No-show National Trust leader wins prestigious architecture medal
The CEO at the centre of an SA National Trust parliamentary inquiry was at Electra House on Friday to receive a prestigious state award.
National Trust SA CEO Nicolette Di Lernia has been awarded the president’s medal by the state’s Australian Institute of Architects amid ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of her organisation.
In a social media post by the SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects highlighting the upcoming event, the winner of the prestigious Sir James Irwin President’s Medal was described as “an exceptional member of our architectural community”.
“The 2026 medallist will take to the stage to share highlights from their professional journey, career and work, offering an inspiring and personal insight into their contribution to architecture in South Australia,” the post said.
Di Lernia accepted her award at the annual Australian Institute of Architects President’s Lunch celebration held at Electra House last Friday afternoon.
She was previously the executive director of Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter for more than 10 years and was an associate at award-winning architecture firm Grieve Gillett Andersen for almost two decades.
It follows parliamentary hearings by the Environment, Resources and Development Committee into the National Trust of SA following major internal disputes, volunteer conflicts, and financial pressures.
The bitter stoush between the branch and the head office has seen reported threats, a temporary shutdown of the Moonta Mines Museum and sweet shop along with reports of staff “on stress leave”.
Di Lernia was unable to attend the public hearings at state parliament after it was revealed she was on sick leave with “no indication” of when she would return.
The Australian Institute of Architects was contacted for comment along with the SA Chapter president.
Stay informed, daily
Named after renowned Australian architect and former Lord Mayor, the Sir James Irwin President’s Medal was established to recognise a person in respect of significant contributions to the profession of architecture in the state. It was first awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects SA in 1992.
Some of the state’s most notable architects have been recipients of the Sir James Irwin President’s Medal including Max Pritchard in 2004 who designed the five-star Michelin Key-listed Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.
Di Lernia was contacted for comment.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
