The Institute and Lysaght are proud to invite you to the online launch of our “Stronger Insights - Client Feedback Report".

The report explores client feedback which will provide leaders of architectural practices with key data for their strategic planning. This body of work has been sponsored by our Partner Lysaght. A snapshot of insights from the report include:

- 92% of clients confirmed they would be highly likely or likely to engage the services of an architect again.
- 80% of clients agreed that architects assist them to realise design aspirations and create sustainability.
- 75% of respondents believe using the service of an architectural practice represents good value.
- 71% of clients preferred to engage an architect via referral from a trusted source.

The report also found that clients are keen for architects to stay ahead of changing market conditions as well as maintain leading knowledge in modern methods of construction, the changing use of technology, and appropriate incorporation of sustainable outcomes. For clients to be convinced to incorporate sustainable design, they requested greater information from the design team on the improvement on operational efficiencies. Clients are also seeking from architects design outcomes that reduce risk in project delivery, have a deeper understanding on end user needs, and buildings which are easy to use, operate and maintain. Clients want data on performance of past projects that architects have delivered in order to influence better outcomes on the next generation of design. Clients also commented that communication was critical to the success of a project and that senior leadership was needed throughout a project, adequately supplemented with junior staff.

To celebrate the launch of the report, you are invited to attend a panel discussion which will discuss how we might further improve the client-architect relationship and then more broadly what strategies might be employed to improve overall built outcomes. Our panel is comprised of architects, clients and public officials from across a range of sectors including developers as well as state and local government.

Tim commenced his role as Victorian State Manager of the Institute in 2020. Prior to this, he held various Institute leadership roles, including Victorian Chapter Councillor and Chair of the Victorian Large Practice Forum. Separate to his Institute roles, Tim provides architectural design advice to the government on large scale social infrastructure and is an OVGA Design Review Panellist.

Tim has over 20 years architectural experience. He was a Studio Director at Bates Smart and was involved in numerous significant projects including Bendigo Hospital (health), 171 Collins Street (commercial), 17 Spring Street (multi-residential) and internationally the Australian Embassy in Washington DC (civic).

Tim is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and founder and former President of Open House Melbourne (2008-2020), which was awarded the AIA’s President’s Prize and City of Melbourne’s Melbourne Award. He has sat on numerous not for profit committees, university and industry design review juries and is a keen advocate for good design.

Tim Leslie | LinkedIn

Chris is the C.I.O of Cbus Property, leading its Investment and Innovation teams for sustained growth and performance. Having worked in construction and development for almost 30 years, Chris couples his technical background with the personal and corporate aspirations of reinforcing Cbus Property as one of Australia’s leading property developers by every measure. Being cognisant of the legacy of the developments Cbus Property undertake, with the impact on Cbus’ members, the community, the construction workers, end users and the environment, Chris is aware that through people and curiosity there is significant opportunity to drive enhanced customer centric outcomes for all stakeholders.

Chris has worked at Cbus Property for almost 18 years and has a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Planning & Design (Building). Before Cbus Property, Chris worked at Fletcher Construction.

Chris has been involved in delivering more than 500,000sqm of premium commercial office space and 3,000 apartments worth over $8Bn (including work in hand).

Chris Kakoufas | LinkedIn

Emma Woodhouse is the Chief Operating Officer for Salta Properties and is responsible for leading Salta’s Development Management, Project Management, Asset Management, Sustainability and Marketing divisions. Graduating from Deakin University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Building (Honours). Emma joined Salta Properties in November 2019 following a long and successful career at Lendlease for the previous 19 years. With 26 years of experience in the development and construction industry, her experience extends across a diverse range of sectors including, urban regeneration precincts, commercial office, residential, retail, industrial, hotels and public buildings. .

Emma’s greatest passions are working with teams to deliver exceptional city shaping outcomes and leading high-performing teams to bring the very best out in them. She currently also holds a position as a UDIA Board Member.

Emma Woodhouse | LinkedIn

Jill took the helm of the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in 2015, stepping into the role as a public advocate for architecture and design after more than twenty years in practice. As an architect, her practice - Garner Davis - has received numerous industry awards for delivering sensitive, crafted public and private work. As a design advisor and advocate in government, she strongly promotes the value of contextual, integrated design thinking and a collaborative approach across design disciplines.

Jill has taught at both RMIT and Melbourne University in design, theory and contemporary history; she is one of the first graduates of the innovative practice-based Masters by Design at RMIT; she is a past board member and examiner for the Architects Registration Board Victoria; she chaired the national Committee for the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018 and she is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Jill Garner | LinkedIn

Cr Nicholas Reece was elected Deputy Lord Mayor in November 2020, after having previously been elected Councillor in the City of Melbourne in 2016. Nick is an executive in Chancellery at the University of Melbourne and holds an academic position of principal fellow and teaches at the Melbourne School of Government.

Nick is the chairman of global men’s health charity Movember. Founded in Melbourne, more than 6 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have joined the Movember movement and raised almost $1.2b for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. For over 10 years, Nick was a director for the street newspaper The Big Issue, Australia’s most successful social enterprise for homeless and marginalised people.

Nick has considerable experience in government and policymaking, having worked as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victorian premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby. He is a commentator for SKY News and a regular columnist for The Age.

Nicholas Reece | LinkedIn

Stefano Scalzo is an architect with over 20 years executive experience working in public sector projects across Australia with particular expertise in the design of contemporary healthcare environments.

He is the Executive General Manger, Planning and Development at the Victorian Health Building Authority.

Stefano oversees the origination process of all Victorian health infrastructure projects inclusive of all service and capital planning leading into the development of Financial Business Cases.

In 2015 Stefano was awarded a prestigious 50th Anniversary Churchill Fellowship to research the design of high amenity mental health facilities developed over multiple levels.

Stefano Scalzo | LinkedIn

This event is free for members and non-members