Two of Australia’s most influential architects, Ian McDougall and Howard Raggatt, have been awarded honorary doctorates by RMIT University in recognition of their award-winning work which has redefined contemporary architecture.
The pair were celebrated for their bold experimentation and tireless advocacy for architectural discourse.
The honour comes as RMIT marks the 30th anniversary of the redevelopment of Storey Hall, the very building where the ceremony was held and one of McDougall and Raggatt’s most famous designs.
As founding directors of the acclaimed practice ARM Architecture, alongside the late Steve Ashton, the duo has been responsible for some of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. Their portfolio includes the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, the “Green Brain” at RMIT, the Perth Arena, and the transformative rebirth of the Sydney Opera House.
Professor Vivian Mitsogianni, Dean of RMIT’s School of Architecture and Urban Design, praised the pair for their sheer bravery and commitment to mentoring the next generation.
“Their groundbreaking design experimentation, support of cultural production and discourse in Australia, significant body of adventurous and highly awarded buildings and commitment to education and mentoring of the next generation of architects is fittingly acknowledged through this award,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Raggatt defined architecture as a team effort, and encouraged the current cohort of graduates to strive for greatness in their careers.
McDougall reflected on his 45-year partnership with Raggatt and Ashton, noting that ARM was established on the belief that architecture could embody and express civic meaning and cultural intent.
“I realised that architecture could symbolise a civil society. The architect was narrator, theorist and craftsman, and ARM was established on this basis,” he said.
“We were dedicated to always learning, always striving to capture the ideas and stories in built form.”