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MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 28 October 2010
LEADING ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE HONOURED IN LAUNCESTON
At a special exhibition of architecture students’ work in Launceston tonight, (Thursday 28
October) David Parsons was awarded the prestigious Australian Institute of Architects
Graduate Prize in Architecture at the UTAS School of Architecture & Design. The prize, based
on a combination of academic performance, a portfolio of work and an interview, also recognises
the recipient’s preparedness for entry into the architectural profession and development
potential.
When awarding the prize, which includes $1000 in cash and two years graduate membership of
the Institute, jury panel member Mr Neal Mackintosh from Hobart firm JAWSARCHITECTS,
said that David’s work “shows an astute sensitivity and awareness of social, cultural and
environmental issues through a site responsive design approach in diverse settings”.
The jury panel, which included Associate Professor Leigh Woolley, and Todd Henderson
from Launceston firm Birrelli, noted that ‘David's ability to analyse and make strategic design
decisions is made more poignant through a well developed ability to express ideas through
drawing. This commitment to a rigorous design process and a competent ability to work across
scales, allows him to explore different ideas without it seems, being too precious about the
scheme, showing a confidence to change direction when one approach has been exhausted’.
Mr Mackintosh told the audience of academic staff, students and parents that “David is a very
worthy recipient of this prize, his maturity holding him in good stead to make a positive
contribution to any practice”.
Five students completing their Masters of Architecture were short-listed for the prize. “The jury
was extremely encouraged by the standard of the candidates, which made selection of a winner
more difficult”, Mr Mackintosh said. He added: “With the range of skills and commitments
shown, all should look forward to fulfilling careers. Indeed if this is the quality of students
graduating, the profession will be well served.”
The short-listed students were:
David Parsons (winner)
Clare Dunlop
Martin Green
Emma Robinson
Chloe Comino
Tasmanian Manager of the Institute, Janine Holt, when introducing the Prize, said the
Institute aims to influence and contribute to the development of architectural education so
that the future of the profession can be secured.
“It is very important for the Institute to develop a connection with architectural students and
graduates early in their careers and the Graduate Prize is one mechanism to achieve this” she
stated. She also thanked JAWSARCHITECTS for their generous sponsorship of the prize and
added that it was befitting to present the prize during National Architecture Week.
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For information contact:
Janine Holt
Tasmanian Chapter Manager
PH 03 6214 1500
Mobile 0409 216 526
Trish Croaker,
National Media/PR Advisor
Mobile 0408 756 163 trish.croaker@raia.com.au
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing more
than 9000 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute actively works to improve the quality of
our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design.
NEWS 
