Outstanding educator and University of Melbourne Emeritus Professor Graham Brawn has been announced the winner of the Australian 2008 Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize.

Sponsored by Autodesk and presented at the Australian Institute of Architects 2008 National Architecture Awards in Adelaide on Thursday 30 October, this important national prize recognizes the significance of architectural education in the promotion and improvement of the built environment.

In awarding the prize to Graham, the award jury praised his contribution to architectural education and research in Australia, in particular for his inspirational teaching of design in the studio environment.

“His teaching was noted by his peers and commented on by many of his former students as being an educational experience that made a significant contribution to their professional careers,” jury chair and Institute National President Howard Tanner said. “His role in connecting architectural theory, research and practice is regarded as exemplary.”

At the University of Melbourne, Graham was responsible for the introduction in 1987 of the Masters of Architecture examined by design, the first of its kind in Australia. In 2006 he established the Masters of Work Place Planning and Design. His involvement in the planning of major buildings such as museums, hospitals and workplace environments has provided a valuable connection between academia and practice.

The jury awarded a Commendation to Rachel Hurst, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of South Australia, for her contribution in the field of undergraduate design teaching. Rachel’s emphasis on innovation in design teaching, the Master Series of talks by prominent architects, and many published articles make her an inspiration to others, and an exemplar for the future of teaching in Australia

The 2008 Neville Quarry Prize jury members were: National President Howard Tanner, Professor Des Smith, Professor Mads Gaardboe, Professor Stephen Frith, and SONA President Alysia Bennett.