OUTGOING VICE PRESIDENT MESSAGE

FROM MARCUS PIPER

It is common knowledge I grew up wanting to be an architect and I have certainly made jokes about not being smart enough, or stupid enough, to follow that desire – perhaps it is fortunate for this Association I landed in visual communication and am passionate about design in the regions. So let me explain why I am a Founding Committee member, why I took on the role of RAA Vice President, what I am most proud of and more importantly, let me introduce your new Vice President.

Marcus presenting Punctuation Studio designed by Takt Studio for Architecture at the Elements event in Moruya 2022. Photographed by Emma Gaal

As a creative living in the regions it can be professionally lonely, especially if you work by yourself. The issues of running your own business, dealing with clients, the general whinge or the inspiring banter about materials – it is hard to find that person to discuss with. I grew up in many country towns across NSW – spent time in Canberra, Sydney, Darwin, London then reverted to the South Coast of NSW. I’ve seen a lot in the 20+ years I’ve been designing and editing the magazines you may have read and believe regionalising Australia is the way forward but it takes care and local knowledge.

This is why I am a Founding Committee Member of the RAA. To connect people, ideas, experiences and ultimately outcomes in the built environment for our communities. And to be connected. 

To the next point, I took the role of Vice President with one goal – to guide and support our President, Tim Lee, who I believe is determined and delivering real-world connections for this association across Councils and Government.   

Whilst I was doing that, I also threw on a massively modest event down in Moruya called ELEMENTS which built on our Bundanon event and solidified a new way of thinking around the RAA’s program. This is one of the things I am proud of during my tenure here – being creative in the approach a new Association takes to the familiar.

Trying to keep this short, I am also thrilled that through my engagement with the Image Makers Association Australia we have brought on Rhiannon Slatter as our new Administration Assistant. Rhiannon gets architecture and she knows how things work. It has been a joy to see her seamlessly enter our team and the impacts she has made were felt almost immediately. To that extent, welcoming Emily Knight and Matt Cooper to the RAA Committee have brought equal joy across with their expertise across events and advocacy. 

Katharina Hendel of Takt Studio for Architecture and incoming RAA Vice President

So to the new Vice President… I am so proud to introduce Katharina Hendel, Director at TAKT | Studio for Architecture as your new VP. Working along side Tim Lee (President), Tricia Helyar (Treasurer), Sarah Aldridge (Secretary) and the extended Committee I know, as members, you are in safe hands. Katharina’s experience and perspective will no doubt keep Tim in check and steer this ship to great points. I would also encourage members to reach out for roles within the committee or various working groups. After all, combined we make more change that we do isolated.

Thanks you so much for your commitment and trust, it has been a joy to see the RAA go from zero to… hero!

Marcus Piper

PS: Yeah, I’m a bit proud :) Catch you in Noosa.