The Australian Institute of Architects has appointed Julia Cambage as its new CEO.
Cambage was most recently CEO of Try Australia, a youth training and mentoring organization, where for six years she was involved in a number of initiatives including the establishment of Try Uncontained, a social business that converts shipping containers into affordable, small footprint housing. She has also held top-level positions at Procurement Australia and Family Business Australia.
Based at the Institute’s Melbourne headquarters, Cambage will be responsible for 70 employees across the country at the national level and in state chapters.
Cambage said, “I believe innovation aligned with speed, flexibility and agility adds to success, and this is a philosophy that I am excited to explore within the architecture community and across the built environment.
“Our society, our communities and the architecture profession are rapidly changing and with this comes the opportunity to challenge the status quo and strengthen our ties within the building and construction industry to effect meaningful change across the sector for the safety and benefit of our communities.”
Clare Cousins, the Institute’s national president, said, “The Institute is firmly in an era of transformation and Ms. Cambage’s entrepreneurial nature coupled with extensive experience and commercial acumen provide the perfect fit for the organization and the profession as we continue on this exciting trajectory.”
The appointment comes after former CEO Jennifer Cunich departed the role in August 2018. During the intervening period the role of interim CEO was held first by Cousins and then by Judith Slocombe.
