Institute's Queensland chapter appoints new president

Brisbane architect Russell Hall has been appointed new president of the Australian Institute of Architects' Queensland chapter.

Hall is the architect behind the iconic Carpenter Hall House in Wilston, notable for its dodecagon shape, which is listed on the Institute's register of Nationally Significant Architecture.

"Well-designed homes and buildings use less energy, are healthier and are better for people. That's why architecture is so important," Hall said.

"I am delighted with the opportunity the position has, to confer with governments on regulations and by-laws in the hope of a more climatically appropriate built environment for our state. The anonymous nature of recent buildings from the arctic to the tropics enabled by energy consumption is an anathema to me. It eliminates place identity."

"I am excited for Russell to take the reins and lead the Institute into 2025," said Amy Degenhart, who handed over the presidency to Hall.

Hall's appointment was announced at the annual president's honours dinner, which also elevated six Institute members to Life Fellows for their contribution to the local built environment. Fifteen members were also made Fellows of the Institute.

The 2024 President's Prize was awarded to Lindy Johnson, founder of Lindy Johnson Creative, a marketing, publicity, media and business development agency for architects and designers.

The $15,000 Philip Y Bisset Planning (architecture) Scholarship and the $20,000 Dunbar Fellowship were also awarded at the President's Dinner.