The Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship is for promising designers, who might ultimately practice in South Australia, to undertake an independent program of research or course of further study in Architecture or a related field, most likely overseas.
Established in 2007 following a bequest from the estate of the late modernist architectural figure, the Fellowship is for an amount up to $15,000. Applicants must be members of the Institute and graduates in architecture from the University of South Australia or University of Adelaide of up to six years standing*.
Institute National President at the time of Jack McConnell's death, Warren Kerr, said 'Jack McConnell's influence in shaping the architects and the architecture of Australia was considerable. He pioneered modern architecture in South Australia and was without doubt the first serious modernist to build modern buildings in Adelaide.'
To apply
Applications for the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship are usually advertised in October.
Past Fellowships
- 2017 Matiya Marovich Timber Futures
- 2016 Alex Kindlen - encounter: cultivating creative cities
- 2015 Dino Vrynios - Modulation
- 2014 Stephen Hooper – a [fabricate]d craft
- 2013 David Bickmore – Architourism
- 2012 Damien Chwalisz – Potentials for timber construction
- 2011 Katie Lawson – Contemporary Wine Architecture
- 2010 Esther Chew – RICE: India, Nepal, Bangladesh
- 2009 Mark Berlangieri – The worldwide shift in retail architecture
- 2008 Anthony Balsamo – Becoming the festival state
Sir James Irwin President's Medal
The Sir James Irwin President's Medal is awarded once in each President's term to a member or industry collaborative considered by the President to have made a significant contribution to architecture. It was established in 1992 through the generosity of the Irwin family in memory and in recognition of the services to architecture of Sir James Irwin.
This year's winner of the Sir James Irwin President's Medal is Douglas Alexander from Flightpath Architects.
SA Chapter President Mario Dreosti's Citation:
My own interactions with this year’s recipient of the James Irwin President’s Medal span a period of 15 years and fall under three primary themes. The first theme is a passion for affordable, accessible and high quality housing. The second is a collaborative, contemporary and effective application of heritage advice, and the third is a belief in mentoring, growing and supporting others, particularly younger members of our profession.
I recall attending a presentation on an affordable housing project when I was much younger. The way they spoke of the challenges and the passion which resolved a solution deeply affected me. So much so that I remember, somewhat embarrassingly in hindsight, approaching after the talk to say ‘your work has a lot of love in it’.
Having started his career in the 1970’s as a cadet in the PBD and worked in London, Douglas Alexander returned to Adelaide to found Flightpath Architects. Now in its 33rd year the practice has been recognised with over 30 Institute and Civic Trust Awards. Douglas and his practice have developed specialty in heritage architecture with Douglas being appointed by Goyder Council in 1987 as the first ever Council Heritage Advisor in South Australia for Goyder Council in 1987. He currently acts as heritage advisor to 9 Councils.
This is my second theme of personal interaction involving Douglas. In his role as Heritage advisor he has encouraged boldness from me as a project architect working in a heritage context and through mentoring, facilitated a better outcome for both my client and myself.
The third theme of interaction is specifically that of mentoring in all contexts. Only this year at our awards presentations I admired this mentoring where Douglas sat in the audience listening to and supporting his team in their presentations, but seeking no personal limelight.
Just as Douglas’ investment in 101 Hindley Street 18 years ago was one of the first projects to build the new west end precinct, his commitment to hiring and supporting graduates in his practice has seen him build many new careers.
Douglas embodies humility, passion, belief and commitment. His work is typified by helping others whether through his architecture, his advisory role or his mentoring. I am personally honoured to award Douglas Alexander the 2018 James Irwin Presidents Medal.
View the full list of Sir James Irwin President's Medallists
Below are our recent recipients and links to their citations.