The Australian Institute of Architects has announced Melinda Dodson is the recipient of the ACT President’s Medal for 2022.

The Principal of Melinda Dodson Architects is a former National President of the Institute and holds Life Fellow Status. Dodson has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable cities through architectural practice, research, industry leadership and public advocacy for more than 25 years.

“Melinda embodies what it is to be a professional who acts in the public interest to improve outcomes for the community with a passion for the delivery of inclusive sustainable built environments,” says AIA ACT President Jane Cassidy.

“She strongly believes that architecture holds the key to solving many of the frustrations of our cities. Her research informs the development of strategies to improve housing choice and affordability and to reduce housing carbon emissions, set against the ACT 2045 net zero targets.”

Dodson is also the founder of the Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge, which showcases sustainable building and construction in the region. The challenge has been named the recipient of the Clem Cummings Medal, which recognises contributions by non-architects and architects to architecture in the public interest. The CLCHC team is made up of Dodson, Rob Henry from Rob Henry Architects and David Clarke of Tallowwood Architecture.

“The Canberra Low Carbon Housing Challenge team is to be commended for its public outreach through the competition, and digital and face-to-face public exhibitions,” Cassidy says.

“The team has achieved excellent results in its short life and has already developed an ambitious program of research projects, peer education and exhibitions to extend its reach from single housing to larger scale developments.”

GHD’s Russell Pfitz has been named the ACT Architecture Professional Practitioner Award winner for 2022, due to his impact on the profession over three decades and expertise in technical architecture. Pfitz has worked across complex industrial and institutional architecture including water and energy, Defence and security, and has developed significant heritage and technical expertise.

“His technically focussed heritage work ensures that our significant architecture endures for future generations to come,” a statement from the award Jury reads.

The future of architecture in the ACT has been recognised with Kate Shepherd of Rob Henry Architects winning the 2022 Emerging Architect Prize. In a short space of time, Shepherd has demonstrated incredible longevity, breadth and commitment to the industry through her volunteer work and industry leadership.

“Through the knowledge she has gained through practice, Kate has applied considerable design skill and refined technical detailing at both commercial and residential scales. Kate Shepherd exemplifies what it means to be an architect in society,” the Jury says.

The student prizes for achievement at the University of Canberra went to Amanda Marshall for the highest grade point average over five years at the University of Canberra, winning her the ACT Chapter Student Medallion. Roger Clarke won the John Redmond Prize for the highest achievement in the first three years of the Bachelor of the Built Environment (Architecture).

The University of Canberra student Juliana Zubovic took out the Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn Graduate Prize for the highest-grade point average over the two-year Master of Architecture course.

Image: Supplied

Jarrod Reedie

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