Effective 16 May 2018, Clare Cousins of Clare Cousins Architects officially takes on the role of 79th National Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) President replacing Richard Kirk, who becomes Immediate Past President. A strong advocate for gender equity in architecture through avenues such as Parlour, Clare epitomises a successful modern-day woman within the architectural and construction context of Australia and beyond, alongside many other women.

"Architects are ideally placed to help deliver solutions to challenges around housing affordability, without compromising on amenity. We want to work with government to implement here in Australia housing models from around the world that could play a vital role in providing more appropriate housing for Australians."

Over 2014 and 2015, she was elected Victorian Chapter Councillor and followed through as National Councillor in 2016. She has also contributed as Chair to the ArchitectureAustralia (AA) Editorial Committee, Victorian Small and Medium Practice Forums, Victorian Member Services Committee, Victorian Member’s Forum, Constructive Mentoring Program and was part of Victorian and National Awards Juries. Clare was recognised for her work and professional engagement in 2013 with the AIA Victorian and National Emerging Architect award added to her string of accolades.

Clare Cousins established her Victorian practice, Clare Cousins Architects (CCA) in 2005. Since establishing her practice, Clare and her team have been recognised for design excellence in residential, cultural, interior and furniture design. With a range of large and small projects, the studio displays effectiveness and finesse that accentuates simple yet elegant design whilst embracing surrounding context and place. Aside from business regularities, the firm is also involved in the broader design community. 

CCA is an inaugural investor cum designer of Nightingale, a residential development model that has been widely celebrated due to it's social and sustainable benefits. Nightingale 4.0 is the next addition to the Nightingale Series following other renowned Australian architects such as Breathe Architecture, Six Degrees Architecture, James Davidson Architects, Andrew Maynard Architects, Coy+Yontis, Core Collective, Tallis Architecture, Wolveridge Architecture and GroupN. 

"With a strong focus on the power of good design, architects can have a positive influence on the production of both new and retrofitted housing stock that is energy efficient, reducing the unnecessary burden of high running costs on Australian households," Cousins said.

Previously as President Elect, Clare contributed to the formulation of the Institute’s 2018-2020 strategy, which places greater emphasis on education, advocacy and practice. Her prior role as President Elect is now succeeded by Helen Lochhead, current Dean of Faculty of Built Environment at the University of NSW Sydney. This entailed the first two successive female presidents in the Institute’s history and also marks the first time the Australian Institute of Architects will have both a female National President and CEO in Jennifer Cunich. Many Australian firms and friends have showed their support and admiration for this new appointment. 

See more of Clare Cousins through her Instagram and more news on the Australian Institute of Architects website.  

Top image: Clare Cousins, courtesy of Australian Institute of Architects

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