President of the PNG Institute of Architects, Jordan Tegabawasa, says it is important that cultural qualities throughout PNG be incorporated in the architectural industry.
He said this during the launching of the AkzoNobel Taubmans PNGIA 2018 Design Excellence Awards.
Tegabawasa also said that PNG Architects can be competitive and be as good as other architects around the world.
The launching of the 7th Biennial awards event was attended by PNGIA members in Port Moresby recently.
Tegabawasa said the industry was around for a while but they are still trying to get out there.
He said it has always been a challenge trying to get local content in their profession.
“We have such a rich cultural heritage and I think its important that this qualities should be captured in what we do as designers, and also we pay homage to that rich history that we have. And our people were able to make amazing things. and I believe that very same creative spirit is present even today in the modern age where this professionals that you see around you are just as good as those anywhere around the world,” said Tegabawasa.
The theme for this years awards is ‘Designing for Sustainability and Resilience.’
AkzoNobel Taubmans PNG is sponsoring this years event, six years after supporting the first event.
“We are very proud to continue this sponsorship with PNGIA, to recognize and honour the achievements of professionals in architectural and builsing industry that help shape the environment that we live in,” said Navin Raju, CEO of AkzoNobel Taubmans PNG.
Awards will be given in six categories and include:
- Commericla Design Category
- Interior Commercial Design Category
- Apartments and Units Residential Design category
- Standalone Residential Design Category
- Student Award Design Category
- Overall Design Excellence Award