John has dedicated much of his career to the advancement of the profession and to the continuous professional development of practitioners in architecture and construction. He is the Immediate Past National President of the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA) – a role he held for seven years following an earlier seven as National Vice President. He held the SA Branch President role concurrently for 13 years. John was also Deputy Chair of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) from 2016-2024, where he remains a member of the Board in 2025. Awarded the Sir James Irwin President’s Medal by the Australian Institute of Architects South Australia Chapter in 2017, John was also made a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in the same year.
John Held, AM
It is with great pleasure that we share that R&Y Director John Held has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List. He was one of four architects recognised among 830 Australians decorated in this year’s honours, recognised for his significant service to architecture in leadership roles.
At Russell & Yelland, John Held has proven an extraordinary career commitment, having joined the practice as an architectural graduate in 1976, rising quickly through architectural registration to Associate, then Director, in just six years.
ACA CEO Angelina Pillai commented on his most recent career accolade on Tuesday:
“As we all know, John is not one to seek the spotlight or make a fuss, but this is such fitting recognition of his incredible contribution – not only to the architecture profession, but also to the broader construction industry, to the communities he’s served, and to everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside him or learned from him.”
Director Stewart Caldwell also reflected on John’s significant contribution:
“This recognition for John is well deserved. John’s approach to his work has always prioritised giving back to the profession, through his involvement and leadership on numerous committees and industry bodies, as well as his commitment to education and professional development of staff, clients and those in related industries. He is continually driven to learn and better himself and works to transfer his knowledge to others. John exemplifies what it means to be a professional and sets the bar high for what it means to be an architect.”
An official investiture ceremony will be held for award recipients at Government House later in the year. As a team, we wish John a hearty congratulations and thank him for the leadership tone he continues to set for the younger generation of architects progressing through the ranks at R&Y.
