Sydney-based architect Brian Zulaikha has been appointed as the Australian Institute of Architects’ 72nd National President.

A founding partner of award-winning architectural practice Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, Zulaikha is known for his commitment to sustainable design and a portfolio of projects delivering contemporary purpose to heritage sites.

He has been involved in a number of projects that have successfully delivered new futures to heritage sites while embracing the sites’ original fabric.

His best-known works include the CarriageWorks Performing Arts Centre, which transformed the 1888 former carriage workshops at Eveleigh into one of Sydney’s most vibrant and innovative centres for arts and community events; and gained Australian and international awards for architecture and interior design - including the 2009 International Architecture Award, The Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design Studies.

Combining an interest in integrating art and architecture, Zulaikha was President of the NSW Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects in 2009-2011, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Performance Space in 1989-1996, and served on the Board of Directors at Artbank in 1993-1995.

Zulaikha gained his Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Sydney. Before establishing Tonkin Zulaikha Greer in 1987, he honed his skills in managing complex projects with the Singapore Superior Courts Complex, the design and documentation of a number of high-rise office buildings, and the design management of the Bicentennial refurbishment of the whole of Sydney’s Circular Quay.

His role at Tonkin Zulaikha Greer involves coordinating practice staff and the large of volume of work in development.

As National President, his key priorities over the coming 12 months are to focus on:

  • Sustainable communities, cities and architecture;
  • Influencing planning reform throughout Australia;
  • Furthering dialogue, between Federal and State Governments and the profession, on a range of issues to help deliver quality architecture and a sustainable built environment, including establishing an Australian Government Architect position within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet;
  • Fostering links with other architectural organisations working within Australia and offshore, in particular setting up a formal relationship with Emergency Architects Australia; and
  • Promoting art and architecture, and how they can work together to enrich culture and quality of life.

Zulaikha and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer were Sydney pioneers of sustainable design with the Affordable Housing Complex in Ultimo receiving the Australian Institute of Architects National Environment Award in 1996.

The limited-budget project fulfilled its brief to provide “robust ecologically superior public housing” with low toxicity, low energy use and minimally processed materials; and a passive solar design, natural ventilation, solar heating and water recycling.”

Increasing awareness and uptake of sustainable design practices is a priority for Zulaikha in his role as President.

He said: “The Australian Institute of Architects can be an effective agency in not only promoting the importance of sustainability, but in educating designers in how to implement changes to shore up our future on the planet.”

Zulaikha commenced his term as National President at the Institute’s 2011 Annual General Meeting. He succeeds Melbourne-based architect, Karl Fender, a champion of the urbanist view of the future of Australian cities.

Speaking on his plans for his year as President of the Institute, Zulaikha said:

“Sustainable cities has become a catchcry for the 21st Century. The Institute is well placed to make ‘sustainable cities’ more than a slogan. As architects and advocates we can influence the design of our cities and the quality of life of their occupants.

“Urban density is one of the most important aspects of planning for sustainability. We need to consolidate our cities and preserve the green belts that support valuable agriculture and provide containment lines. We must be able to get in and out of cities quickly.

“Adaptive reuse is another tool in sustainable urban design. I don’t believe in demolition. We need to approach projects with a view of what we can keep rather than starting from scratch. Adaptive reuse conserves resources and adds meaning to contemporary architecture.

“Similarly combining and art and architecture can add value and meaning in the built world. I am keen to see a greater bond between these two disciplines.

“This year, the Institute will continue to work collaboratively to improve the quality of our urban spaces, both aesthetically and in terms of liveability. Our membership and leading role with the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) is a key strategy for addressing the environmental and ecological issues now facing our industry. ASBEC is working with the three levels of government to produce a prioritised action agenda for the future.

“The annual Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) program is another example of parliamentarians and industry leaders sharing strategies for achieving productive, sustainable and liveable Australian cities.

“The program, an alliance between the Institute, Planning Institute of Australia, Property Council of Australia, Green Building Council of Australia and Consult Australia, is a strong and close collaboration helping shape the future prosperity of the nation.

“The 2011 BEMP program, which took place in Canberra recently, opened with a timely discussion on how to reduce future losses from natural disasters and how to help communities to recover.

“As extreme weather events and natural disasters escalate, the Institute is looking to establish a formal relationship with Emergency Architects Australia (EAA). This not-for-profit organisation provides disaster assistance throughout Australasia and the Pacific region from damage assessment to reconstruction.

“There is growing recognition of the role of the built environment in delivering quality of life, and accordingly greater recognition of the profession of architecture in shaping a positive future for Australians.

“We are already seeing the benefits of the NSW planning reforms of 2002, and the introduction of expert advisory panels for Councils, with the SEPP 65 initiative delivering better, more liveable apartment designs. The introduction of SEPP 65 nationally would result in significantly improved multi-residential apartments around the country, and I will be encouraging this step during the coming year.

“This year, we will continue to promote architecture’s contribution to culture, sustainability and quality of life. And, aim to achieve greater recognition of the resourcefulness and creativity of our profession.”