SHAHANA MCKENZIE

ODS spoke to new CEO of AILA Shahana McKenzie about her plans to lead the association through an exciting period of change.

When were you appointed CEO of AILA?I was appointed as AILA’s new Chief Executive Officer in February this year. AILA, Australia’s peak professional body for Landscape Architects, is going through an exciting period of change. Responding to increasing challenges within the profession and its leadership, AILA has commenced a new age for the Landscape Architecture profession. 

Can you tell us about your background – education and employment experience?Most recently, I was the General Manager of Marketing & Development for the Australian Institute of Architects, a position I held for eight years. During this time I lead some significant changes, including introducing the A+ practice membership and leading substantial membership growth, establishing the Australian Achievement in Architecture Awards, and the staging of Australia’s presence at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. I also developed the Institute’s Corporate Partner Program that resulted in significant revenue growth for the organisation. Prior to the Institute, I held a number of positions in event production, marketing and development for national festivals as well as sports and recreation corporations. In 2003, I graduated from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Sports Coaching. 

What are your plans for AILA – both long and short-term?Long term, my key focus is to unite the profession and advocate for better built and natural environments within Australia. Together with the National Council and the AILA staff, I plan to drive AILA into a modern era and to effectively align our state and national strategies. AILA currently has a 1,400-strong membership and we plan to grow this to 2,000 over the next three years. 

What does AILA have planned/coming up – any exciting developments etc?We are currently planning our first ever Festival of Landscape Architecture which will be taking place in Brisbane from 16-18 October 2014. The Festival will incorporate AILA’s National Conference, National Landscape Architecture Awards and a host of fringe events that will engage the profession and the broader public. In addition, AILA has recently won a bid to host IFLA’s 2016 Asia-Pacific Congress in Canberra, which will be the main event as part of AILA’s 50^th anniversary celebrations. The Congress typically attracts delegates from over 15 countries, which is an exciting opportunity to focus on Australia’s global role in influencing the future of the profession. 

What has been your career highlight to date?I believe I am on the cusp of a career highlight – taking AILA into a modern age through this period of change. It’s both exciting and rewarding to be part of a collaborative and inclusive approach to ensure our organisation is in a stronger position as it heads toward our 50^th anniversary in 2016. 

What issues (if any) do you believe Landscape Architects face today and what would you like to see done (or how do you plan) to overcome them?I believe one of the biggest issues Landscape Architects face today is recognition for good design. Now, it is more important than ever to advocate for good design which translates to greater community benefits particularly in the areas of health and sustainability. In order to achieve this goal, the profession needs to come together to develop a strong voice on the issues that matter to Landscape Architects. 

Please feel free to add anything further.I am delighted to also be the mother of three gorgeous girls, Lillian 5, Isla 2 and Eve 15 months. They are a constant inspiration for me on so many levels.

About the Australian Institute of Landscape ArchitectsAILA is the peak national organisation representing and harnessing the collective interests of the Australian Landscape Architecture profession and oversees the professional recognition of Registered Landscape Architects.

AILA is the vehicle by which the Landscape Architecture profession is able to raise awareness, initiate and lead engagement with the wider community on issues of strategic importance to the natural and built environment. AILA provides leadership in the education, professional development and ethical behaviour of members and to influence decision making in response to the evolving knowledge, understanding and requirements of people, natural and built environments.

AILA actively anticipates and develops a leading position on issues of concern relating to the design, planning, management and stewardship of the natural and built environment. It seeks to be comprehensively acknowledged in this role by allied professions, political and community leaders and the wider public. 

www.aila.org.au