The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) has announced its inaugural Infinite Value Awards, calling for entries including for Architectural Excellence.

The surveyors say the aim is to reward, recognise and promote the significant value that Australian construction professionals add to national and global projects.

The architecture category is a project-based award aimed at the ‘pioneers in terms of design as well as function … influencing the very face of the Australian built environment’.

Eligible entrants will be projects that have been completed within the last three years and have been operating for at least one year prior to 30 June 2012.

The AIQS and principal event partner Brookfield Multiplex aim to elevate the perception of Quantity Surveying and its affiliated professions of Architects, Builders, Project Managers and Developers.

“In these challenging economic times, we aim to support and champion the profession in whatever way we can,” says Michael Manikas, CEO of AIQS (pictured).

“Whilst it is important to remain focused and look to the future we feel that the Infinite Value Awards enable us to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments already achieved to date.”

Industry professionals can submit entries to any of the 11 Award Categories from 6 August. Award categories include; Sustainable Green Project, Innovation Project, Government Project, Women in Construction, GHD International Project, Quantity Surveying Advocacy, MBM Research and Teaching, Conduit Future Leader, Lifetime Contribution, as well as the Walton Construction Engineering Excellence and the Coverforce Architectural Excellence Awards.Winners of each category will then be entered into two additional Award categories; Project of the Year and Professional of the Year, which will be presented by Principal Event Partner, Brookfield Multiplex.

The panel of judges comprises; Simon Johanson, leading Australian property journalist; Peter Maddison, award-winning architect and host of The LifeStyle Channel’s Australian production of Grand Designs; Gary McDonald, National President, AIQS and Carolyn Viney, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Grocon Pty Limited.

Maddison noted how cost planning as integral to a building’s success: “The construction process is a team sport,” he said.

“The role of the Quantity Surveyor has become key to a project’s success because of the complexity and speed of 21st Century building procurement. I look forward to my role as judge in this inaugural program, and recognising the quantity surveying profession, who really are the wicket keepers of the building industry.”

Finalists will be announced on 2 October 2012 with Awards being presented in Melbourne on 15 November.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), Michael Manikas, is urging COAG to ensure that the Quantity Surveying profession is represented on the independent panel that will be charged with investigating the rising cost of infrastructure. Manikas has spent the last 48 hours trying to contact COAG members and their representatives to make his case but has not as yet had any return calls.

“It’s a no-brainer,” says Manikas. “If the goal is to review construction costs, then a professional Quantity Surveyor should be at the top of the list.”

The AIQS strongly supports the review. In fact, communication with the offices of both the Premier and Treasurer of Victoria commenced in April when AIQS offered support for the government’s ‘Effective Decision Making for the Successful delivery of Significant Infrastructure Projects’. Whilst an acknowledgement letter has been received, AIQS is yet to hear back from the Department of Treasury and Finance about a meeting.