Jennifer Cunich departs The Australian Institute of Architects

Jennifer Cunich departs The Australian Institute of Architects
Staff reporterDecember 7, 2020

Jennifer Cunich has departed the role of CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects.

The institute's board terminated Ms Cunich's appointment last Friday, The Australian Financial Review reported.

Neither side commented publicly on the reason for the departure.

Cunich took up the role two years ago.

"Change is a very difficult thing to embrace for organisations," Ms Cunich (pictured below) told the paper.

Jennifer Cunich departs The Australian Institute of Architects

"I am very proud of what I did. I've secured the finances.

"We have surpluses, I have implemented a massive digital transformation program worth about $1.4 million."

The institute confirmed her departure in a statement.

"The Institute thanks Jennifer for her contribution during her two years of service and wishes her well for the future," it said.

Ms Cunich took up the role when the 150-year-old institute was suffering financial problems, in part related to the development of its own Melbourne CBD building.

At the time of her appointment, Ms Cunich said one of her first tasks at the peak body for architects was to restore its relevance in the eyes of the whole profession including the needs of firms at the bigger end of the design and construction industries.

The institute has total membership across all categories at more than 11,000 members.

Cunich was a former Victorian executive director at the Property Council of Australia where she held the position for nine years having been previously been the executive director for the Property Council in the Australian Capital Territory for six years.

Clare Cousins, who established her Melbourne practice, Clare Cousins Architects, in 2005, has been appointed acting CEO.

 

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