A special celebration of Maggie Edmond being retrospectively awarded the 2003 Gold Medal with Peter Corrigan.

Vanessa Bird introduced the Australian Institute of Architects process for the correction to the 2003 Gold Medal, then interviewed Maggie. We heard about Maggie's Viennese father and fashion designer mother Linda Suchestow who has 364 pieces in the NGV collection. Growing up at Quamby (Roy Grounds) then Bridgeford House (Robin Boyd) and around Flinders lane where her parents' business was located. We heard about student years and making a dress from Sisalation, the early years of Edmond and Corrigan, and how the practice was formed, her appointment as head of Public Works and Maggie's extensive and generous work on Boards, including her first appointment by Evan Walker to the Zoological Board which quickly resulted in the Butterfly House commission. Thanks to Brickworks for hosting. Photo: Ceridwen Foran

At the 2023 AIA National Awards Maggie Edmond was retrospectively awarded the AIA  2003 Gold Medal with Peter Corrigan.  

Vanessa Bird has written an article for Parlour outlining the efforts made by the Australian Institute of Architects to recognise Maggie, and how that change has come about. Read that article here.

The article was republished by ArchitectureAU and can be read here. 

Photo: John Gollings

Vanessa Bird has been re-appointed to the Melbourne Design Review Panel for a second term. Lord Mayor Sally Capp says “Over the past two years, the panel has made a significant impact on $500 million worth of projects – shaping and refining high quality, innovative design that celebrates heritage and contemporary living.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece added “Melbourne has a distinct design identity that is highly valued and must be preserved. The panel has really proven its value by ensuring major projects use materials and concepts that represent our city and tell a story about Melbourne.” Vanessa welcomes ten new members to the Panel. Read more here