There are a number of notable architects whose work we often encounter in the course of our own. Although we already keep substantial information on record, we have decided to go further and begin a programme of special studies.

The idea of the programme is to assist the practice with its architectural design and heritage projects and to increase our familiarity with a wider range of architects and their work.

Examples of architects and practices whose work we often encounter include those working in both the private and government sectors. In the private sector, they include Grounds Romberg & Boyd, Oakley & Parkes and Bates Smart. In the government sector, Percy Everett (pictured above left), William Wardell, Peter Kerr, J.J. Clark, A.J. MacDonald and Evan Smith. At federal level, examples include John Smith Murdoch (pictured above right) and Horace Mackennal.

Many of the projects we are undertaking this year illustrate the need for in-depth information — a major survey of Austalia Post buildings; work on Robin Boyd's Farfor Flats at Portsea (see news April 2006) and Frederick Romberg's Sacred Heart School at Oakleigh; an assessment of Percy Everett's Frank Tate building at the University of Melbourne; and contributions to a new study of Canberra and its heritage as a city design.

Beginning with J.S. Murdoch and his work on early Federal Government buildings, and moving on to Percy Everett and his work as Victorian Government Architect from the 1930s to the beginning of the 1950s, we plan to build up information on their background, training, work and context.

Staff member Conrad Hamann is currently working on the programme. He and other staff members have undertaken this kind of extensive study before. Conrad's credits include studies on Roy Grounds; Frederick Romberg and Robin Boyd; George Sydney Jones; Kevin Borland; Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony; Peter Corrigan and Maggie Edmond; and Gregory Burgess.

[ photo: Percy Everett, 1952, Harold Paynting Collection, State Library of Victoria ]
[ photo: J.S. Murdoch, National Archives of Australia A1200 L61725 ]

At the meeting of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) held in Edinburgh in September, Lovell Chen Associate Director Robyn Riddett was co-opted as Secretary-General for the organisation's newly-formed Scientific Council.

The principal role of the Council is to develop and co-ordinate the ICOMOS Scientific Programme and it is comprised of delegates from ICOMOS Specialist Scientific Committees.

Robyn has been acting as assistant Convenor of the Scientific Council and is also Secretary of the International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness (ICORP).

As part of the State Government's State of Design celebration of local design diversity, Lovell Chen Director Kai Chen spoke at one of the Business of Design lunchtime seminars in October.

The State of Design programme includes design events, exhibitions, workshops, conferences and seminars. In this last category is the Business of Design series, which is designed to explore the business trials and triumphs experienced by leading designers in the state, covering a range of design fields. The idea is to promote a better understanding of design business practice.

Chen spoke about the recently completed Lovell Chen project St Kilda Pier kiosk and café (see news March 2006). The lunchtime seminar was held at the State Library of Victoria.

Robyn Riddett was also busy judging and presenting awards in recent weeks. She presented the Best Heritage Renovation Award on behalf of the City of Bayside as part of their annual Built Environment Awards.

The City of Bayside, in Melbourne, celebrates new architecture in its area with its awards programme. Robyn was invited to help judge the heritage category, where competition was fierce.

"This is a really terrific programme for Bayside where heritage conservation has been, at times, controversial. These awards really make owners and architects think about what is appropriate when balancing affluent lifestyle aspirations with heritage values", says Robyn.

Best Heritage Renovation was awarded to John Douglas Design for the Old Brighton Post Office and a special commendation awarded to Elisabeth Garratt for renovation work at 6 William Street, Brighton. Award categories included new buildings, extensions, heritage renovations and environmental sustainability.