The Bligh Government’s appointment of Philip Follent as Queensland’s new Government Architect, with expanded roles and responsibilities, has been welcomed by the Australian architecture community.

Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter President Bruce Medek said: “The architecture profession applauds the appointment of Philip Follent to the position, and sees this as a solid commitment by the Government to ensuring the best possible built environment outcomes for the State.”

“Mr Follent is one of the State’s most highly esteemed architects, being valued for his architectural output, and for his tremendous contribution in recent years as Gold Coast City Architect,” Mr Medek said. “We warmly welcome him, and look forward to the continuation of our positive working relationship.”

Mr Follent’s term as Government Architect follows that of his highly regarded predecessor Professor Michael Keniger, with Wayne Petrie acting in the position following his resignation.

He takes up the position following an eight year career with the Gold Coast City Council, the past two as head of the Council’s Office of City Architect and Heritage – the first such unit for any local government in Australia. He is also Adjunct Professor of Architecture with QUT, and a multi-award winning architect. During his career he has received 23 awards and commendations for projects including the Elephant Rock Café and Currumbin Sanctuary Conference Centre.

The appointment comes a fortnight after the announcement of Professor Geoffrey London as the new Victorian Government Architect, and a month after the Tasmanian Government announced the creation of a similar position in Tasmania. The Australian Institute of Architects is continuing to lobby for similar positions in those states currently without the benefit of similar expertise - South Australia and the ACT, and at Commonwealth level.