The ACT Government Architect plays a pivotal role in the development of the ACT's buildings and places through the leadership and independent strategic advice to government on architecture, planning and design related matters. In particular, the role promotes high quality design and a strong urban design agenda across all government agencies and to the private sector.
In August 2016, the Minister for Planning and Land Management announced the appointment of Ms Catherine Townsend as ACT Government Architect. In August 2022 Catherine was reappointed to the role for a further term.
Catherine brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to this role such as her long term involvement in various industry forums and committees, Chair of the ACT Architects Registration Board, prior President of the Architect's Accreditation Council of Australia and as an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Canberra. Catherine is also co-Director of Townsend + Associates Architects, where she has 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.
The position of the ACT Government Architect is part-time. Administrative support is provided by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).
Message from Catherine Townsend (ACT Government Architect)
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 for Canberrans through good design and creating great places.
Canberra’s current and future challenges are both emblematic of the times and particular to the character and nature of this designed city. The real-time issues of density and urban quality characterise our progression towards a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable city. Tomorrow’s Canberra must be a city that honours a remarkable design heritage, is equitable and is a place that is respectful of Country and the traditional custodians of these lands.
Since my appointment in 2016, I have provided leadership and strategic advice for numerous projects being managed by the ACT Government, including Light Rail Stages 1 and 2, Canberra Hospital expansion, Woden CIT Campus, Demonstration Housing initiative, draft Apartment Guidelines, review and upgrade of the construction industry regulatory environment and master plans. In my role as ACT Government Architect, I also actively participate on several committees and I am an active member of the Government Architects Network of Australia (GANA).
I am pleased to continue involvement in the development and rollout of an outcomes focussed planning system and look forward to the further integration of the National Capital Design Review Panel to achieve high quality design outcomes.
Previous ACT Government Architect, Professor Alastair Swayn
Professor Swayn was appointed as the first ACT Government Architect in July 2010 and made an outstanding contribution to improving design outcomes in the ACT. During his tenure with ACT Government, Professor Swayn provided important contributions to major public projects such as the new ACT Law Courts Facility, health facilities, the City Plan, City to the Lake (West Basin), and the City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework.
As a founding partner of Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn (DJAS), Professor Swayn was one of Canberra’s leading architects and a committed member of the Canberra design community for more than 40 years.
In early 2016, Professor Swayn resigned from the role of ACT Government Architect and regrettably passed away in August 2016. Professor Swayn will be remembered for his significant contribution to the ACT and to the architectural and broader design community in Australia. The Alastair Swayn Foundation has since been established in his memory to continue to support the Australian architectural and design community.
Alastair Swayn Internships
Each year, the Government Architect mentors University of Canberra architecture students through the Alastair Swayn internship program. Mr Swayn was the ACT’s first Government Architect and founding director of the highly acclaimed architectural practice, Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn.
Successful 2024 applicants
- Alexander Kehm
- Cooper Davis
- Flynn Hopkins
- Robert McKay
Previous interns
- 2023: Andrew Parish
- 2022: Kieran Minto, Courtney Thoo
- 2021: Cassidy Baas, Marko Torbarina, Daniel Sandford
Reports
More information
For more information about the ACT Government Architect or the interim National Capital Design Review Panel, contact:
Email: designreview@act.gov.au
Phone: Access Canberra on 13 22 81 (ask for the Government Architects support team)
