The Australian Institute of Architects has awarded its acclaimed Gold Medal to architecture luminary Kerstin Thompson for her efforts in contributing to Australia’s built environment.

The Gold Medal is awarded to those who have advanced the architecture profession in Australia and produced outstanding design outcomes on a consistent basis. National President Shannon Battisson believes Thompson’s work as a designer, educator and speaker has culminated in her being awarded the medal.

“Spanning varying scales, from large public projects to intricate domestic architecture, Thompson’s sublime work is at once generous, bold and highly nuanced,” she says.

“Taking its cues from the context, it creates a built form that allows the setting to take centre stage.

“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.”

Thompson’s sustainable approach has seen her prolong the life of existing buildings and allow for her designs to meld with the surrounding landscape. The Institute references Thompson’s delivery of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, which utilises detailed yet simple design elements to create a space to keeps memories alive.

“Her design ethos favours subtle expression and graciousness over force, and her propensity to address some of the biggest issues of our time,” Battisson continues.

“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.”

Kerstin Thompson Architects has been acclaimed many times by the Institute, awarded the Victorian Architecture Medal in 2020, and the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture in 2022. Notable projects include the new Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge, Victorian College of the Arts and Broadmeadows Town Hall.

Thompson will soon embark on the 2023 National Gold Medal Tour, which sees the architect travel to all Australian states and territories to present a speech and overview of their works and experiences in architecture.

Architecture & Design Team

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