Liz Walsh was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Graduate Prize in Architecture at exhibition of architecture students’ work on Friday at the UTAS School of Architecture & Design in Launceston.

The award is based on academic performance, a portfolio of work and an interview. It recognises the recipient’s preparedness for entry into the architectural profession as well as their development potential.

Awarding the prize, jury panel member Neal Mackintosh from Hobart firm Jawsarchitects said that Walsh’s work “shows a proficient understanding of the complexities of the design process and an ability to articulate and communicate solutions through a variety of media.”

The jury panel, which also included Associate Professor Leigh Woolley, and Phil Dingemanse from Launceston firm Birrelli, noted that “Liz is an enthusiastic, skilled and committed designer, whose portfolio of work conveys a highly responsive aesthetic sensibility and appreciation of the built environment.”

Mackintosh told the audience of academic staff, students and parents that “With well developed technical skills, Liz exhibits an ability to conceptualise and then realise sensitive design solutions underpinned by a keen sense of how users will engage with the spaces she creates. Employing a delight in the process of making through exploration of detail and materiality, she shows an already evident ability to construct highly crafted and experiential spaces.”

Five students completing their Masters of Architecture at UTAS School of Architecture & Design were short-listed for the prize:

  • Liz Walsh (winner)
  • Ed Bourke
  • Bek Verrier
  • Jenna Rowe
  • Nikki Holdsworth

Tasmanian President of the Institute, Karen Davis said the Institute aims to influence and contribute to the development of architectural education so that the future of the profession can be secured.

“It is very important for the Institute to develop a connection with architectural students and graduates early in their careers and the Graduate Prize is one mechanism to achieve this,” she said.