A new Government Architect has been appointed in Queensland, the move welcomed by Australian Institute of Architects as a commitment to safeguard, optimise and promote the State's growth.
The Queensland Government’s announced that award-winning architect Malcolm Middleton would assume the role.
The Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland President Peter Skinner said the appointment was a major win for all Queenslanders.
“We commend the State Government for the appointment, which signals a continuation of its recent public commitment to the best built environment outcomes for Queensland,” Skinner said.
“Through their HEAT initiative in particular, they’ve shown true leadership in marketing the State and its award-winning infrastructure internationally.
“Malcolm Middleton is an inspired choice to follow-on from previous Queensland Government Architect Phillip Follent, who has moved to academia after making successful inroads in improving the quality of the built environment across the State, particularly in regional areas.
“Malcolm was appointed the Queensland Architecture Awards Jury Director for 2010-2011 and has already created strong links in the regions as a result of his support and critical judgment of architecture across the State. He has impressed his colleagues at architectural awards presentations across the State with his discerning and insightful discussion of awards citations.
“With the Government Architect’s role supported by the Queensland Government, and with the continuation of the State’s HEAT initiative, we are confident Queensland architecture will continue to attract positive attention on the world stage.
The Institute will continue to push for the establishment of a Commonwealth Government Architect position within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to help deliver quality architecture and a sustainable built environment.
Image via http://www.architecture.com.au
