Premier

Leading Architect Jill Garner Appointed State Architect

27 October 2015

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has announced the appointment of Jill Garner as Victoria's Government Architect.

Ms Garner is a co-founder of Garner Davis Architects, a St Kilda based studio, and has been the Associate Victorian Government Architect since 2010.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Ms Garner has also taught design, architectural history and contemporary theory at RMIT and the University of Melbourne.

Earlier this year, Mr Wynne announced the Office of the Victorian Government Architect had been moved from the Department of Planning, to the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to give the role the status and importance it deserves across the Government.

The Office will play a key role in providing design advice on Victoria’s critical infrastructure projects, informing government decision-making on the built environment in Melbourne central city and across the state.

Mr Wynne also announced the OVGA’s Design Review Panel will be given a stronger role in the development of Melbourne, and will be responsible for providing independent advice as part of significant development assessment.

The OVGA's assessments will be made publicly available as part of the Andrews Labor Government's commitment to greater transparency in permit approvals.

The Labor Government has sought to properly reinstate the role of the State Government Architect after the OVGA was all but forgotten under the previous Liberal Government.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“Jill Garner’s wealth of experience in advocating for architectural design and innovation will drive best-practice design in Victoria’s projects, which is what the community needs for the future.”

“Elevating the role of the state architect and OVGA means we will have independent expertise across major government projects.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering major infrastructure, urban renewal and world-leading investment projects in Victoria, and we’re making sure good design is at the heart of this.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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