The Australian Institute of Architects has announced Ross Donaldson as its incoming national president elect.
Donaldson, who is based in Western Australia, has worked across academia and in practices of varying scale. He served as the CEO and chairman of Woods Bagot in Hong Kong between 2006 and 2016. Within the Institute, he has held governance and leadership roles at both chapter and national levels, with a particular focus on the decarbonisation of the built environment.
According to the Institute, Donaldson’s appointment “reflects the National Council’s confidence in his ability to provide strong, inclusive leadership across the Institute’s national membership.”
He will be the first Western Australia-based national president since David Karotkin in 2014–2015, more than a decade ago.
Speaking on his election, Donaldson said, “I am honoured to serve as national president elect and grateful for the confidence placed in me by the national council. The Institute plays a critical role in advocating for our profession and the value of good design, and I look forward to working closely with David [Wagner], Adam [Haddow], the national council and the board to support members and advance architecture’s contribution to the community – nationally, and across every chapter.”
Donaldson will assume the role of national president elect in May 2026, when David Wagner formally takes over as national president from Adam Haddow. Donaldson will then succeed Wagner in May 2027, following the Institute’s annual general meeting.
David Wagner, who will take up the role national president this month, said, “It is a privilege to be stepping into the role of national president at such an important time for the Institute and the profession.”
“I look forward to continuing to strengthen our advocacy, governance and engagement with members across Australia,” said Wagner.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
