The WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects came together last week to celebrate the launch of the ‘Work. Rest. Play.’ edition of their magazine The Architect. They also took the opportunity to honour the AIA’s latest Fellows, including Hames Sharley Director and Urban Development Portfolio Leader Chris Maher.

This accolade recognises Chris Maher’s significant level of achievement within the architectural profession, and his proficiency to provide the highest level of service as a registered architect.

“Elevation to the College of Fellows is only attained following an assessment of an individual by their peers based on their competency as an architect and their contribution to the architectural profession and their community,” said Warren Kerr, Chair of the Honours Committee of the AIA’s WA Chapter and Fellow of Hames Sharley.

“Chris has comprehensively demonstrated the range of skills, knowledge and professional experience required for appointment as a Fellow of the Institute.”

As a Director with over 30 years’ experience practicing architecture and urban design in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and throughout Australia, Chris has gained the respect of his clients and his peers through his ability to combine the rigour of well-researched contextual design with a creative focus on the detailed delivery of environmentally considered projects.

Chris is a strong advocate for the social, economic and cultural benefits of good design and has served on many Design Review Panels for local government councils in order to improve the quality of the built environment for our whole community. Throughout his career, he has mentored many young planners, urban designers and architects through the progression of their own careers.

In addition to the numerous presentations and publications he has made over the past 30 years identifying and describing the benefits of good architecture and urban design, he has also been active in the Institute of Architects, recently as the Chair of Juries for the 2023 WA Architectural Awards program organised by the Institute, including Chair of the Sustainability Jury and the George Temple Poole Jury.