The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges, with the deepest sadness, the passing of acclaimed architect and designer Michael Bryce AM AE KStJ FRSA LFDIA LFRAIA.
Institute National President Alice Hampson said Mr Bryce leaves a truly extraordinary legacy.
“The Institute pays tribute to Mr Bryce’s outstanding contribution to design in its many forms,” Ms Hampson said.
“More than anyone else, Michael Bryce recognised that architecture, urban design, environmental design, graphic design and industrial design are all aspects of a professional continuum devoted to design as an intellectual and aesthetic pursuit. More than anyone else, he promoted design professionals from the backroom to the boardroom, and placed them at the forefront in the culture of political and business decision-making. He was a powerful advocate for the value of design not only with clients, but also with government, business and industry.
“He was a luminary who, after a long and distinguished career, leaves behind a design and placemaking, the benefits of which will continue to be felt long into the future.
“After commencing his own architecture practice in Brisbane in 1968, Mr Bryce won multiple awards for graphic and environmental design, including the Institute’s own Civic Design Award (Qld), the House of the Year Award, and the President’s Award.
“He put Australia on the international design map, with his practice joining the worldwide Minale Tattersfield Design Strategy Group with offices in London and Paris, working for iconic global brands including Harrods, Sanpellegrino, Fendi, Valentino, the FA Premier League and the Eurostar train.
“Yet his patriotic commitment to Australian sport never diminished, as he designed logos for the Wallabies rugby union team, the Dolphins swimming team, the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, and Sydney’s 2000 Olympic bid. This culminated in his appointment as principal design adviser to the 2000 Sydney Games.
“Mr Bryce was the inaugural patron of Good Design Australia as well as serving as patron of the Australian Design Alliance (AdA). He was awarded Australia’s highest design accolade, the Australian Design Prize, in September 2020.
“As well as being an exemplary design practitioner, Michael Bryce was also a great supporter of the arts more broadly. He served as a board member and patron for a wide range of public, private and community organisations.
“The Institute was delighted to honour Mr Bryce’s contribution to the practice of architecture with a Life Fellowship.
“Mr Bryce’s distinguished contributions to the community included his service with the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve, for which he was awarded the Air Efficiency Award (AE) in 1970. He was made a Knight of Justice in the Order of St John of Jerusalem (KStJ) and, in 2006, a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). He was also awarded Honorary Doctorates by the Universities of Queensland and Canberra.
“He once said that ‘Architecture is the fulcrum of our national design identity and this highly visible art form leads the way in so many other design endeavours, from furniture design, automotive design and urban design through interior, graphic and fashion design’.
“Our profession and our nation are poorer after the loss of such a great talent and steadfast supporter.
“Our thoughts at this time are with his wife, Australia’s former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, his five children, his grandchildren, his wider family, and his extensive network of colleagues, friends and admirers.”
