RAA Committee Profile

RENEE McGUINN
Treasurer

Renee McGuinn of LocalArchitect South Coast has been a RAA committee member since December 2023. Her initial motivation for joining came from her history of involvement in  industry committees which she always found to be fantastic platforms for creating meaningful change. Renee says “they also offer a strong sense of community—something that can be hard to come by when you're practicing in regional areas. At the time, there was limited support for regional architects from existing organisations, and the RAA felt like a promising step toward filling that gap. I wanted to be part of building that support network from the ground up.”

In her role as treasurer, Renee’s focus is on ensuring financial clarity and sustainability. She  works to set financial parameters around what programs we can support, helping the committee make informed decisions. Essentially, Renee makes sure we have the resources to keep serving our members and delivering value.

Renee feels strongly about the importance of a voice for regional architects that is separate to metro practices stating: “our challenges are unique. Whether it's attracting staff, accessing consultants or suppliers, or even just getting high-quality projects off the ground—regional practices often face hurdles that city-based firms don’t. These limitations can impact growth and lead to burnout, with many talented designers moving into local government roles or leaving the profession altogether. RAA gives us a collective voice to advocate for solutions that are truly tailored to our context, which is something other organisations haven't consistently provided.”

For Renee, planning days and AGMs stand out as real highlights of her involvement with the committee. They offer a chance to step back, reflect on the big picture, and shape the future of the organisation—all while working alongside an incredible group of people. Many of her fellow committee members have become valued friends and mentors.

Renee has definitely experienced the benefit of professional development through her involvement with the RAA. The encouragement and support from fellow committee members has been incredibly affirming for her, both in her role as treasurer and in her broader career as an architect helping her grow in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

Renee would absolutely encourage others to be involved in the future of RAA “because this is where change happens. Being part of the committee means having a hand in shaping the future of architecture in the regions, advocating for your peers, and making sure our voices are heard. It’s also a rare and rewarding opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who understand the distinct challenges and opportunities of regional practice. In the absence of broader support, the RAA is creating a space where regional architects can truly be seen, heard, and supported.”   

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