Perth Architect Marcus Collins has been bestowed with the Architects Board of Western Australia (ABWA) annual Board Award—considered by some as the highest recognition from the architectural profession in the State.
Collins was selected for the award due to the significant contribution he has made to the architectural profession throughout his career including his impressive portfolio of projects, his commitment to the WA heritage preservation movement and his involvement in the education of university students through teaching and architectural journals.
The intention of the Award is to recognise WA registered architects whose contributions to the profession have enhanced its public awareness and broadcasted the activities of the Architects Board of Western Australia.
The award was presented by the Chairman of the ABWA, Dr John Taylor, who said that Collins was the stand-out for this year’s Board Award.
“Practicing from the early 1970s, Marcus Collins has made a major contribution to the architectural profession through significant involvement with the local and national architectural scene; through the Australian Institute of Architects and as an editor of The Architect (WA) magazine, “said Taylor
Collins' works include Tannock Hall of Education (above) and the St Teresa's Library (below) at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle.
Collins has been heavily involved in the heritage conservation movement in WA, including activities toward saving the Swan Brewery from demolition.
He has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Australia for significant contributions to the University’s campus designs in Perth, Sydney and Broome.
Then and the future: The Catholic Education Office, Leederville (above) was completed in 1989 and the PLC Senior School, Peppermint Grove (below) is scheduled for completion in 2016.
Collins said he was delighted to accept the award and made note that he has always enjoyed the pedagogical aspects of his career in architecture.
“I’m delighted to receive this award from the Architects Board of WA. I have always had a passion for architecture, including helping to develop and mentor the next generation of architects,” he said.
“This recognition for my contribution to the architectural profession is appreciated and I am delighted to accept it.”
Collins launched his own architectural practice, Marcus Collins Architects, in 1981 and since then the firm has twice won Western Australia’s highest architectural Honour – the George Temple Poole Award for the best design in all categories in the Australian Institute of Architects annual awards.
