State Government architects – what do they actually do? - Tasmania

This position has a number of roles: advocate for quality design and sustainable built outcomes across the State; strategic and independent advice to Government on matters relating to planning, urban design, architecture and heritage; collaborative working relationships with State agencies and stakeholder groups to develop a shared vision of the built environment; and developing best practice guidelines to create better and more sustainable urban environments and buildings

The role of the Tasmanian State Architect is to bring together government, the building industry, and the community in a shared vision of the built environment. It ensures government buildings exemplify best practice and show leadership in design and sustainability. New collaborative methods of design showcase the best outcomes of design and industry integration.

The State Architect also works to establish sustainable, liveable and productive cities and towns throughout Tasmania. Good design and collaborative working methods ensure strong and vibrant communities into the future. A close collaborative relationship with the University of Tasmania has developed and the Office of the State Architect (OSA) hosts a summer design school for senior students of architecture and urban design. Two examples of projects that have engaged the office over the past year are:

H.30 A Capital City Plan for Hobart

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) requires that all Australian capital cities have comprehensive and integrated strategic plans in place. OSA is working with government agencies and local councils to deliver H.30, A Capital City Plan for Hobart by January 2012. This is an inter agency and interdisciplinary project highlighting the pivotal role of the office. All future funding bids to Infrastructure Australia will be assessed for consistency with the Capital City Plan.

Tasmanian Residential Strategy

The Tasmanian Residential Strategy proposes mechanisms to increase the provision of housing choices throughout Tasmania and addresses issues of cost, sustainability, liveability and community. This strategy incorporates concerns for diversity, equity and opportunity while considering safety, access to employment, recreation, infrastructure and services, the environment and sustainability.

The strategy will apply to all Housing Tasmania developments, and provides a checklist of issues to address during site selection, project formation, design, construction and operation.

Other involvements include: Adjunct Professor School of Architecture and Design; Tasmanian Board of Architects; Delegate to the Tasmanian Planning Commission; Capital City Strategy Reference Committee; Hobart City Council Urban Design Advisory Panel; Sullivan’s Cove Waterfront Authority Design Panel; Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery Building Committee; Housing Tasmania; and Sullivan’s Cove Master Plan Steering Committee Chair.