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A Western Australian architect who has taught at The University of Western Australia for the past 20 years has been appointed to lead the University's Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts as its Dean.

UWA's Winthrop Professor Simon Anderson has won awards and citations for excellence in teaching; has numerous successes in building and design competitions; exhibited internationally; and authored several significant publications.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said Professor Anderson would bring both a practitioner's and teacher's perspective to the role.

"His excellence in teaching has been recognised, as has his innovation and creativity in architecture and design," Professor Robson said. "I look forward to Professor Anderson's leadership of the faculty as it contributes to achieving international excellence - a hallmark of this University."

The appointment follows the completion of the term of Dr Clarissa Ball who has held the position of Dean since 2005.

"I would like to commend Dr Ball for her dedication and leadership over the past four years, and for the passion with which she has led the faculty," Professor Robson said.

Professor Anderson has been an elected councillor of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) for a decade.

The awards and prizes he has won for teaching and design include an architectural prize for an eco-resort at Ningaloo; the President's Award from the Australian Institute of Architects (WA) for his outstanding contribution and support to architecture; and the 2007 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Sisalation Prize.

His work has been exhibited at the 10th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia 2006 and at the 11th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice in September 2008.

In January 2008, he was Artist in Residence at the Arthur & Yvonne Boyd Centre for Australian Art.

Also in 2008 he edited, with now Victorian Government Architect, Professor Geoffrey London, the volume Housing Australia: How architects can make a difference published by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Professor Anderson is currently the faculty's Deputy Dean, Associate Dean (Research) and Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator.  He is also Deputy Chair of the University's Academic Board.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716