The Australian Institute of Architects South Australia Chapter is calling on all parties contesting the 2026 South Australian State Election to ensure housing reform prioritises both supply and quality.
“With housing affordability at the centre of the election debate, it is critical that we deliver more homes —homes that work for communities, now and into the future,” said SA Chapter President Kirstie Coultas.
“Good design ensures new housing is liveable, energy-efficient and resilient to extreme heat. Poor design locks in higher costs for families and government for decades.”
The Institute supports planning reform that increases certainty and unlocks supply, while maintaining design integrity and long-term community benefit.
Architects are trained to consider performance over time — including accessibility, sustainability and urban integration — ensuring housing investment strengthens South Australia’s future.
South Australia can lead the nation in delivering safer, healthier, more equitable and more resilient housing. By uniting design leadership with targeted investment, planning reform, construction capability, climate adaptation and social housing expansion, the State can address structural challenges that have developed over decades.
Good housing underpins economic participation, health, wellbeing and community connection. South Australians deserve homes that are designed for the future, affordable to access, safe to live in, and built to withstand a changing climate.
About us:
The Australian Institute of Architects (Institute) is the peak body for the architectural profession in Australia. It is an independent, national member organisation with around 12,500 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute exists to advance the interests of members, their professional standards and contemporary practice, and expand and advocate the value of architects and architecture to the sustainable growth of our communities, economy and culture. The Institute actively works to maintain and improve the quality of our built environment by promoting better, responsible and environmental design.
Contact details:
Craig Glasson - SA Chapter Manager
0403 748 370 [email protected]
Kirstie Coultas – SA Chapter President
0427 911 253
[email protected]
