RAA Committee Profile
BRENT DUNN
Brent Dunn of Takt Studio for Architecture was part of the Founding Committee of the Regional Architecture Association (RAA) in 2021. Ideas about it had been circulating for a number of years prior to it starting, but it took the bushfires, floods, and pandemic to really show that it was time to reach out and connect regional architects.
After moving away from Sydney 20 years ago to start their practice, Brent, along with life and work partner Katharina Hendel, experienced first hand the challenges facing architects and design professionals in regional areas - limited services and opportunity for support, with the areas themselves concurrently facing down the challenges of development that could potentially destroy the very reason people wanted to live in these places in the first place. And yet, design seemed to have a very small voice. RAA started with regular gatherings of anyone they could find who was passionate about art and design. Others did the same in their local areas. In starting RAA, Brent felt there was not just an opportunity, but an imperative to act.
Brent’s biggest achievement within RAA has been nurturing a fledgling organisation from the seed of an idea to the strong and respected leading voice of the industry it is today along with the friendships and camaraderie that have been built along with that. Once RAA was formed, Brent and the committee found that in almost every place, there are a handful of thought leaders who are often achieving amazing things, yet may be struggling with some of the challenges that others have already overcome; connecting these disparate creative endeavours through discourse and engagement strengthens everyone. There is now some exciting design momentum building in the regions, which by the nature of their remoteness, are places of great inspiration and innovation.
Naturally, larger population centres have supported louder voices in most areas of endeavour. However in a shifting world it becomes starkly clear how interrelated our communities really are. Metro relies on the regions for food and water security, climate moderation, and so many other things. Yet regionally based architects have been thought of for a long time as insignificant to the development of serious well heeled Architecture. This is not the case however. Regional architects are working often with less and creating more with it. Innovation is high. At the root of an architect's skillset is negotiation, moderation, and community building, and that is what the regional architects are now able to express through RAA - by supporting each other and connecting to government, suppliers and the community in a meaningful and important way.
The most memorable thing about Brent’s time on the RAA committee has been the support he has found in the colleagues around him. He has experienced all sorts of ups and downs in practice, but the colleagues and relationships he has been lucky enough to experience throughout this time have always been there for him when needed most.
Experience on the committee has been an enriching experience for professional development for Brent too. He says “It does help to understand the importance of good governance, good grace, and most of all in remembering that every community is going to include people with differing points of view.” This is where he finds it most inspiring - there are so many different ways to achieve the overarching strategy of RAA. Being part of the discussion about this is something he finds invigorating.
Brent wholeheartedly encourages “everyone to get involved. If you are motivated to improve the culture of design in Australia, to be part of the solution rather than complain about the endless onslaught of thoughtless development, then it makes sense to be involved. The RAA is agile, resourceful, and inspiring, who would not want to be involved?”
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
