31 August 2016 New Government Architect brings valuable local knowledge to position The ACT has a new Government Architect following the appointment of Catherine Townsend, Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said today. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Catherine Townsend of Townsend + Associates Architects (T+AA) to the position of ACT Government Architect. Catherine brings a wealth of local expertise in roles such as the Director of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, Chair of ACT Board of Architects, and as a member of the Building Regulatory Advisory Committee, as well as being recognised as a highly competent architect. Minister Gentleman said. The role of the Government Architect is to provide independent design advice to the ACT Government on architecture, urban design, planning and procurement. Advice from the Government Architect may be sought on major government projects or private proposals. Catherine attained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Design from the University of Canberra in 1980 before going on to study Architecture at the University of Sydney where she graduated in 1984. As a young architect Catherine worked for Mitchell Giurgola & Thorp Architects and Peter Freeman & Partners Architects and Planners during the 1980 s before establishing the Canberra based firm Townsend + Associates Architects in 1993 with her partner Bruce Townsend. Through her work at T+AA Catherine attained an impressive list of industry awards and has contributed to a number of important advisory groups and tribunals such as 2003 Bushfire Recovery Taskforce, juror on the National Portrait Gallery Design Competition and Advisor for the Canberra International Arboretum Design Competition.
Australia is one of the world s most urbanised countries, and Canberra is not alone in seeking better ways to nurture our physical environment: both natural and built. I am excited to work with the ACT Government to focus on improving quality of life through good design. Ms. Townsend said. Minister Gentleman said the ACT s first Government Architect Professor Alastair Swayn submitted his resignation earlier this year due to ill health and sadly passed away earlier this month. I would like to again recognise Alastair s valuable contribution to design quality in the development of our city during his five years of tenure. Independent, highly qualified professional advice to government remains a vital part of the ACT Planning Strategy and will continue to contribute to the development of our great city, Minister Gentleman concluded. Statement ends *see attached CV* Media contacts: Hayden McGirr T (02) 6207 4596 M 0434 860 282 hayden.mcgirr@act.gov.au
Curriculum vitae Catherine Townsend Education Bachelor of Architecture, University of Sydney, 1984 Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Canberra, 1980 Membership Life Fellow, Royal Australian Institute of Architects Position Member, Building Regulatory Advisory Committee, 2015 - current Director, Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, 2013 - current Senior Counsellor, RAIA, 2013 - current Chair, ACT Board of Architects, 2012 - current Director, Archicentre Limited, 2010 - current Examiner, AACA National Practice Exam, 2010 - current Lecturer and Convener, School of Architecture, UC, 2009-2013 Sitting Member, ACAT, 2008-2014 Member, Review panel for the School of Architecture, UC, 2008 Industry Representative, Archivision, 2008 Deputy Chair, ACT Board of Architects, 2008-2012 Honorary Secretary, RAIA Executive 2005-2006 Member, RAIA Executive, 2005-2006 President, RAIA ACT Chapter 2004-2006
President, RAIA ACT Chapter 2002-2004 Member, RAIA Legislation Review Committee, 2004 Member, Bushfire Recovery Taskforce Reference Group, 2003-2004 Member, City West Masterplan Advisory Group, 2003 Member, RAIA Planning Committee, 2002 - current Juries Member, Northbourne Flats National Design Competition Jury, 2011 Chair, AAUD National Awards Jury, 2010 Member, AAUD National Awards Jury, 2009 Member, AILA National Awards Jury, 2008 Advisor, RAIA ACT Awards Jury, 2007 Member, St John's Church Design Ideas Competition Jury, 2006 Member, AILA National Awards Jury, 2006 Member, National Portrait Gallery Design Competition, 2005 Advisor, Canberra International Arboretum Design Competition, 2004 professional experience 2003 - Director, Townsend +Associates Architects 2000-2003 Principal, Robert Peck von Hartel Trethowan (pvh) 1999-2000 Senior Architect, Cox Humphries Moss Architects 1995-1999 Associate, Butterworth Russell + Partners 1994-1995 Munns Sly Scott-Bohanna Moss 1992-1994 Director, Townsend+ Associates Architects 1990-1992 Peddle Thorp Architects 1989-1990 Mitchell Giurgola & Thorp Architects
1984-1989 Peter Freeman & Partners Architects and Planners 1980-1981 Mitchell Giurgola & Thorp Architects Awards Award, RAIA President's Award 2006 Finalist, University of Canberra Distinguished Alumni 2011 Publications Hedley Bull Centre, ANU - Review Monument Australia March/April 2009 Kingston Foreshore - Review Architecture Australia May/June 2007 Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture - Review Architecture Australia May/Ju