“Architecture is not a static object. We must factor in issues of risk—ecological, geological, political, social—and adopt a transdisciplinary mode of designing and delivering projects. We must then seek out the multiple narratives of the impact the designs, through diverse social, health, and education projects, have on people's lives.”

Dr Esther Charlesworth AM, FOUNDING DIRECTOR

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“AWF has an intense focus on making a relevant, long term contribution to vulnerable communities—communities that otherwise might be neglected by more mainstream organisations. In that sense, it is a bit of a renegade organisation.”

Phillip Greenham, CHAIRMAN

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“Part of our approach is to not actually design or build anything for the communities we work with, but to empower them. If you can provide the knowledge, tools, and resources then they can choose how these are best used. Once you’ve left and gone home, they are still self-determined and thriving. That’s the most useful role we play.”

Norman Day, DIRECTOR

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“I'm interested in working with NGOs who don't just 'talk the talk', but 'walk the talk'. I've had first-hand experience with AWF implementing projects that make a real difference. It's great being able to partner with the talented design and construction community to move from a concept to a community facility.”

Paul O'Connor, DIRECTOR

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“We can’t expect that whatever our idea of how a project should work is going to work, because there are just so many differences in culture. That’s why it’s so necessary to be humble in our role. We can facilitate things but can’t dictate how things will work. I love that with AWF we’re able to bring in organisations who haven’t had that experience before.”

Leeanne Marshall, DIRECTOR

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“There are many talented architects ready to step forward and provide architectural services for those communities who would otherwise be without. And they can, as I have, with AWF facilitating real opportunities to do so locally and in the Asia Pacific region.”

Robert Stent, Director

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“AWF projects leverage the skills and experience of some of Australia’s biggest and most talented architecture, design, engineering and quantity surveying practices. It’s a privilege to work with top-flight built-environment professionals on projects that make a difference within Australia, in our region and around the world.”

Jack Ellis, Operations Manager

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“Breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage requires developing a sense of community and enterprise. A critical ingredient, and perhaps the first step, is to provide a thoughtfully designed built environment and supporting infrastructure without which communities and businesses can’t thrive. The power of AWF is that it is an instigator of built environment projects and convenes Australian architecture capability to create buildings and infrastructure for communities that would not otherwise have access.”

Peter Moore, Director

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Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC FASSA FAIIA is Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, where he was Chancellor from 2010-19. He was a Cabinet Minister in the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments from 1983-96, in the posts of Attorney General, Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Transport and Communications and - from 1988-96 - Foreign Minister. During his 21 years in Australian politics he was Leader of the Government in the Senate (1993-96) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives (1996-98). From 2000 to 2009 he was President and CEO of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, the independent global conflict prevention and resolution organisation.

The Hon. Gareth Evans AO, QC, Patron

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Architecture and design is for everyone. AWF connects top architects and built environment professionals with communities in need. The effects are profound, and AWF projects improve livelihood, health and education outcomes in communities worldwide.

Benji Williams, DIRECTOR

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Phillip Adams is a prolific and sometimes controversial broadcaster, writer and film-maker. As presenter of Late Night Live, he has interviewed thousands of the world's most influential politicians, historians, archaeologists, novelists, theologians, economists, philosophers and sundry conversationalists.

Phillip Adams AO, Patron

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Justine Clark, Director

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Peter Maddison is a multi award-winning architect and Director of Maddison Architects, a practice he started in 1989.

Peter Maddison, Ambassador

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Gollings has been the photographer of choice, the go-to guy for scores of architects wishing to have their works recorded. He is the consummate professional-for-hire who can be relied upon to capture the essence of a building, time and time again, to best reflect the architect’s design intent. Practical and pragmatic, one of his great skills lies in his ability to almost always compose the best shot, the one defining image that makes a building memorable, etches it into the psyche.

John Gollings AO, Ambassador

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"I think it is everyone's responsibility to volunteer time or knowledge to help those who need assistance. AWF is another example of a successful NFP that reaches out to facilitate services for communities that would otherwise never be able to access the knowledge required to establish community projects".

Bree Davis, Finance Adminstrator

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