Background • Unity • Mission • Core Values • Approach • Structure • RAA Committee • TECHNICAL MEMBERS

Background

In 2021, after devastating bushfires, floods and a global pandemic, a group of like minded regional architects saw opportunity and a need, to mobilise other architects to form a new, member driven organisation with a focus on, and concern for, positive change in the most important area of future urban growth in Australia, the regions.

The RAA supports regional architectural practitioners to collectively strengthen the practice of architecture, and advocates for better understanding of the value and benefits of architecture, within local communities.

Unity for a Common Purpose

As committed regionalists we understand that whilst change in the built environment is inevitable, it should occur in a way that celebrates the uniqueness of each place, is considerate of and caters for the true diversity of community life. 

Change should be environmentally sustainable, balance socially sustainability, and be financially beneficial to the community it serves.
It should be coordinated and integrated with investment from government in infrastructure and be in line with the spirit of an articulated vision for each community.
It should be beautiful as much as it is useful.

To achieve this, it is critical that people with sensitivity towards the uniqueness of place, the uniqueness of each community are at the table.

Fortunately, Architects and many others who are engaged with and supporting of architecture in these places are a valuable resource that should be drawn upon to ensure a positive future for regional communities. Architects are trained to understand a broad range of issues, distilling unique and meaningful answers to the many and varied questions posed in regional communities.

While it seems the challenges our communities face are common ones, the solutions to these challenges are invariably nuanced and as individual as the places in which they occur.

How do our towns and regional cities adapt to the challenges they face, and develop in a way that enhances the lives of those in their communities by celebrating and engaging them with the uniqueness that is their place?

Mission

Our mission is to ensure that practitioners are connected with and made visible to legislators, media, suppliers and the public to maximise our contribution to excellent outcomes in the built environment.

Key goals are:

• Remain relevant, agile and useful by remaining open and responsive to members’ needs in the face of a constantly changing practice environment.

• Encourage passionate and informed skill and information sharing by providing the primary support network for practices in regional Australia.

• Improve the understanding of Architecture, and the positive role it can play in addressing the challenges faced by regional Australia via effective and targeted advocacy.

• Nurture relationships with strategic partner organisations and other industry organisations that are relevant in also addressing the needs of members.

• Become recognised as the peak body for representing regional architecture to Government and other authorities in Australia.

Core Values

The RAA is a member based not for profit organisation that:

• Reflects the business interests of its members.

• Engages with its membership to identify and solve issues.

• Maintains the volunteer ethos and spirit of sharing.

• Maintains flexibility and is efficient in its functioning.

• Ensures all funds raised are utilised for the benefit of the membership.

• Is inclusive and open.

Approach - Support. Advocacy. Community.

In furthering regional architectural thinking, the RAA has two distinct audiences. 

Internal - the members, and External - the general public who experience architecture every day including those in positions to affect or implement good architectural outcomes.

For members, the RAA is a support network specifically tailored to the needs of those engaged with architecture in regional settings.

Challenges faced by one member are often faced by many. Peer support and information sharing results in better outcomes across the board. From the peer support network the aim is to address topical issues as they arise in a timely and proactive way.

Proactive connection - both face to face and virtual - is important to enable collective pulse taking and provide collective strength of voice.

Our regions will benefit from more involvement by architects in the decision making processes that form the framework we operate within.  

With effective and targeted campaigns we aim to improve the understanding of architecture in our communities. All strategies and actions shall be consistent with our Purpose + Mission.

Structure

The Regional Architecture Association was incorporated on 13th April 2021 is an incorporated Association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 

It is a not for profit organisation with a member focus.