Why has it taken so long?
That’s the question we asked Swanbourne architect Suzie Hunt after she became the first female president of the WA chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects last week.
“In the board room, there are 62 black and white photo portraits of all the chapter presidents since 1896, and they are all men,” Ms Hunt said.
“Though we have 50% women members, which can be attributed to the work done by former president Philip Griffiths who actively recruited women members, I think women have a natural reticence to put up their hand for positions like these.
“We feel that of the 10 criteria needed for the position, we only can tick off nine.
“And of course, there is the perennial issue of managing our priorities in the balance of life, between caring for children, parents, partners and professional responsibilities.
“When you are so busy, a role like this is just another ball in the air.”
But juggling this “ball” is a great honour, Ms Hunt said.
“I feel very privileged to have been elected by my peers, and am excited to be
working with a team of enthusiastic architects on the chapter council,” she said.
“I hope that my election as first female president will encourage more women to get involved with the institute.”
Specialising in residential, interior, hospitality and tourism architecture, Ms. Hunt is the founder and principal of boutique architectural and interior design practice Suzanne Hunt Architect Pty Ltd.
She has over 30 years’ experience in architectural and interior design, documentation, contract administration and strategic management in all sectors in both Australia and the UK.
Most recently, Ms. Hunt has been widely recognised for the Japanese-inspired Bedfordale House, which has won architectural and timber design awards.
Ms Hunt will be among 100 other architects who will speak at a free event this Saturday, March 18 at UWA.
First published in The Subiaco Post 180317 | Architects Brief with Suzie Hunt
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