World’s architectural heroes meet

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 24 May 2011

Five of Australia's most creative and talented young architects have embarked on an architectural 'dream holiday' - jetting to Europe for an all expenses paid trip to meet the world's architectural heroes.

Leaving Australia earlier this week, the five emerging architects from practices across the nation were set to enjoy an intensive 10 day tour to London, Barcelona and Copenhagen - visiting world-renowned architects, getting an exclusive look into think-tanks of international practices, and participating in candid site tours by the leading architects themselves.

The Dulux Study Tour, an Initiative of the Australian Institute of Architects in collaboration with its Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN), and generously supported by Dulux Australia and Davis Langdon Australia, will see participants visit leading architectural practices including: Rogers Stirk Harbour, Wilkinson Eyre, David Chipperfield Architects, and foster & Partners in the UK; Arriola & Fiol and EMBT (Benedetta Tagliabue) in Barcelona; and BIG: Bjarke Ingels and the Utzon office in Copenhagen.

The annual Tour provides a unique and sought-after opportunity for young architects intending to be leaders in the profession to gain exposure to recent projects offshore and to interface with some of the top architectural practices in those countries.

The 2011 Dulux Study Tour winners are:

• Carly Barrett
• Christina Cho
• Yuri Dillon
• Brendan Murray

Carly Barrett is a graduate of Architect with 2nd Class Honours from the University of Western Australia. Carly is currently employed as a designer at HASSELL, Perth. Carly's work to date shows a highly creative, and a clear commitment to, and enthusiasm for architecture. She showed a commitment to promoting architecture and design and exploring opportunities for emerging architects to promote architecture and develop their skills in exhibitions and collaborative projects. Carly has been instrumental in facilitating the growth of young designers through collaboration and exhibiting works at a number of venues in Perth. Carly's work to date presented an interesting series of design projects both conceptual and realized. Included in her submission were a number of insightful comments from colleagues and employers which supported her submission and attested to her "genuine passion for design". The Jury felt that Carly's submission demonstrated personality and a good sense of humor, which were considered excellent attributes for Dulux Study tour participants!

Christina Cho graduated from the University of Queensland with first class honours and is a registered Architect in Queensland. Christina's letter of support from Timothy Hill was "glowing" and the way he described her attitude saying "It is this well targeted effort of rounding out her area of operations to become the type of architect that the wider world might value rather than the type of architect that the profession itself might celebrate". The layout and presentation of her work and involvement within architecture was very effective. Christina states that she is working towards not just a physical construction of space, but to place importance on human conversation and interaction needed to activate the spaces. Her commitment to community work was very high which is to be commended and this was echoed in the letter of support supplied by Michael Rayner as her current employer. The Jury decided that Christina's solid project experience and community involvement were of such a high standard that she be awarded a place on the 2011 Dulux Study Tour.

Yuri Dillon graduated form the University of Queensland with Honours and is a registered Architect. Yuri presented himself as an architect dedicated to sharing his experiences and fostering the growth and development of young architects by providing an environment and company culture which is open for staff to explore the discipline of architecture. Through Liquid Blu's operations, as the sole director and owner, Yuri has developed the company to be a leader in providing architectural, interior design and master planning services to the private and public sector. Yuri has developed projects across a wide range of market segments including Private Residential, Multi-Residential & Mixed Use Development, Commercial, Retail, Hospitality, Health, and Sport and Recreation Projects. Yuri is seeking to establish Liquid Blu as an international design brand known for creating inspiring environments that support and enhance the human condition. The Jury were impressed with Yuri's commitment to good design and through that the promotion of architecture and felt that what Yuri would learn on the tour would be invaluable to the future of his practice and the profession.

Jefa Greenaway graduated from the University of Melbourne with Honours and is the first indigenous registered Architect in Victoria. Jefa's letters of support from Prof Paolo Tombesi and from his clients were very different in their context but were a great reflection of Jefa's work ethic and attitude to Architecture. Jefa has won numerous awards and distinctions of note including winner of the 1999 RAIA Presidents Student Award by displaying an 'all round excellence and leadership in the student community'. Jefa has solid project experience and as the director as of his own practice, has begun to chart a direction to cement himself as a contemporary emerging architectural practice.
The Jury Felt that the Dulux Study Tour would provide Jefa a huge boost in terms of his knowledge base which will enhance both his work and teaching at The University of Melbourne for the benefit of many young students.

Brendan Murray is a Registered Architect in NSW and senior Project Architect with Johnson Pilton Walker, Sydney. Graduating from the University of Canberra in 2004, he received 1st class Honours, a University Medal and RAIA ACT Chapter Medallion, along with Honours in Musicology from the Canberra School of Music. Brendan has practiced for 10 years, commencing with an undergraduate cadetship at Mitchell, Giurgola & Thorpe (2001-2005); and continuing as an Architect with Johnson Pilton Walker in 2005. Brendan presented
himself as an outstanding candidate who has been commended in formal study, in practice as a project architect on award winning and commended projects, and by his peers and employers. Brendan has demonstrated a thorough commitment to architecture, architectural education, research and social advocacy. His excellent achievements were supported by a varied and exceptional body of built work. The Jury agreed that Brendan appears to be a highly valued member of a well regarded design practice and that he would benefit greatly from the experience gained on the Dulux study tour.

For further details, interviews and images contact:
Trish Croaker, National Media/PR Advisor
Australian Institute of Architects 0408 756 789;
trish.croaker@raia.com.au

t: twitter.com/#!/DuluxStudyTour
web: duluxstudytourblog.architecture.com.au