RAA Committee Profile

ANDREW ELIA

Integrated Design Group director Andrew Elia joined the RAA committee at the 2023 AGM.  Having been involved with the Country Division of the AIA since 2008, Andrew has really appreciated the RAA’s continued position giving a voice to regional architects, but also as an industry body, advocating for good outcomes for local communities. 

In September 2024, Andrew was involved as Creative Director of the Peripheral Event in the Blue Mountains, which is his biggest achievement as a committee member. He says “it was a great opportunity to invite architects from all over the state to my local area, and was supported generously by some high profile speakers who continue to provide positive feedback on the RAA and the way we handle events.”

Andrew sees it as crucial that regional architects have a stand alone representative voice. He says “regional areas have their own unique characteristics and culture, and architects who live in these areas understand these, and can speak to these (and sometimes challenge them) knowing that they are a part of the community they seek to change.”

A truly memorable aspect of Andrew’s involvement with the RAA was at the Cowra event in 2022 where he completed an Indigenous Culture workshop which was of the most informative and moving learnings he has ever had with regard to Indigenous Culture.

For Andrew, being on the committee has allowed him to be more aware of the events and talks that the RAA facilitates which range from in person, to online courses. It has also allowed him greater access to technical members and understanding their products and processes, and an appreciation of how invested they are in the architectural profession.

In encouraging others to become involved in the future of the RAA, Andrew says “if we want to see change in our industry and in our community you need to be the change, and the RAA is totally member led. So if you are passionate, then sign up with other passionate people!”

There will be committee positions open at the upcoming AGM in October. RAA members are invited to express their interest in joining by contacting Rhiannon on info@regionalarchitecture.net.au