Acclaimed architect and designer, Michael Bryce AM AE KStJ FRSA LFDIA LFRAIA, husband of former Australian Governor General Quentin Bryce, died on Saturday 16 January, aged 82, after a long illness.
The Australian Institute of Architects offered its deepest condolences at the passing of Mr Bryce.
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 including graphic, urban and environmental,” Ms Hampson said.
“Michael Bryce was a luminary who, after a long and distinguished career, leaves behind a design and placemaking legacy whose benefits will continue to be felt long into the future.
“After commencing his own architecture practice in Brisbane in 1968, Mr Bryce went on win multiple awards for graphic and environmental design, including our own Civic Design Award (QLD), the House of the Year Award and the President’s Award.
“The Institute was delighted to honour Mr Bryce’s contribution to the practice of architecture with a Life Fellowship.
“The many highlights of Mr Bryce’s illustrious career include being appointed principal design adviser to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and designing the Olympic bid logo.
“As well as being an exemplary design practitioner, Michael Bryce was also a great supporter of the arts more broadly serving as a board member and patron for a broad range of public, private and community organisations.
“Mr Bryce was the inaugural patron of Good Design Australia as well as serving as patron of the Australian Design Alliance.
“Mr Bryce’s distinguished service to the community included his time in the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve for which he was awarded the Air Efficiency Award (AE) in 1970.
“Mr Bryce was also 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 awarded Honorary Doctorates by the Universities of Queensland and Canberra.
“Importantly, Mr Bryce was a powerful advocate for the value of design not only with his clients, but with government, business and industry.
“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 are with his wife, Australia’s former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, his children, grandchildren and wider family at this time.”
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