Louise St John Kennedy facts for kids
Louise St John Kennedy (born 1950) is a talented Australian architect. She lives and works in Perth, Western Australia. Her work has taken her all over Australia and even to America.
Louise studied Psychology at the University of Western Australia. She then earned a degree in Architecture from the University of Melbourne. Today, she designs buildings, interiors, and landscapes. She still works in Claremont, Western Australia.
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Becoming an Architect
While studying at the University of Melbourne, Louise worked for architect Graeme Gunn. After graduating, she worked with John Taylor Architect and Builder. She even renovated two homes for herself as a student!
Her first paid project was designing an office for The Age cartoonist John Spooner. This was in Malvern.
Starting Her Own Practice
Louise moved back to Perth and started her own architecture business in 1981. Her first big project was building her own house in Subiaco. This house won an award from the WA RAIA. Louise was the first woman to receive this honor!
Soon after, she designed the Limestone Residence in Dalkeith. She also designed the Mount Street Gallery Workshops and Residence in Fremantle. Both of these projects also won awards.
Louise's Career Highlights
In 1984, Louise won the Robin Boyd Award. This is a very important award for architects in Australia. After this, she designed many buildings. Most of her work was for homes, restaurants, and shops.
She even designed retail stores for the famous fashion brand Giorgio Armani across Australia.
Teaching and Leadership
Louise also taught at the UWA School of Architecture. She gave the first lectures in Australia about women in architecture. She also helped start the "Women in Architecture" group in Western Australia.
She was a founding member of the Australian Architecture Association. She was also the first woman to join the Architects Board of Western Australia. This board checks if architects are doing a good job. She also helped review architecture schools at universities.
Louise helped start the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. She also worked for LandCorp, a company that develops land. She even helped them start a department for design and sustainability.
Other Ventures
Louise also founded Hay River wines in Mount Barker. This was one of the first vineyards in the southwest of Western Australia.
Awards and Achievements
Louise St John Kennedy has won many awards for her amazing designs.
- In 1984, she won the Robin Boyd Award for the Downes-Stoney residence in East Perth. She was the first woman and the first person from Western Australia to win this award!
- She also won the Bunnings Timber award in 1988.
- She received the Fremantle Award in 1983.
Her work has been featured in many books and magazines.
Notable Projects
Here are some of the important buildings Louise St John Kennedy has designed:
- Downes-Stoney residence, East Perth
- Mosman Bay Tea Rooms, Mosman Park
- Eric and Rinske Carr Gallery Residence and Workshops, Mouat Street, Fremantle
- The Dempster House, Mosman Park
- Eastwood House, Mandurah
- Pines Business Centre, Cottesloe
- Chester Road Housing Development, Claremont
- San Lorenzo Restaurant, Claremont
Images for kids
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Dempster Residence, 1985
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Mosman Bay Tearooms, 1986
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Carr Gallery and Workshops residence, 1982
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Chester Road Residences, 1987
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Downe-Stoney House, East Perth, 1983
