Louise Cox (architect) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Professor
Virginia Louise Cox
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| Born | 1939 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Philip Cox (sep. 1988) |
| Children | 2 daughters (with Philip) |
| Practice | National President of Australian Institute of Architects (1994—1995), President of International Union of Architects (2008—2010) |
Virginia Louise Cox (born 1939) is a famous Australian architect. She has done a lot for architecture, working as an architect, leading big international groups, teaching about architecture, and helping to save old buildings.
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Early Life and Education
Louise Cox was born in 1939 in New South Wales, Australia. She grew up in Sydney's Upper North Shore. Her father worked for a department store called Gowings. Her mother raised Louise and her three siblings.
Louise studied at the University of Sydney. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1963. Later, she went back to study town planning and finished that degree in 1971.
Her Career in Architecture
After university, Louise Cox worked in London for a year. Then she came back to Australia. She worked for different architecture firms in Sydney. From 1980 to 1997, she was a director at McConnell Smith and Johnson. During this time, she helped design many important buildings in Australia and Malaysia. She was especially good at designing healthcare buildings and preserving old ones.
Leading the Way in Architecture
Louise Cox has spent over 50 years helping the architecture profession. She joined the Australian Institute of Architects as a student. From 1986 to 1996, she was very active in the Institute.
She made history by becoming the first woman president of the New South Wales Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (1988–1990). Then, from 1994 to 1995, she became the first woman to be the National President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
International Leadership
In 1992, Louise Cox was chosen to join the International Union of Architects (UIA). This is a big global group for architects. She became its president from 2008 to 2011. She was only the second president from the Asia and Oceania region in 60 years.
Her work with the UIA included creating important guidelines. These guidelines helped shape how architectural education is taught around the world. She also worked on the UN-HABITAT World Urban Campaign, which focuses on making cities better places to live.
Awards and Recognition
Louise Cox has received many awards for her amazing work.
- In 1999, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognizes people who have done great things for Australia.
- In 2011, France honored her with the Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters award. The French Minister for Culture praised her for caring about the environment and urban areas.
- In 2013, she received the National President's Prize from the Australian Institute of Architects. The jury said she gave an "enormous gift to architecture" with her passion and dedication.
- In 2014, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. This is an even higher honor. It recognized her outstanding service to architecture, her leadership in international groups, and her work in education and heritage.
Personal Life
Louise Cox married Philip Cox, who is also an architect, in 1972. They have two daughters, Charlotte and Sophie.
