Jill Garner facts for kids

Jill Garner is a well-known Australian architect. She is a leader at her own company, Garner Davis Architects. In 2015, she also became the Victorian Government Architect. This means she helps the government with important building projects.

Jill started Garner Davis Architects in 1990 with her partner. She joined the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in 2010. She first worked as an Associate Architect. Then, in 2015, she became the main Government Architect. Jill was also one of the first people to complete the Master of Design program at RMIT University. Her company became famous early on by winning a big international design contest in 1994.

Early Life and Education

Jill Garner first became interested in architecture when she visited a friend's house. It was designed by a famous architect named Robin Boyd. She loved how the house was laid out. She also noticed the special light and space inside. The way it fit into its surroundings fascinated her.

She went to Melbourne Girls Grammar School. Later, she studied architecture at RMIT University in Melbourne. There, she met Lindsay Davis, who would become her partner. She later earned a Master of Architecture degree from RMIT University.

Designing Buildings: Her Work

Wagga Wagga Civic Centre

The Wagga Wagga Civic Centre was a big project. Jill Garner's firm won a design competition for it. They were chosen from 132 entries. Their design was one of the top five.

The building has four different sides. Each side uses different materials. This creates interesting looks. Inside, there's a special "street" area. It makes the space feel very large. The Civic Centre is a place for culture and city offices.

In 1997, a competition was held to build this $12 million centre. Jill Garner and Lindsay Davis won the job. The centre includes council rooms, offices, a library, and art galleries. It also has public service areas. The old Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and original council building stayed on the site.

You can enter the main building from different spots. The Baylis Street entrance leads to many areas. These include the council, customer service, library, and art gallery. They are all off a bright indoor walkway called the Civic Arcade. This path continues to a cafe. It ends at the National Art Glass Gallery. This gallery sits over an old riverbed. It has a quiet sculpture garden.

Wodonga TAFE Building

Garner Davis Architects also designed the Wodonga TAFE building. TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. This building has a library, art gallery, theatre, and a club for older people. It is in the city's cultural area.

The architects thought a lot about the area around the new building. It is next to a courtyard. This courtyard has entrances to other cultural buildings. The entrance to the TAFE building looks like it "peels away" from the corner. It is made of concrete, steel, and wood.

The west side of the building has long concrete walls. These walls have a special pattern. They also have wooden slats for sun protection. Large glass windows are on other parts. The pattern on the concrete shows a map of the Murray River system.

Inside the glass entry is the reception area. It has a bright green counter. There is also a bench for students to use their laptops. A cool feature is the staircase in the main hall. It is made of steel and glass. This area stays cool because of special windows and a skylight. Hot air can escape through these windows. The ground floor has four classrooms. They have modern technology. Walls can be moved to make bigger or smaller spaces. Each room has a small kitchen and storage.

The first floor has offices and a large meeting room. This room leads to an outdoor terrace. The walls here are made of wooden slats. They help to soften the light.

Building this project was a challenge. The architects had only one year to design and build it.

Sharing Knowledge: Teaching

Jill Garner has taught about architecture at universities. She taught at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. She taught about history, modern ideas, and design. She often speaks at architecture events. She has also written for books and magazines. She gives talks and serves on award juries. She is a member of the Association of Consulting Architects Australia.

Starting Her Career

After university, Jill Garner worked at several important design firms in Melbourne. She gained experience for 10 years. This led her to start Garner Davis Architects. In 2010, she was asked to join the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA). She became an Associate Architect. In 2015, she became the Victorian Government Architect.

Her Own Architectural Firm

Garner Davis Architects is based in St Kilda. Jill Garner and Lindsay Davis started it in 1990. Their firm believes that good design connects many things. These include beauty, craftsmanship, shape, space, and how people use a building.

Their projects include the Northcote Precinct Masterplan. They also designed the Mornington Peninsula Customer Service Centre and the Mornington Library in 2001. The Northcote Masterplan won an award in 2004. Jill also designed interiors for homes. These include Ivanhoe House near the Yarra River. Another is Talacko House in Metung, Victoria, finished in 1990.

Jill Garner believes that good architecture does more than solve problems. It can change how we see a place. The best buildings combine use, space, materials, and light. This makes our senses feel amazing.

Awards and Recognition

The design for the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre won an international competition in 1994. It was for new council offices, a library, art galleries, and a cafe. The centre was finished in 1998.

In 2021, Jill Garner received a special honor. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This was for her "significant service to architecture." It also recognized her work with professional groups and in education.