Melbourne architect Kerstin Thompson has been awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ highest honour: the Gold Medal.
Thompson’s eponymous practice has received international recognition and numerous awards. In 2022, the practice was given the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture for Bundanon; in 2020, it received the Victorian Architecture Medal for Town Hall Broadmeadows.
Thompson is also recognized for her contribution to architectural discourse through her work as a designer, educator and keynote speaker.
“Spanning varying scales, from large public projects to intricate domestic architecture, Thompson’s sublime work is at once generous, bold and highly nuanced,” said the Institute’s national president, Shannon Battisson.
“Her design ethos favours subtle expression and graciousness over force, and her propensity to address some of the biggest issues of our time,” Battisson continued.
“Through her work in academia and as a role model for women in the profession, she is an inspiration to the profession as a whole and to future generations of architects.
“Further, she has displayed dedication to the profession through extensive efforts with the Australian Institute of Architects, including ‘captaincy’ at the 2019 National Architecture Conference, creative directorship of the 2005 National Architecture Conference, co-curatorship of Australia’s official contribution to the 2008 Venice Architecture Biennale, and participation in countless design panels and juries – all while leading her practice with a level of skill, consideration and aesthetic to which many aspire.”
The Gold Medal acknowledges the distinguished work of an individual architect who has contributed to the advancement of the profession. Read the full jury citation for Kerstin Thompson.
The Australian Institute of Architects also announced the winners of a suite of prizes, referred to as the National Prizes.
2023 National Prizes winners are:
Gold Medal – Kerstin Thompson
National President’s Prize – Catherine Townsend, Bruce Townsend, Nathan Judd, and Dominic Pelle
Leadership in Sustainability Prize – Iris Se Young Hwang
Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize – Michael Mossman
Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture – Blake Hillebrand
BlueScope Glenn Murcutt Student Prize – Rhiannon Brownbill
