RMIT University says it is pioneering a program to support innovative Australian architects and nurture new architectural talent, by establishing its Architectural Selection Framework (ASF).

The ASF will support RMIT’s $600 million Capital Works Program by pre-qualifying architects for potential short-listing for RMIT architectural commissions.

The framework’s approach builds in peer engagement, mentoring and professional support, with selection focused on individual architects, not practices.

A category to support the development of emerging architectural talent is included, with selected emerging architects to be paired with larger firms that can support the delivery of their projects.

The famous RMIT Green Brain building

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said the ASF would establish two pools of talent — established and emerging — enabling the University to both champion renowned architects and discover the country’s future architectural stars.

“As a global university of technology and design, RMIT has a long track record of commissioning architectural projects that excite, that innovate and that challenge the expected,” Professor Gardner said.

“The RMIT Architectural Selection Framework will foster a truly creative and inventive design culture in Australia by offering architects a unique opportunity to be part of our vision.

“Giving emerging architects the chance to set new standards for higher education design is especially exciting — we’re creating an urban architectural nursery open to anyone with the skills and flair to deliver leading-edge projects that will benefit our students, staff and the wider community.”

Expressions of Interest will be invited from suitably qualified architects, emerging architects and architectural firms interested in acting as “supporting practices” to take part in the RMIT Architectural Selection Framework, which will cover projects valued up to $20 million.

The Expression of Interest period opens on 22 August and submissions close at noon AEST on Friday, 9 September.

For more information visit the website: www.rmit.edu.au/fs/tenders