The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has awarded its 2020 Gold Medal to John Wardle, whom it describes as an "architect’s architect".
The AIA cited Wardle’s "collaborations with artists and craftspeople", and the "national impact of Wardle’s personal project of raising the public status of architectural design" as factors in his win.
Wardle has designed such Australian buildings as the Queensland Brain Institute, the Jane Foss Russell Building in Sydney and the Kitamura house in Kew.
Wardle founded his Melbourne-based studio in 1986, has taught at the University of South Australia, and completed a masters in architecture at RMIT University in 2001.
Helen Lochhead, the AIA’s national president, said: "As a Gold Medal recipient John has been recognised as one of the leading architects in our national architectural story.
"His outstanding contribution to architecture is wide-ranging and enduring, with his work having a lasting influence in shaping our profession."
Image courtesy of the Australian Institute of Architects/Pier Carthew
