Nic Brunsdon
Jury citation
Nic Brunsdon.
Nicholas Brunsdon graduated from Curtin University with honours in 2004 and launched his practice in 2006. In 2007, he moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE to manage a newly formed design division of construction company Force 10 UAE.
On returning to Perth in 2009, he resumed his practice and in 2011 he launched Spacemarket: a not-for-profit initiative that “pairs empty urban spaces with potential tenants.” This program has begun to shape legislation and is currently proposing to develop a code and policy for the adaptive re-use of existing buildings. Alongside Spacemarket he has launched Post-, an architectural design and development business that delivers the commissioned pilot projects for the initiative. Spacemarket also informs a research position supported through urban design studios led by Brunsdon at the University of Western Australia and Curtin University.
Brunsdon sits on the WA State Chapter Council, the WA Awards Committee and Gender Equity committee.
Brunsdon’s advocacy for quality architecture and urban built form is highly commendable. It will be exciting to watch him respond to the opportunities presented to him through the 2015 Dulux Study Tour.
Casey Bryant
Jury citation
Casey Bryant graduated from the University of Sydney with Honours in 2010, receiving the C. H. L. Turner Memorial Prize, the Ruskin Rowe Prize and the Partridge Partners Prize. He was also a finalist in the Colorbond Steel Student Biennale. Bryant worked in Melbourne with McBride Charles Ryan before returning to Sydney to work with Andrew Burns Architects.
At Andrew Burns Architects, Bryant has been instrumental in the design and delivery of several significant residential and cultural buildings, not least of which is the Australia House in Japan. Bryant now runs his own practice Casey Bryant Architecture while maintaining collaborations with Andrew Burns Architects.
Bryant’s impressive project contributions and early career success demonstrate a commitment to and passion for architecture and design evident in the energy of his practice. A passionate photographer with teaching connections at universities in New South Wales, he anticipates using these platforms to document and pass on the experiences of the Dulux Study Tour.
The jury agreed that Bryant is an inspiring and excellent candidate who would benefit greatly from the experience of the Dulux Study Tour.
John Ellway
Jury citation
John Ellway.
Image: Toby Scott
John Ellway began his career as a graphic designer before deciding to become a mature-age student of architecture at the University of Queensland.
In his education, Ellway has shown initiative in directing his own learning. He attended the 2013 Glenn Murcutt Master Class and won the 2011 SONA SuperStudio in Queensland. He also undertook an independent study of the work of John Railton, digitizing the archive and organizing tours for Brisbane Open House.
As a student, he sought out a mentor and employer in James Russell and found opportunities to use hands-on building work as a tool for developing knowledge. He contributed to the Oxlade Drive House, which was recognized in the 2014 National Architecture Awards.
Ellway is well known in Brisbane for his generosity and commitment to the architecture community and organizes regular site tours for his local network of architects. Ellway contributes to print and online publications and radio, and is active in the social media community.
Ellway has shown a willingness to create his own opportunities and contribute to the profession, and the jury hopes that the 2015 Dulux Study Tour will take him further along that path.
Bonnie Herring
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Bonnie Herring.
Bonnie Herring graduated from the University of Tasmania with First Class Honours in 2009 and has been employed at Breathe Architecture since 2010, becoming an associate in 2011. In this relatively short amount of time, she has become respected within the industry and has positioned herself as a future leader within the profession. She plays a pivotal role in the development of Breathe’s ideals for a sustainable and ethical built environment.
Herring has demonstrated a passion and commitment for architecture. As the project architect on The Commons, which received the 2014 Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, she has shown she is adamant about making a significant contribution to the development of sustainable housing by challenging industry and community perceptions, planning and building regulations, and developers’ preconceptions of affordable housing in the inner city. She continues to broaden her skill set as a designer and a writer, and is a regular contributor to Houses magazine.
The jury felt that Herring would gain immense knowledge on the study tour, visiting examples of medium-density housing that will allow her to observe and explore international precedents. After the 2015 study tour, the jury expects the profession will hear more from this quiet achiever.
Monique Woodward
Jury citation
Monique Woodward.
Monique Woodward graduated from RMIT in 2009. She is a founding director of WoodWoodWard (WOWOWA) Architecture, having started her career working for John Wardle Architects, ARM Architecture and Cassandra Complex.
Improving the way architects communicate the value of good design is very important to Woodward. She is active in Institute committees and organizations including the Creative Women’s Circle, the Victorian Young Architects and Graduates Network and the League of Extraordinary Women. She is adamant about encouraging women in entrepreneurial and creative industries to work together, and also writes regularly for various print and online media.
Woodward’s commitment to architecture and design is evident in the energy and focus that she has applied to these activities. She is passionate about advocating for the role architects play in the making of future cities and engaged with local politicians prior to the 2014 Victorian state election about the quality of built work in the city. Her leadership and involvement with the Institute on this issue was admired and appreciated by the architectural community.
The jury believes Woodward will be a key player in reshaping the architectural profession, both locally and nationally, and her naturally inquisitive nature will make her an asset to the 2015 Dulux Study Tour.
Jury
David Karotkin FRAIA (chair) Australian Institute of Architects National President, managing director Sandover Pinder Architects; Phil White Dulux General Manager, Dulux Trade Division; Jacqueline Connor RAIA 2014 EmAGN President, SJB Architects; Samantha Taylor RAIA 2008 Dulux Study Tour winner, exhibition designer Queensland Art Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art; Katelin Butler Editor, Houses magazine; Bernadette Wilson RAIA National Prizes Manager, Australian Institute of Architects.
