KTA

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Think Brick Awards 2024 Winners Announced

Thank you, Think Brick Awards, for selecting the Melbourne Holocaust Museum as the winner of the Horbury Hunt Commercial Award for 2024. Additionally, The Round also received highly commended recognition in the same category, the project was a collaborative effort with BKK Architects.

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“Brick becomes the silent hero within the project that actually creates a very particular quality of light which advocates for the reflection, calmness and serenity with what could be a really interesting and challenging environment. However, it does this with a light that is perforated and a material that ultimately celebrates the existing building while enhancing the atmosphere of the space.”
Jury Citation, Melbourne Holocaust Museum

This year’s theme recognised projects that ‘demonstrated resilience through innovative and thoughtful use of bricks, blocks, pavers, and roof tiles’.

Link to award

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Open House Melbourne 2024

We have three (+3) projects in this year’s Open House Melbourne program ‘Rediscover your City’. There are over 170 programs to explore over weekend including buildings, places and spaces.

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1. The Round in collaboration with BKK Architects
- Tours: 9:00am Saturday 27 and 9.30am Sunday 28 July
- Special event: Saturday 10.30am panel discussion with Whitehorse City Council and the design team from BKK Architects and KTA

2. KTA Apartments Walking Tour in Fitzroy
- Date: Saturday 27 July, first tour starts: 10:30am at Kerr Street Residences

3. Melbourne Holocaust Museum
- Date: Sunday 28 July, guided tours: 11:30am and 1:30pm

“Discovery is about the unexpected. It’s something for the curious at heart, the adventurer and the life-long-learner interested in exploring Melbourne’s most unique places and spaces.
Open House Melbourne invites you to rediscover your city—to seek out new places and to reconnect with old favourites.”

For more information and to book tickets, please visit the link

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ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact 2024

The Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra- jarra-noun (Family Healing Centre) has received a commendation at the 2024 ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact. The project is a collaboration with Anthony Clarke, BLOXAS. The awards recognise ‘projects that demonstrate the potential for widespread, nationally applicable impact, and the transferability of their design strategy across different built environments, beyond their immediate contexts and communities’.

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From 104 entries from across Australia, 32 were shortlisted, 5 received commendations with 1 winner.

Jury citation
Part of Austin Health in Victoria, Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarrda-noun (Family Healing Centre) is a mental health recovery and support facility for children who have experienced trauma. Importantly, it also supports their families in a care model that reflects the recommendations of the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system.

The jury commends the design’s sensitivity, elegance and fine resolution, which has resulted in a calming, de-institutionalised, home-like environment of independent living units and consulting spaces, encircled by a safe, private, landscaped garden.

This groundbreaking project, developed in close consultation and co-design with clinicians, occupational therapists and youth advisors, is the first of its kind in Australia. Booboop demonstrates an innovative and transformative approach to the ongoing support and care of affected children and their families. The jury agreed that the approach and its manifestation in this sophisticated design could be a widely adopted template for a profound shift to a more positive model of care.

Thanks to the jury and awards program, it’s great to ‘celebrate good design for the common good’.

Link to award winners

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Think Brick Awards 2024

Two projects, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and The Round, have been shortlisted in the 2024 Think Brick Awards. The awards recognised 40 projects that exemplify this year’s theme of resilience, showcasing creative and innovative applications of bricks, blocks, tiles, and pavers. The Round was designed in collaboration with BKK Architects.

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The award recipients will be revealed in September.
We extend our thanks to the judging panel for nominating both of our projects.

Link to shortlisted projects

Image of The Round, Whitehorse Centre

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Bundanon wins 2024 RIBA International Award for Excellence

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Awards for Excellence have selected Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge as one of their winners for 2024. Twenty-two projects were chosen from 14 countries, and each was visited in person by local ambassadors appointed by RIBA.

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“Each project is an example of the highest calibre of architectural response to social, cultural and environmental challenges. Irrespective of style, complexity and size of both scheme and budget, successful projects demonstrate visionary or innovative thinking and excellence of execution.”

The jury cited;
The masterplan offers a paradigm shift in the way we think about landscape, from the purely picturesque to an ecological one. Ultimately Bundanon is extraordinary for the manner in which it attunes the visitor to the landscape, and in so doing to nature and climate, place and time.

With thanks to RIBA and the jury for nominating Bundanon.

Link to all winners
Link to ArchitetcureAU article on Australian winners

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Winners Announced _2024 Victorian Architecture Awards

We have received four commendations at the AIA 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards:

The Round – Public Architecture + Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
Dandenong High School Design & Technology Hub – Educational Architecture
Preston South Primary School – Sustainable Architecture

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With thanks to the juries and all involved, including our clients, extended project, and consultant teams, for their support and collective efforts.

The Round, public jury citation
“The Round has a dignified civic presence with its high level of architectural virtuosity and built craftsmanship in becoming a new cultural hub for the Whitehorse community. Engaging thoroughly with local Indigenous connections and histories, this sophisticated building with its diverse program seamlessly integrates landscape, ecology, sustainability, and infrastructure to become a premier event and performance facility.”

Link to all winners

Image of The Round

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2024 Dezeen Awards _Kerstin on Judging Panel

Kerstin has been selected as one of the judges for the 2024 Dezeen Awards.
“Dezeen Awards will be judged by an international panel comprising 90 leading figures from the architecture and design world.”

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Kerstin joins a stellar lineup of architects, designers, sustainable developers and design entrepreneurs as judges for this years Dezeen Awards.

We are thrilled that Kerstin will be a judge, alongside Ben Edwards, Jonas Pettersson, Jonathan Smales, Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat.

There are 41 project categories in total: 15 architecture categories, nine interior categories, 11 design categories and six sustainability categories. Longlists will be announced in September, shortlists November and winners in November.

Link to details

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Reimagining Where We Live

The Australian Government has announced the winners of the ‘Reimagining Where We Live’ aged care design ideas competition. The competition challenged architects and designers to reimagine the future of aged care accommodation design.

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Kerstin was selected as a member of the jury for the competition. The jury selected four winners across the two competition categories – urban metro and regional town. The quality of the entries was impressive with innovative designs showcasing aged care homes that are welcoming, safe, accessible, dementia friendly and consider small-home models.

Congratulations to the teams, visit the link competition website
Link to ArchitectureAU article showcasing the winning designs

Urban Metro Category:
1_ Scales of Care by LM2A with Super Natural
2_ Connection, Community and Movement by Walter&Walter

Regional Town Category:
1_ Manu Place by Monash Urban Lab with NMBW Architecture Studio, BoardGrove Architects, BLOXAS and Glas Landscape Architects
2_ All Together Now by Other Architects, Openwork, Andy Fergus and Alicia Pozniak

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2024 Social Impact Awards _Shortlist

The 2024 Social Impact Awards have announced the shortlisted projects, and Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarra-noun (The Family Healing Centre) is one of the 32 projects.

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The award “recognises architectural work that promotes the common good and preferences empathy over aesthetics.”
We would like to extend our thanks to our collaborating partner Anthony Clarke, BLOXAS, and clients Austin Health and Victorian Health Building Authority.
The awards finalists will be announced on July 4.

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National Gallery of Australia Cafe

Concept design phase has commenced for a new hospitality venture at the National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri / Canberra. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this important cultural institution, aiming to enhance visitor experience and foster deeper connections within the gallery grounds.

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Excerpt from media release

“Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said, ‘The National Gallery is thrilled to have KTA on board to deliver a new dining destination here at the National Gallery.’

‘The National Gallery looks forward to creating a new dining venue to add significant dimension to the amenity and the experience of the National Gallery – great food and beverage served in an inspiring new space will provide new opportunities for connection, reflection and enjoyment,’ said Mitzevich.”

Link to media release

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AIA VIC Chapter Awards Shortlist

We have had four of our projects shortlisted for the 2024 AIA VIC Chapter Awards. It is worth mentioning that Victoria received 228 submissions across 15 categories this year, making it the state with the highest number of entries.

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Shortlisted projects and categories:
Preston South Primary School – Educational Architecture + Sustainable Architecture
Dandenong High School Design &Technology Hub – Educational Architecture
Wirrng Wirrng – Public Architecture + Regional Architecture
The Round (with BKK Architects) – Public Architecture + Melbourne + Colourbond

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in June.

Link to full list

Australian Interior Design Awards Shortlist

The Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) have announced their shortlist for 2024, and we’re delighted to see Antara 128 made it onto the hospitality category shortlist, and The Round on the public category shortlist.

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“The AIDA recognise and celebrate interior design excellence via a credible, industry-based program, which is backed by the Design Institute of Australia, the professional body representing Australian designers.”

AIDA winners of the will be announced June 14.

Image of Antara 128

Link to all shortlisted projects

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IWD 50 Most Powerful Women

Dezeen compiled a list of 50 powerful women in honour of International Women’s Day 2024.

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And selected Kerstin as one of their 50 most influential and powerful women from around the world .
List includes; Carol Ross Barney, Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, Anne Lacaton, Lesley Lokko, Yasmeen Lari and many more

Link to full list

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RIBA 100 Women: Architects in Practice

The recently published ’100 Women: Architects in Practice’ by the RIBA has included Kerstin on their list!!
The book celebrates and acknowledges a rich, diverse, and fascinating survey of exceptional women architects from around the world and their contributions to the built environment.

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Multiple award winner and leading industry voice Professor Harriet Harriss, together with senior academics and writers Naomi House and Monika Parrinder and multi-award-winning architecture journalist and editor of Dezeen Tom Ravenscroft, showcase the largely overlooked stories of 100 women currently making their mark in the architectural world.

Geographically balanced to feature architects across six continents from no less than 79 countries, from Argentina to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between. The book explores “the different worlds, different forms of architecture and the place-sensitive approaches” each architect has taken to fulfil their vision through a series of insightful profiles and inspiring imagery.

With many thanks to the authors Harriet Harriss, Naomi House, Monika Parrinder, and Tom Ravenscroft

Available via RIBA books

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KTA Laneway Event _Talking Gold

Parlour and KTA to kick-start the year with an invigorating conversation between three gold medallists in the KTA laneway!
We are delighted to welcome Carol Ross Barney on her brief (and first) visit to Australia. Hailing from Chicago, Carol is the recipient of the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. She is recognised for her bold body of work, her dedication to the design of public spaces that improve everyday lives and her determined advocacy – “excellent design is a right, not a privilege”.

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Maggie Edmond is the recipient of the 2003 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal, awarded retrospectively in 2023, and Kerstin Thompson is the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medallist.

Gather in KTA’s laneway for a prize-winning conversation about architecture, practice, equity and the direction of the profession, chaired by Justine Clark of Parlour

When: Thursday 8 February, 6–8pm

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Architectural Digest AD100

Thanks AD100 for including Kerstin Thompson on your 100 list for 2024.

Each year Architectural Digest Germany chooses 100 ‘top talents and icons from design, interior and architecture’ from around the world. AD note the ‘visionary designers are currently setting the tone worldwide and shaping our world with their work.’

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We also want to acknowledge our fellow Australians who also made the 100 list Other Architects, Kennedy Nolan and YSG Studio.

Link to article

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2023 Victorian Premier's Design Awards Finalist

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum (MHM) has been selected as a finalist at the 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards in the Architectural Design category.
The awards ‘showcase the depth of design talent in Victoria and the capability and capacity of the Victorian design industry.’

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Light played a central role in shaping the architecture of MHM. Linked to illumination and knowledge, light was used as a motif to create welcoming and functional spaces, especially for education, research, and events, aligning with the museum’s purpose. By using windows, skylights, and mirrors, the design ingeniously reflects the sky, clouds, rooftops, and the local context into the building.

Thanks to the jury for selecting the MHM as one of the 22 finalists.

Link to awards

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Team Announcements

We would like to share our teams promotions and new roles, these changes reflect KTA’s priorities for 2024, increasing our capacity to design and deliver exceptional projects, ensuring our team are supported and able to increase their acumen, and finding new ways to engage with our clients and peers.

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Charlie Emery has been promoted to the role of Associate Principal – Engagement. Joining KTA in 2019, Charlie has successfully directed KTA’s communications, submissions, and branding efforts. Her strategic approach to business development and communication has changed the way we operate and engage with our peers and clients. Charlie has been an active and valued participant in senior leadership discussions for the last two years, and this promotion validates the work she has already been doing.

Andy Ferguson and John Hajko have been promoted to the role of Associate, having demonstrated unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and exemplary leadership – reinforcing and extending KTA’s capacity to make meaningful and thoughtful architecture.

Andy joined KTA in 2021, and his dynamic energy and leadership on our Social Housing and Tertiary education projects has been influential in their success. His infectious energy, positivity, wit, and skill allows him to deliver exceptional project outcomes, building highly effective relationships with our clients, collaborators and teams. He has co-lead KTA’s practice studio in the master of Architecture program at RMIT for the last two years, and has been a key contributor to the development of our endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan.

John also joined KTA in 2021, initially working with the residential team on a complex residential project in Sydney. He is an architect deeply committed to his craft, and in his time at KTA has demonstrated his expertise across multiple typologies. John possesses a natural ability to support, mentor, and champion design, as evidenced by his contributions as design coordinator for KTA’s component of the Queen Victoria Market Southern Development Site project, shepherding the design intent for tower and heritage components from project inception.

We recognise the significance of Andy and John’s promotions to the future of KTA and eagerly anticipate their continued leadership and contributions within the leadership team.

In addition to these advancements, our Associate Michael Archibald, is taking on role dedicated to the management of our Quality Assurance and project delivery systems. His focus will be on the continual improvement of our documentation and delivery systems, standards and quality assurance processes, and providing support across projects with milestone reviews, technical advice, and delivery strategy.

Finally, Lynn Chew will be shifting her focus to a new role of Associate Principal – People and Culture. Lynn’s wealth of project experience combined with her first-hand knowledge of KTA’s founding culture will allow her to guide our studio, with direct responsibility for the wellbeing of our team, with a focus on ongoing professional development, mentoring and wellbeing.

From top left: Andy Ferguson, John Hajko, Charlie Emery, Viet Truong, Michael Archibald, Lynn Chew

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2023 WAF Awards: Melbourne Holocaust Museum

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) held in Singapore has announced winners, after day one of live presentations featuring numerous shortlisted projects presented by practices worldwide.

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The Melbourne Holocaust Museum was honored with a highly commended recognition in the Cultural – Completed Buildings category.
WAF consists of a series of events over the 3 days, with the awards being one of the highlights, around 140 judges from 68 countries are represented.

Thanks to all involved, including our team, collaborating partners and client.

Link to awards page

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2023 Dezeen Awards: Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge

We are excited to share the news that Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge received a highly commended at the 2023 Dezeen Awards in the ‘Cultural Project of the Year’ category.

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Excerpt
Australian practice Kerstin Thompson Architects designed additional facilities for the Bundanon Art Museum in New South Wales, including a flood bridge containing residences and educational spaces. The cluster of buildings is built to withstand the landscape’s conditions, pushing the museum underground and raising the education centre on a flood bridge.

The judges commented:
‘A series of sensitive and elegant additions to the landscape, this project responds to flood and fire risks in a way that promotes ecological awareness and creates generous spaces for living and learning.’

Thanks to the jury for recognising Bundanon and gratitude to our project team and collaborators.

Link to awards page

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KTA on Architizer A+List

Architizer has announced their A+List of ‘Top Architecture and Design Firms to Watch in 2024’ and KTA has been selected as one of the 210 architecture and design firms from around the world.

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The jury cited
“The output of Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) configures architecture as an inherently civic endeavor; to do so, each design has strong multidisciplinary foundations. Indeed, the team has forged strong relationships with engineers, emerging technology specialists and landscape and heritage consultants, and their expertise informs the approach to each project, injecting innovation and environmental sensitivity to the specificities of a given project whilst evolving the firm’s design approach for future commissions. The result is an oeuvre of sensitive, site-responsive architecture that synergize form and function with landscape, resulting in highly meaningful and resilient places.”

Link to full list

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2023 AIA National Awards

We are so excited the Melbourne Holocaust Museum has received a Public Architecture award at the 2023 AIA National Awards this week.
Thanks to the jury: Shannon Battinsson (Chair), Shaneen Fantin, William Smart, Stephanie Kitingan and Scott Burchell

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The jury cited:
“A holocaust museum’s content is sensitive, and the building’s design must be approached in the right way. Here, the method is one of absolute consistency, from the strong cohesive urban form to the exhibition spaces and their connecting circulation areas.
The street facade is made from glass and clay bricks woven together, expressing the functions within and culminating in a large lantern. The new building is cast snugly over the existing heritage facade, and the two elements work beautifully together. Their combination yields a building that has gravitas and humanity, and it represents an innovative approach to the integration of heritage fabric.”

Our gratitude to Jayne Josem and the team at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum for their support over the many years. The project has been a journey starting with a design competition in 2014, and lengthy design and approvals processes before construction commencing in 2020.

And thank you to our project and extended consultant team, for their unwavering commitment.

Link to full citation

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2023 Dezeen Shortlist

The shortlist for the 2023 Dezeen Awards has been announced and the Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge is amongst one of the selected projects in the cultural category.

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There were 4800 entries from across the globe and 85 projects were shortlisted with 6 projects selected in the cultural category.
We are so pleased to be one of seven Australian projects nominated.
Winners will be announced in November.

Link to “shortlist“https://www.dezeen.com/2023/10/09/dezeen-awards-2023-architecture-shortlist/

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Detail Magazine: Melbourne Holocaust Museum

Detail Magazine Issue 10.2023 Windows and Facades includes article on the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and delves into the structural features of the clay and glass brick masonry façade.

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Excerpt from magazine
What’s Behind the Facade?
“Facades have always had many roles to play. They give buildings a face, protect them from the elements, and convey meaning. As art historian Wolfgang Kemp describes, facades serve as ‘places of public self-reflection in architecture.’”

“Each of these buildings blends old and new in ways that only become apparent on closer inspection. To reveal their hidden nuances, we elaborate on their design concepts and delve into the intricacies of their facade construction.”

Link to issue

Tapestry Design Prize Winners

Solstice by Beth George and Emerald Wise, was announced winner of the 2023 Tapestry Design Prize for Architects.

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“The winning entry, Solstice, is deep, dark and moody. George and Wise designed the tapestry to reflect the need for interconnectedness and ecology, particularly emphasized in the wake of the pandemic. A bright gold thread illuminates the edge of a circular landform and resembles a lunar eclipse, while an azure thread charts a river, pool, bath and bay, each linked together by a metallic thread.”

“The competition, presented by Australian Tapestry Workshop, invited architects from around the globe to design a tapestry for a hypothetical site. This year’s site was the Bundanon Art Museum by Kerstin Thompson Architects.”

The jury panel included Jefa Greenaway (jury chair), Kerstin Thompson, Justin Hill , Christina Na-Heon Cho, Adrian Iredale, Camila Block, and José da Silva.

Samples of the finalist’s designs are currently exhibited at the Australian Tapestry Workshop, in Melbourne until September 28th.

Link to ArchitectureAU Article

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Open Letter from 36 Design Practices

Today, members of the Architecture + Design Reconciliation Industry Network Group affirm our support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution. We represent a broad group of architecture and design practices, each with endorsed Reconciliation Action Plans that formalise our commitment to advancing reconciliation in Australia.

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We believe the Voice is a simple, sensible, and positive step in the process of righting the wrongs of the past and building a more equitable Australia.

We shape spaces and places on Country across Australia. As a design community, we have begun a process of better connecting with Country – through close engagement and participatory processes led by First Nations communities. We have witnessed the positive impacts of engaging directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose wisdom, generosity, and world-view enrich our work and the built environment.

We respect the principle of self-determination. We’re committed to working towards greater equity and prosperity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We call on other industries, businesses and organisations to join us – to stand up, speak up, and support an incredibly important moment in Australia’s history.

We urge all Australians to learn more about the Uluru Statement and make an informed decision in the Referendum.
Find out more by visiting ulurustatement.org and yes23.com.au

Signatories: AJC Architects, Bates Smart, BKK Architects, BRAND Architects, Breathe, Carter Williamson Architects, ck architecture, Clare Cousins Architects, Clarke Hopkins Clarke, COX, Denton Corker Marshall, DesignInc, Edition Office, Fender Katsalidis, Fitzpatrick + Partners, Gresley Abas, Jackson Clements Burrows, Kerstin Thompson Architects, Kosloff Architecture, Lovell Chen, March Studio, McBride Charles Ryan, Meld Studios, MGS Architects, Nguluway DesignInc, NH Architecture, Oculus, Peddle Thorp, Philips/Pilkington Architects, Sam Crawford Architects, Schored Projects, Six Degrees Architects, Tract, TRCB, Walter & Walter, Warren and Mahoney.

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Lothian Street Studio Awards

We are so pleased to see our studio being shortlisted in the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) Awards and the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2023.

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We designed a space reflecting our commitment to responsible design and our core principles – a supportive, positive work environment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and well-being. Aligned with our sustainable approach; furniture was reused, joinery and lighting repurposed, and existing features were celebrated.

Edward Linacre Studio was engaged by us to rework, recycle and revamp luminaries; from existing industrial fixtures onsite, their creative solutions are also shortlisted.

DIA
_ Place category
Edward Linacre Studio_ Object

IDEA
_ Workplace under 1000sqm
_ Sustainability
Edward Linacre Studio_ Object Professional
Edward Linacre Studio_ Sustainability

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Leadership Promotion

KTA is delighted to announce the promotion of Lloyd McCathie to the role of Associate Principal. In Lloyd’s 7 plus years with KTA his project leadership and attention to detail have been integral in the success of two multiple award winning cultural projects, Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge and Broadmeadows Town Hall.

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For the past two years, Lloyd has led our Education + Health projects including Stage 2 of Northcote High School, a new wing at Preston South Primary School designed to Passive Haus standards and the recently completed Statewide Child and Family Centre for the Department of Health and Human Services.

With excellence demonstrated across a broad range of projects in civic, education, adaptive reuse, health and multi-res, Lloyd’s capacity to lead with empathy and consistently deliver great projects with our clients is well established. We are looking forward to adding Lloyd’s acumen and experience to our Senior Leadership team as KTA consolidates a productive period of growth.

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Uluru Statement + Yes Campaign

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and ongoing commitment, KTA supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and First Nations Voice to Parliament.

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The Statement calls for three actions of Voice, Treaty and Truth addressed as follows in the Statement:

  • Voice: We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.
  • Treaty and Truth: We seek a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreements between governments and First Nations, and truth telling about our history.

The vote for yes campaign aligns with our advocacy in reconciliation and inclusive approach to processes that impact First Nations people.

Read more about the Uluru Statement

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2023 World Architecture Festival Awards

Melbourne Holocaust Museum has been shortlisted in the 2023 World Architect Festival Awards, Completed Buildings: Culture category.

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Australia had more than 30 projects shortlisted and is among the top 10 countries with the most projects nominated, we are excited MHM has been selected.

“We are delighted with both the quantity and quality of this year’s entries,” said WAF program director Paul Finch. “They are a reminder in a world experiencing numerous crises that architects continue to address both everyday and unusual challenges with skill and imagination.”

Winners will be announced at the festival held in Singapore 29 November – 1 December

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Modern Melbourne 2023

Modern Melbourne 2023 features interview with Kerstin and Fleur Watson. “Modern Melbourne is a series that documents the extraordinary practice of our most important architects and designers and looks at their lasting impact on Melbourne.”

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“In this episode, Kerstin – explores how architecture can respond with great care to local conditions and expands on what she describes as her deep commitment to an architecture that contributes to our ‘living heritage’.”

Presented by Heritage Council Victoria in partnership with Open House Melbourne.

Link to interview

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Open House Melbourne: Collective City

We are so pleased the Melbourne Holocaust Museum is included in this years program for Open House Melbourne (OHM) Collective City.

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“As Melbourne expands to reach a projected population of 8 million by 2050, this year’s theme Collective City encourages a citywide discussion and asks the question, How will we reinvent, re-purpose and adapt our city to live better together? The 2023 OHM Weekend program explores perspectives and projects that speak to the power of collective, adaptive and responsive design approaches focused on creating a more equitable, accessible and inclusive city.”

Tours, seminars and events are on Saturday 29 + Sunday 30 July

Tickets for the MHM tour on July 30
Open House Melbourne program

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Architects, not Architecture

Architects, not Architecture (AnA) is an event series where we’re given an opportunity to learn about the person before the project. As an official side-event at the UIA Conference in Copenhagen, Fermin Tribaldos hosted a conversation between Kerstin, Jan Gehl, Professor and Architect, Copenhagen and Anna Heringer, Studio Anna Heringer, Germany.

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The event was completely sold out, organisers said, “the atmosphere was the kind of atmosphere we hope for at every AnA event: inspiring, entertaining, warm and intimate. We loved it! What an honor to have had these speakers along with such a list of interesting and diverse colleagues in the auditorium.”

Image by: Tim Dornaus

Link to more

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Queen Victoria Market Southern Development

We’re excited to announce that we are working with Lendlease, the City of Melbourne’s preferred development partner, to design the proposed development scheme for the Queen Victoria Market Southern Development site.

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We’re collaborating with lead architects NH Architecture and design partners Searle x Waldron Architecture, Openwork, McGregor Coxall, Lovell Chen and Urbis.

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AIA VIC Chapter Award Wins

We are honored to have received the Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing at the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards for Kerr Street Residences. In addition to this recognition, we are equally delighted to have received a Public Architecture award for Melbourne Holocaust Museum. This acknowledgment highlights our dedication to creating meaningful and impactful spaces for the community.

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We extend our congratulations to our valued clients and the extended project team who have been instrumental in bringing these projects to life.

Thank you to the jurors for their insight.
Multi-Residential
- Karen Alcock FRAIA, Jury Chair
- James Loder RAIA, Juror
- Kate Fitzpatrick RAIA, Juror
- Thomas Essex-Plath RAIA Grad, Graduate Juror
Public
- Veryan Curnow RAIA, Jury Chair
- Scott Balmforth RAIA, Juror
- Jeremy McLeod FRAIA, Juror
- Monica Percudani RAIA Grad, Graduate Juror

Link to AIA Awards – Kerr Street Residences and Melbourne Holocaust Museum

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Salone Verde, Venice

Last week Kerstin attended the launch of the book ‘Imagining the Future Museum, 21 Dialogues with Architects’. It was held at Salone Verde in Venice and alongside UMBAU Nonstop Transformation // Exhibition as part of the #architetturabiennale2023

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Presenters included:
András Szántó, Editor and Author; Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at GMP and Curator Lena Kiessler, Publisher Hatje Cantz Verlag along with other contributors to the book which comprises 21 case studies including Bundanon. Link to book in bio.

‘UMBAU (conversion) means the continuous transformation of existing structures. Considering today’s climate goals, UMBAU must move from being the exception to becoming the rule. The exhibition by von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) presents recent case studies of conversion practices from the 21st century dealing with the architectural heritage of the Moderne movement.’

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Architectural Review_ Melbourne Holocaust Museum

We are so pleased to see the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in the May issue of Architectural Review. Written by Rory Hyde the article features conversations with Jayne Josem CEO of Melbourne Holocaust Museum and Kerstin Thompson.

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Excerpt
“The building is large, stepping and shifting to press at the edges of the buildable envelope – not a millimetre is spared. And yet it feels generous, with wide hallways and outdoor terraces on multiple levels. As I am visiting, two school buses of students are emptied into the building. I’m bracing for havoc, but serenity prevails.”

Link to article

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Architecture Australia May/June 2023

May/June issue of Architecture Australia magazine is now available. Reflecting on key themes and approach to practice, the Gold Medal article includes essays from peers, conversations with collaborators and anecdotes from longstanding supporters.

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Extract from Katelin Butler, Editorial Director, Architecture Australia
“Kerstin’s architectural work demonstrates a depth of thought that is not only visible in the drawings and built outcomes, but also astutely articulated in words by Kerstin herself – not always such a natural skill for an architect. Her ability to communicate her approach, ideas and considerations makes her an incredibly valuable mentor, teacher and advocate for architecture. The many anecdotes collected here consistently refer to her generous and collaborative approach, and Justine Clark’s opening essay (page 78) reflects on Kerstin’s engagement beyond the office, noting that “this is also imbricated with the world of the practice … These activities help make space for the development of ideas that then reverberate between these various worlds.”
Link to purchase magazine

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Kerstin Thompson 2023 AIA Gold Medal Recipient

The Gold Medal is the Australian Institute of Architects’ highest honour. It is with great joy that we can announce this year’s recipient is Kerstin Thompson.
The Gold Medal recognises distinguished service by architects who have designed or executed buildings of high merit, producing work of great distinction that has advanced architecture or endowed the profession in a distinguished manner. The list of past recipients is a sterling selection of peers to now sit alongside.

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In her own words, Kerstin reflects;
I think of this milestone as an acknowledgment of past achievements but also a future challenge – to continue the purpose of the practice I founded – Kerstin Thompson Architects – with the design of buildings that meaningfully connect people with place and the fostering of a stimulating and supportive workplace culture. And parallel to KTA, to continue with the reward and responsibility of education through studios and talks, and beyond the academy, advocating for architecture whether through design panels, public engagement or in the research around and doing of exemplars.

The bestowing of the Gold Medal, so far overwhelmingly on individuals, gives pause to contemplate one’s role relative to that of others within a 30 year practice. As founder I have provided the thread of thought continuity along which many have gathered and have inflected.

To all who have contributed in various ways to KTA, thank you

Link to AIA website

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2023 National Biophilic Design Awards

Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge was awarded winner at the inaugural National Biophilic Design Awards, in the Community and Urban Scale category.

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“The awards recognise achievements in Australian buildings, interiors, and communities, that demonstrate the principles and benefits of biophilic design. National winners will automatically be entered into the International Living Future Institute’s Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award in 2023.”

“The Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award is administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). It acknowledges Kellert’s legacy as a pioneer in articulating and applying biophilic design principles to the built environment. His advocacy has encouraged the widespread adoption of the practice of design for human-nature connection.”

Congratulations to all the finalists

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AIA VIC Chapter Awards Shortlist

The shortlist for the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards has been announced and we are thrilled to have 3 projects shortlisted across 5 categories

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Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Public Architecture
Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Heritage Architecture
Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Melbourne Prize
Kerr Street Residences – Residential Multiple Housing
VSBA New Schools 2022 Bundle B in association with McBride Charles Ryan – Educational Architecture

Winners will be announced Friday 16 June 2023
Congratulations to all shortlisted projects and teams
Link to all shortlisted projects

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Melbourne Now Exhibition_ Broadmeadows Town Hall

We are delighted to be a part of Melbourne Now, an exhibition on Civic Architecture that will feature Broadmeadows Town Hall. The exhibition “is a survey of five award-winning civic projects by Melbourne architects and landscape artists that have been catalysts for transformation in different neighbourhoods…

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The places, buildings and objects displayed in Civic Architecture are a record of our times: they reflect the cultural identities of their locations and the types of services required to support the people residing there.”

24 March – 20 August,10am–5pm daily (free entry)
Level 3, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square
Link to event

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KTA + MPavilion

We are curating a panel discussion at the MPavilion, titled Propelling or Pathological? Heritage in Urban Design. Aldo Rossi, in The Architecture of the City, describes the urban artefact as a permanence, “a past we are still experiencing.”

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Rossi proposes permanence’s present two aspects: “they can be considered as propelling elements or as pathological ones: artefacts that enable us to understand our city in its totality, or artefacts that appear as a series of isolated elements that we can link only tenuously to an urban system.”

Join us for a discussion that focuses on our built heritage and how it can be interlinked with urban design imperatives and opportunities. Our panelists include Christine Phillips, Dan Hill & Felicity Watson — in conversation with compere extraordinaire Stuart Harrison.

6 April 5.30pm—6.30pm (free event)
Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne
Link to event

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Detail Magazine: Bundanon

March 2023 Issue of Detail magazine features article on Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge. The issue responds to the question “Where’s the Journey Headed?”

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“Many of the concepts that hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are using to steer into the future have been on the horizon for some time: more individualization, more experiential, more storytelling, and more Instagramable settings. Next-generation hotels are increasingly highlighting their location and its history, immersing guests in other worlds, sending them on a journey through space and time.”
Seven projects were selected and we are so delighted Bundanon was chosen for the cover.

Link to purchase issue

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Frame Magazine

Frame Magazine, issue 149 includes an article on Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge, key project features were explored along with commentary on the need for buildings to respond to climate disaster.

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Excerpt from article, Frame’s Take
“Buildings that can absorb the shock of earthquakes and homes built on stilts to prevent flood damage are just some of the ways architects have had to consider environmental characteristics when designing spaces. However, the climate crisis has forced design and architecture to proactively reckon with the ever-increasing occurrences of disasters like massive wildfires, extreme storms, winds and flooding.”
Link to magazine

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Vogue Living

January/February Issue of Australian Vogue Living features article on Erskine River House.
The house is designed as a series of curved niches – for sleeping, bathing, lounging, dining – they have ‘got your back’.

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The article includes a series of images taken by Sharyn Cairns and an interview with Kerstin, except below,
“We have done a house for a photographer that eludes the photo, but I keep telling her to stop trying to photograph it and just be in it,” which is tantamount to telling Picasso to down his paintbrushes on holiday. Beauty bids the constant witness.’

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Imagining the Future Museum: 21 Dialogues with Architects

On Wednesday 15th February, the Brooklyn Museum is holding a roundtable discussion to celebrate the release of András Szántó’s book ‘Imagining the Future Museum: 21 Dialogues with Architects’.

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The discussion titled ‘Architects on the Future of the Museum’ will include András Szántó with contributors; Elizabeth Diller (Diller Scofidio + Renfro, United States), Paula Zasnicoff Cardoso (Arquitetos Associados, Brazil) and Kerstin Thompson (KTA, Australia).

KTA is one of the 21 architects included in Szántó’s new book published by Hatje Cantz. It is a companion to his previous book, ‘The Future of the Museum: 28 Dialogues’ (2020).

Link to event

Photo: courtesy of the author

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Victorian Premier's Design Awards

Thanks to the jury of the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards for selecting Queen & Collins as a finalist in the architectural design category.

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‘The Awards provide an opportunity for businesses and the community to better understand the role of design in creating functional, safe and efficient, products, services and spaces.’
‘Bound by three principles, the Awards seek to:
_ Elevate the value of design and the role of professional designers.
_ Celebrate Victorian-led design.
_ Position Victoria as a design capital.’

We look forward to the announcement of category winners in March 2023.
Link to category finalists