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Sam Pedram FAIPM CPPE has been appointed as Chair of the AIPM™ Board of Directors, reinforcing the Institute’s leadership position as the national peak body for the project management profession.
Sam brings exceptional leadership and strategic capability to the role, underpinned by a distinguished career in project governance and delivery across complex, high-impact initiatives. Her long-term involvement with AIPM™, including three years as a Board Director, reflects a deep commitment to advancing the profession and strengthening the Institute’s global influence.
As Chair, Sam will lead the Board in driving AIPM’s strategic direction, deepening engagement with industry and government, and championing the critical role of project leadership.
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As project professionals, we play a defining role in shaping Australia’s future, from major infrastructure to social impact and innovation.
It is an honour to lead AIPM™ at such a pivotal time for our profession. Together with our members, partners, and stakeholders, I am committed to strengthening AIPM’s voice, advancing excellence, and ensuring project leadership drives meaningful national and global outcomes.
Sam Pedram Chair of the Board of Directors Australian Institute of Project Management
Founder of Buy Airspace and the Association of Rooftop & Airspace Development
Australian cities are facing a dual crisis: a chronic housing shortage and a vast, aging portfolio of existing building stock. For decades, the default solution to densification has been the disruptive, costly, and carbon-intensive 'knock-down and rebuild'strategy.
Butwhatifthesolutionisn't'out,'but'up'?
My name is Warren Livesey, and I am a Founder of BuyAirspaceandtheAssociationof Rooftop& Airspace Development in Australia. I’m an accountant specialising in air rights and airspace for creating new rooftop homes and green roof shared areas. A pioneer in rooftop and airspace development, I’m dedicated to transforming underutilised urban spaces into vibrant, sustainablecommunities.
Ihavebeenfocusedonanemergingsolutionthat presents one of the greatest opportunities and challenges for our industry: Rooftop and AirspaceDevelopment.
This is the strategic development of new, lightweight,andmodularhomesbuiltontopofour existing buildings. It’s a proven model that is already gaining significant momentum in dense urban environments like London, New York, and across Europe. Now, it is poised to reshape Australiancities.
LEADINGTHE ROOFTOP REVOLUTION:
The Ultimate Sustainable Solution
The most compelling argument for airspace development is its profound sustainability. The traditional development model is fundamentally wasteful. It sends tons of material to landfill and requires immense 'embodied carbon' to construct a new building from scratch.
Rooftop development turns this model on its head.
Instead of demolishing an aging but structurally sound building, we repair and rejuvenate it. The airspace development itself the creation of new, high-quality homes on the roof provides the capital to fund the critical upgrades the original building needs.
This model is a true "win-win":
Existing owners and residents get a fully refurbished building (new lifts, improved fire safety, modernised facades) with minimal cost or disruption. Our cities get new, carbon-neutral housing without contributing to urban sprawl.
Our environment is spared the carbonintensive cycle of demolition and newbuild. We make our buildings last longer, which is the most sustainable act of all.
By building up, we provide gentle density exactly where we need it, transforming dormant roof space into vibrant new homes and communities.
Delivering these projects is not "business as usual." It presents a unique and complex set of challenges ideally suited to the skills of expert project managers. This is where the AIPM™ community becomes essential.
These are not greenfield sites; we are building on top of live, often occupied, buildings. This reality fundamentally changes the project management triangle:
Scope & Logistics: The scope is twofold: the new build and the holistic upgrade of the base building. This demands a paradigm shift towards offsite, modular construction. The goal is to minimise on-site time from months to mere weeks, requiring meticulous planning, factory-based quality assurance, and "just-in-time" delivery that project managers are uniquely skilled to coordinate.
Stakeholder Management: This is perhaps the most critical success factor. A project manager in this space must be an expert communicator, acting as the critical link between the owners, corporates & body corporates, existing tenants, council authorities, designers, engineers, and the construction team. Keeping residents happy and safe while a major construction project is underway above their heads is a delicate art.
Risk & Feasibility: The due diligence for an airspace project is intense. It involves complex structural assessments, navigating intricate planning pathways, and managing the risks of working at height on an existing structure. Identifying and mitigating these risks early is paramount.
The potential in Australia is staggering. Estimates suggest there is space for over 500,000 new rooftop homes across our cities. This is more than a development niche; it's an entirely new asset class that demands our profession's best and brightest.
To unlock this potential, we need the expertise of the project management community. We need professionals who can manage complex logistics, navigate sensitive stakeholder environments, and champion the innovative, sustainable methods that make these projects possible.
Beyond just housing, this is our chance to build a more resilient urban landscape. These projects create thousands of new green spaces, shared rooftops, helping to reduce the urban heat island effect and keep our cities cool.
Rooftop development is the literal elevation of our industry. It is sustainable, innovative, and a challenge, I believe our profession is ready to lead.
Image credit: www.buyairspace.com.au
Membership
Becoming a corporate member of the AIPM™ is a strategic investment in your organisation's success. Access to our network of professionals, resources, and events empowers your team to excel in project management, driving innovation and growth Join us and unlock new opportunities for collaboration, learning, and leadership in the dynamic world of project management.
Leveraging AIPM Certifications to Stand Out in Your Project Management Career
In today’s competitive job market, project managers are under increasing pressure to differentiate themselves from other candidates. While experience and technical expertise remain essential, employers are increasingly looking for professionals who can demonstrate recognised standards of practice, commitment to development, and independent validation of their skills. This is where AIPM’s RegPM™ Certification Program and associated credentials - CPPP, CPPM, CPSPM, CPPD, and CPPEprovide a powerful edge.
Standing Out in Career Transitions
Why Certification Matters
Employers face significant risks when recruiting project professionals They need assurance that candidates not only understand project methodologies but can also apply them effectively in complex, real-world contexts. AIPM™ certifications address this need directly by providing an independent, competency-based assessment of a project manager’s capabilities.
Holding an AIPM™ credential signals more than just theoretical knowledge It demonstrates:
Commitment to professionalism: Certification requires ongoing development, reinforcing a candidate’s dedication to continuous improvement.
Consistency in practice: Recruiters can trust that certified professionals apply industry-recognised processes and governance
Leadership potential: Higher-level certifications (CPPD, CPPE) confirm advanced capability in leading complex programs and portfolios.
In short, certification turns career achievements into verified credentials, recognised internationally.
AIPM™ offers a structured certification pathway, enabling project professionals to benchmark their skills as they advance:
Ideal for those beginning their project management career or transitioning from technical roles. It validates practical application of project fundamentals.
The most widely held certification, CPPM recognises end-to-end project delivery capability, including planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement
Suited to senior leaders managing multiple projects or programs, it reflects advanced leadership and governance skills.
The pinnacle of certification, CPPE is for executives accountable for strategic project, program, or portfolio delivery.
The ensures that project professionals can progress at their own pace, with each level building on proven practice and responsibility.
While holding certification is a strong differentiator, the way you leverage and communicate it matters just as much.
Some practical tips include:
Highlight your certification prominently on your CV, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters Recruiters often scan for keywords such as “CPPM” or “Certified Practising Project Manager.”
Use certification as evidence of results For example: “Delivered a $20M infrastructure project on schedule as a CPPM-certified project manager, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks.”
Engage in conversations around certification. Employers unfamiliar with RegPM™ may not yet realise its rigour. Explaining that it is competency-based, independently assessed, and globally recognised can immediately elevate your credibility.
One of the most valuable resources for certified project professionals is the
The directory provides:
to showcase their verified certification level, professional experience, and credentials to a national audience , who can search for qualified talent with confidence that each listed certification has been independently verified by AIPM™. , enabling professionals to connect with peers, potential mentors, or collaborators across industries.
In effect, the directory is both a , ensuring that certified project managers can be easily discovered by organisations seeking proven capability.
AlexJames
JohnSmith
Standing Out in Career Transitions
For project managers looking to transition into new industries - for example, from IT into construction, or from government into consultingcertification is especially powerful. Sector-specific jargon and experience may not always translate directly, but an AIPM™ certification is a universal standard that assures employers of baseline competence and adaptability.
This positions certified professionals as lower-risk hires in competitive markets. It also reinforces that they are equipped with transferable skills, grounded in a nationally recognised competency framework.
For project managers seeking their next opportunity, now is the time to leverage the credentials that prove your practice and place you ahead of the competition.
JOIN THE RANKS OF THE BEST BY BECOMING A
By obtaining RegPMC™ accreditation, your organisation demonstrates a commitment to delivering superior project outcomes, fostering continuous improvement, and utilising cutting-edgetechnologiesandsustainablepractices Clients and partners can trust that their projects are managed with utmost professionalism, transparency, and efficiency, ensuringmaximumvalueandsuccess
Investing in the Corporate Project Management Accreditation Program means fostering a culture of excellence and achieving superior project outcomes. Empower your team with the tools and knowledge they need to drive success, boost stakeholder satisfaction, and maximisereturnoninvestment
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your organisation’sprojectmanagementcapabilities Registerfor the Corporate Project Management Accreditation Program today and take the first step towards unparalleled professionalgrowthandsuccess!
The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) is thrilled to introduce its prestigious Corporate Project ManagementAccreditationProgram(RegPMC™),designed to meet the dynamic needs of today’s corporate environment
Achieving RegPMC™ accreditation positions your organisation at the forefront of project management excellence This prestigious certification signifies adherence to the highest standards in governance, methodologies, resource management, quality assurance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, performance metrics,andethicalpractices.
regpm@aipm.com.au
New Training Opportunities Now Available: Upskill with the AIPM™
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
We’re excited to announce the latest training opportunities available through the AIPM™ We now offer a variety of contemporary courses, developed to prepare project professionals for the challenges and opportunities ahead Delivered in partnership with top Australian and global experts, our courses emphasise efficiency and sustainability to support impactful project delivery
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The AIPM’s training programs equip participants with the core skills and knowledge essential for managing projects from start to finish, with practical insights to ensure success in real-world situations Here’s a glimpse of the key learning outcomes:
Foundational Knowledge – Build a comprehensive understanding of project management principles that will underpin your work
Hands-On Skills – Gain practical and theoretical insights that apply directly to your projects
Adaptability to Emerging Trends – Address challenges like resource limitations, shifting work arrangements, and strategic transformations
Enhanced Team Cohesion and Risk Management –Strengthen your leadership and team management capabilities
Tech-Savvy Tools – Leverage the power of AI and other technological advancements to boost efficiency
With these courses, the AIPM™ aims to help participants navigate the current trends and future demands of project management with confidence and expertise
Whether you're looking to advance your current role or broaden your professional capabilities, we invite you to explore our course offerings and take the next step in your project management journey
FUNDAMENTALS COURSE
Project Management Fundamentals
(Course Code: MC1)
Course Description:
Participants are introduced to the essential principles and practices of project management. This course covers the core concepts such as project life cycles, key methodologies, and the roles and responsibilities of project managers. Participants will learn how to define project objectives, develop project plans, and effectively manage resources and timelines The course also emphasises critical skills such as risk management, stakeholder communication, and performance measurement
Eligibility Criteria: Suitable for any career stage
Delivery mode: Virtual instructor facilitated (face-to-face, blended and online also available)
Are you ready to tackle complexity head-on and elevate your project leadership skills? The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) invites you to join our Managing Complex Projects coursea transformative learning experience tailored for professionals navigating today’s dynamic and highstakes environments.
Course Description
Unlock the potential of the DELIVER framework to master the art of managing complex projects This case study-based course begins with defining the problem and understanding the diverse needs and goals of stakeholders Participants will engage in active listening and apply methods such as empathy, systems thinking, and bias awareness to observe behaviours and uncover critical insights that guide project direction
Emphasising a principle-based, award-winning approach, the course fosters the development of adaptive solutions Participants will learn to validate and evaluate their delivery strategies, identifying the most valuable solutions to tackle project challenges and seize opportunities throughout the project lifecycle
Through rich, real-world case studies, you’ll learn to:
Define and clarify complex problems while aligning with diverse stakeholder goals.
Harness empathy, systems thinking, and bias awareness to uncover critical insights.
Develop adaptive, principle-based solutions using an award-winning methodology.
Validate and evaluate strategies to ensure sustainable project success across the lifecycle.
This course empowers you with the mindset and tools to go beyond managing tasks, enabling you to confidently navigate uncertainty, drive value, and lead with purpose in complex project landscapes.
LEARN MORE
BSB50820
DIPLOMA OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
(RTO32153)
Diploma of Project Management
(BSB50820 – RTO 32153)
Course Description:
This course is designed for professionals responsible for promoting and implementing best practices methods and tools within their organisations. Participants will gain expertise in evaluating, selecting, and tailoring methods and tools such as Agile, Waterfall, Incremental and Scrum with organisational standards. The course covers the development of policies and guidelines, as well as the management of reviews to assess the effectiveness and value of these methods. Ideal for those looking to enhance their leadership role in driving organisational success through optimised projects
Eligibility Criteria: Suitable for any career stage
Delivery mode: Virtual instructor facilitated (face-to-face, blended and online also available)
Duration: Approximately 6 months (part-time, self-paced)
Outcomes:
Diploma of Project Management BSB50820
AIPM™ CPD points: 40
AIPM™ Members are eligible for automatic recognition for certification at Certified Practising Project Practitioner (CPPP) level and can used evidence towards achieving Certified Practicing Project Manager (CPPM)
Contemporary People Management in Projects and Programs
Different values. Competing incentives. Mismatched risk appetites. Power dynamics in constant flux. The most complex variable in any project isn’t the technology or the timeline - it’s the humans behind it.
The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) invites you to join us for an in-person Thought Leadership Roundtable that cuts to the heart of what separates exceptional project leaders from the merely competent: the ability to navigate the complex, unpredictable reality of human behaviour.
This session will explore the behavioural dimensions of contemporary people management in today’s project and program environments - how leadership behaviours, team dynamics, and adaptive people strategies are shaping project success in an evolving professional landscape
This isn’t soft skills theory It’s about the hard-won practices that drive real outcomes: building trust when the stakes are high, making better decisions with incomplete information, and orchestrating diverse stakeholders - from sceptical sponsors to stretched delivery teamstoward shared success.
This collaborative discussion invites participants - from early-career project managers to seasoned program leaders - to exchange insights, share candid experiences, and contribute to AIPM’s ongoing thought leadership in project management practice.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Project Managers
The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) is pleased to announce that the AIPM™ Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice, in collaboration with the Decision Support and Analytics Research Group at UNSW Canberra, will be hosting its first event for 2026: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Project Managers Roundtable.
AI and data analytics are reshaping project management across Australia, optimising megainfrastructure delivery, strengthening defence capabilities, and improving outcomes in healthcare and beyond. However, with these advancements come new challenges. Project leaders are navigating ethical considerations, data privacy obligations, and an increasing need for the skills required to translate data into meaningful decisions.
This roundtable will bring us together to cut through the hype, examine the practical realities, and share actionable insights
Join project professionals, data scientists, government and defence stakeholders, and academic experts for keynote presentations and open roundtable discussions exploring how AI-driven insights can elevate project success This is your opportunity to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of project management
Get Your Project Management Course
Getting your course endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) demonstrates a commitment to achieving project management excellence and enhancing the credibilityandindustryrelevanceofyourtrainingprograms
Endorsementbenefits
UseoftheAIPM™logoinadvertisingandcoursematerial
Inclusion on AIPM™ endorsed course directory on our website and visibility to the global projectmanagementcommunity
Change Management is an important and timely contribution to one of the most complex transitions organisations are facing today.
Dr. Greg Skulmoski has managed to take a rapidly evolving and often intimidating domain, quantum technologies, and translate it into a clear, practical roadmap for leaders, project professionals, cybersecurity teams and boards.
What we found particularly compelling is the way the book balances opportunity with urgency Quantum technologies promise extraordinary breakthroughs in fields like medicine, climate, and advanced modelling, yet they also introduce unprecedented risks such as quantum-enabled cyberattacks. Dr. Skulmoski addresses both sides with precision and pragmatism.
His change management approach is especially powerful. Rather than treating quantum adoption as a purely technical challenge, he positions it as an organisational transformation, one that requires awareness, desire, capability building and strategic leadership The parallels drawn with ultra-fast construction projects, including the 12day delivery of the Wuhan hospital, offer refreshing and highly relevant insights into how schedule compression principles can be applied to quantum initiatives.
For leaders wondering where to start, how to prioritise investments, or how to overcome internal hesitation, this book provides the structure and confidence to act. It equips organisations not only to prepare for Q-Day but to unlock the transformative potential of quantum technologies
Highly recommended for anyone shaping their organisation’s strategic, digital or cyber future
