New era for the art of architecture

A well-known leader in the field of architecture has taken up a new post as chief custodian of the profession in Queensland.

Bruce Medek’s appointment as Chair of the Board of Architects Queensland also marks the end of an era, with Professor Susan Savage completing a 15-year tenure in the role.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni paid tribute to Professor Savage’s invaluable experience in her five consecutive terms at the helm of the profession’s Queensland regulator since her first appointment on 1 January 2003.

“Professor Savage is one of the longest serving architects registration board Chairs in the country and is highly respected in architecture at both state and national levels,” said Mr de Brenni.

“Her significant contributions to upholding professional standards and public confidence in the profession of architecture have contributed in no small way to the ongoing success of the Board.

“Professor Savage also represented Queensland on the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, helping to shape the direction of national standards for education and registration in the profession.

“She was responsible for the development and introduction of the Queensland Architects Code of Practice in 2003, and the introduction of the Board’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy requirements.

“And she has, with a variety of Board members over 15 years, ensured that people who would falsely claim to be architects are prevented from doing so, protecting the public from unscrupulous operators.

“She certainly leaves a lasting legacy.”

Mr de Brenni said Mr Medek has also forged a formidable reputation for his commitment to the profession since beginning work in the profession in 1984 as a student, then as a registered architect from 1995.

“Bruce brings to the role strong design talents, a commitment to clients and an in-depth knowledge of construction, contracts and standards,” said Mr de Brenni.

“His first practice, Gall and Medek Architects established in 1995, was recognised at national and international levels for exploring future links of people with the built and natural environments.

“In 2008 he became the youngest elected Queensland president of the Institute of Architects, becoming the Institute’s representative appointed to the Board of Architects Queensland, and now serves as an elected industry representative.

“Now director of Medek Architects, he has been a member of the board of Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland, which administers a range of community projects including Tidy Towns and Clean and Healthy Beaches.”

Queensland Government Architect Malcolm Middleton congratulated Mr Medek on his appointment.

“The Board plays an important behind the scenes role ensuring standards are maintained across the wide variety of environments that exist in such a diverse place as Queensland,” said Mr Middleton.

“I look forward to working with Bruce and integrating the work of the Board with important new design policy support that is occurring across the agencies of the Queensland Government.”

Mr Medek’s appointment is effective from 1 April 2018 until 30 June 2019.

Mr de Brenni also announced three additional three-year appointments to the board that are effective until 31 March 2021 – legal representative and new Deputy Chair Jennifer McVeigh, regional representative Tania Dennis and academic representative Lindy Osborne Burton.

Retiring from the Board is legal representative Christopher Douglas and regional representative Miles Blutcher (Townsville), while three remaining Board members have terms that continue through to 2019.

“There are more than 2500 qualified architects who are registered with the BOAQ who are able to practice in Queensland,” said Mr de Brenni.

“Architects play a very important role in shaping the future of Queensland’s built environment, and the Board exists to protect the public by ensuring the standards of the profession are upheld,” he said.

“Every year, tens of thousands of Queenslanders, as well as companies and institutions, rely on architectural services – they deserve to have confidence that everyone using the title ‘architect’ has the necessary qualifications, skills and practical experience to ensure their objectives are met.”

Mr de Brenni said the easiest way for people to check that the person they are dealing with is, in fact, an architect registered with the BOAQ is to conduct a free search on the Board’s website: www.boaq.qld.gov.au.

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Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132