Vince Pirrello, Vice President - Pacific of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), participated in Fiji's inaugural national architecture conference, Designing the Future, held 13–15 November 2025 in Suva, Fiji.
The inaugural event, jointly organised by the Fiji Architects Association and the Fiji Construction Industry Council, represented a significant milestone in advancing architectural excellence and regional collaboration across the Pacific.
The conference brought together high-level delegates from across the Commonwealth Pacific region, including Simon Wells, American Institute of Architects Oceania Representative, and senior representatives from Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, led by Huia Reriti, Perehitini and Mark Abbot, CEO.
Pirrello’s engagement aligns with the CAA’s strategic focus on capacity building, advocacy, and climate action—particularly critical as Commonwealth countries are forecast to account for nearly 50% of the projected growth in the world’s urban population by 2050. The Pacific region faces unique challenges related to rapid urbanisation, climate vulnerability, and the preservation of cultural identity in the built environment.
The conference addressed these challenges head-on, with presentations exploring Pacific architectural identity, sustainable design principles, and modernising construction frameworks. Discussions centred on Fiji’s construction landscape and legislative development, providing a crucial platform for professional collaboration and policy advancement.
A significant outcome was the strengthening of ties between Fiji and New Zealand architectural institutions, encouraging Pacific participation in the forthcoming 2026 NZIA in:situ Conference and the Commonwealth Association of Architects’ 60th Anniversary General Assembly, scheduled for 7–11 September 2026 in Auckland.
The CAA’s mission of maximising the contribution by architects to the benefit of society continues to drive regional engagement across its Pacific member associations, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.
