Eli Giannini facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eli Giannini, AM
Born	1956 Rome, Italy
Nationality	Australian
Alma mater	RMIT University
Occupation	Architect
Awards	RAIA Life Fellow (2008)
Practice	MGS Architects
Buildings	Bendigo Library (2013) McIntyre Drive Apartments (2012) Kyme Place Rooming House (2012) TAC headquarters (2009) Woodstock Rooming House Balaclava (2007) New Quay restaurant (2003)

Eli Giannini (born in 1956 in Rome, Italy) is a famous Australian architect. She is a director at MGS Architects, a design company in Melbourne.

Eli studied architecture at RMIT University in Melbourne, finishing her first degree in 1983. Later, she earned a Master's degree in Urban Design in 1993. In 1989, she joined MGS Architects, working with Robert McGauran and Mun Soon. From 2002 to 2004, she was the President of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Eli's Early Life

Eli Giannini was born in Rome, Italy, in 1956. When she was 15, her family moved to Australia, settling in Melbourne. Eli feels lucky to have lived in two different cities, learning a lot from both.

No one else in her family was an architect. However, she thinks that going to many art galleries with her mother and grandparents might have inspired her. For Eli, her personal life and work often mix.

Her architecture company, MGS Architects, was started in 1985 with her brother-in-law, Rob McGauran. Eli also works with her husband, so architecture is a family activity for them. Becoming a mother changed her view on many things, which also influenced her work. She strongly supports women in architecture. Eli hopes to see "powerful women in leadership positions" in the future.

Learning and Working

In Rome, Eli learned how art and design can make life better. She felt the education system in Rome allowed her to learn more deeply about her chosen field at a younger age. After moving to Australia, she started studying art and architecture. She finished her architecture degree at RMIT University in 1983.

In 1993, after working for 10 years, Eli decided to do more research. She enrolled in a Master's program in Urban Design. Her master's paper was called 'Metro-scape'.

Eli has worked with well-known artists like Neil Taylor and Matthew Johnson. She also worked with Sue Buchanan, who studied both architecture and fine arts. Together, they created sculptures that won many awards.

Eli has been part of many professional groups. From 2000 to 2002, she was a member of the University Council at RMIT University. She was also a Director of RMIT training. During this time, she chaired the Program Advisory Committee for the RMIT School of Architecture and Design. From 2002 to 2004, she led several committees. This included being the President of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Today, she is part of the Australian Institute of Architects' National Gender Equity Committee. She also serves on the 'Room to Create' Committee for the City of Yarra. In 2023, Eli Giannini was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award. This was for her important contributions to architecture and the arts.

Who Inspired Eli?

When Eli studied at RMIT University, Peter Corrigan was one of her teachers. He inspired many architects, including Eli Giannini. After she graduated, Eli worked at Williams Boag architects. There, she received valuable training and guidance.

She gained a lot of experience from companies like Williams Boag architects, Peter McIntyre, and Spowers. She also learned a lot by reading books and magazines, and by traveling to places she researched.

Amazing Buildings Eli Designed

Eli Giannini has designed many important buildings. Here are some of her notable projects:

New Quay Restaurant (2003)

• This project won the Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture.

Woodstock Rooming House Balaclava (2007)

• This building won the RAIA Award for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing (VIC).
• Woodstock Rooming House provides homes for people who need a safe place to live.
• It was built over a public car park.
• The design helps it fit in with the neighborhood.
• The building connects to the nearby residential street.
• The taller part of the building looks like a brick warehouse, matching the area.

TAC Headquarters (2009)

• This building won the Australian Institute of Architects Award for Commercial Architecture (VIC).
• The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) headquarters in Geelong was designed to be good for society, the environment, and the economy.
• It also respected the history of the old 'Bow Truss' Wool Store building.

Kyme Place Rooming House (2012)

• This project in Port Melbourne won the Victorian Institute of Architects' award for multi-residential housing.
• Kyme Place Rooming House offers affordable homes for people in need.
• It was built above a council car park.
• People sometimes call it "the tree house."
• It's a great example of social housing.
• It feels like a small village with its colorful bricks, bay windows, and cloud-shaped timber screens.

McIntyre Drive Apartments (2012)

• This project won the 2013 Australian Institute of Architects' National Architecture Awards for Multiple Housing – Frederick Romberg Award.
• McIntyre Drive Social Housing has 69 apartments.
• It was designed to fit in with the neighborhood.
• It provides independent living for people with disabilities.
• The design also encourages people to interact in shared spaces and gardens.
• The architects thought carefully about how people would live there.
• This project is a wonderful example of social housing, creating happy homes for many residents.

Bendigo Library (2013)

• This project won the 2014 Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Architecture Award – Public Architecture (Alterations and Additions) Commendation (State Prizes) Regional Prize.
• The Bendigo Library was updated to be a community space for everyone.
• It is easy to access and fun for all people to use.
• The building's design helps users find their way around.
• The spaces flow smoothly, connected by an indoor "street."
• Views open up to different areas, inviting people to explore and join in activities.