdA already represent a substantial constituency, with a combined national membership of the member organisations in excess of 140,000. With the AIA on board, 12,000 more professional architects, graduates and students from across the nation will be a part of the Alliance.

“Architecture is the fulcrum of our national design identity and this highly visible art form leads the way in so many other design endeavours, from furniture design, automotive design and urban design through interior, graphic and fashion design,” says AdA Patron His Excellency Michael Bryce AM AE.

“These endeavours must be recognised as fundamental to our country’s creative identity as well as its economy.”

Image: www.australiandesignalliance.com

Chairman of the AdA Oliver Kratzer adds that while the AIA has always been influential as an associate of the not-for-profit design industry alliance, becoming a committed member of the AdA would increase influential support for its aims.

“[The AdA’s] core objective is to see design-led innovation become an integral part of Australian business and industry and to ensure design is central to Australia’s future economic competitiveness,” he says.

“However, there still remains a lack of understanding of the true benefits of design as a key driver of competitiveness in Australia.”

“The AIA's commitment to the AdA gives additional depth and resonance to the voice of the creative industries.”