The founding director of Melbourne-based architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB) has been inaugurated as the 76th National President of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).

Jon Clements takes the reins from now Pmmediate Past President, David Karotkin, and will hold the title of President for the next twelve months.

Clements takes up the role following nine years on the Victorian Chapter Council and three years on National Council, including a tenure as the Victorian Chapter President, 2012-2014.

On accepting his new role at the inauguration ceremony, Clements notes that his appointment comes at a very busy time for the Institute and that he endeavours to work with the other National Councillors in establishing a robust and focussed strategic plan for the future.

“Looking to the future, I genuinely believe that the success of our organisation will largely depend on our ability to develop a narrower and more focused strategic plan which provides a more robust support framework for our membership,” says Clements.

“Over the past year National Council has responded to a number of significant challenges within our organisation. National Councillors are very aware of the fact that architects are adapting to significant challenges in the landscape of contemporary practice.

“Facing these challenges has shown us that we have a very robust Council that is both responsive to criticism and open to change and we have now identified a number of areas in the Institute that require reform to ensure that we aim for constant improvement as an organisation.”

“We have a very busy agenda over the coming year; however, I am extremely encouraged by the energy of the current National Councillors and their commitment towards a range of strategies, which will seek to improve our organisation.”