Maggie Edmond facts for kids

Margaret Leonie Edmond, born on June 11, 1946, is a famous Australian architect. She has designed many important buildings. She is known for her creative and unique architectural style.

Becoming an Architect: Maggie Edmond's Journey

As a child, Maggie Edmond lived in special houses. These homes were designed by well-known Australian architects. For example, she lived in the Bridgeford House in Black Rock. This house was designed by Robin Boyd in 1953. She also lived in the Quamby apartments in South Yarra, designed by Roy Grounds.

Maggie noticed early on that her homes were different. They stood out from the houses where her friends lived. This early experience helped her become interested in architecture.

Studying Architecture

Maggie Edmond studied architecture at the University of Melbourne. She completed her Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1969.

Maggie Edmond's Career in Architecture

In 1974, Maggie Edmond started an architecture firm. She partnered with her husband, Peter Corrigan. Their firm was called Edmond and Corrigan and was based in Melbourne. Maggie is still a main leader of the firm today. She helps manage their projects and presents their work.

A famous architect named Neil Clerehan once said that Maggie Edmond was "probably the nation's foremost female architect." This shows how important her work is.

Early Projects

Maggie Edmond worked on some of the first projects for Edmond and Corrigan by herself. These included the Edinburgh Gardens Pavilion, designed in 1977. She also designed the Patford House in Fitzroy in 1975.

Work at Deakin University

Maggie Edmond has also contributed to education. She joined the Deakin University Council in 1999. From 2004 to 2007, she served as the Deputy Chancellor. She also leads Deakin University's Campus Planning Committee.

Judging Architecture Awards

In 2014, Maggie Edmond was a judge for the Houses Awards. This is an annual program that celebrates Australia's best home designs.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Maggie Edmond has received many important awards for her work.

Australian National Honours

In 2024, Maggie Edmond was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This is a high honour given for "significant service to architecture, to tertiary education, and to professional organisations."

University Honours

On March 21, 2015, the University of Melbourne gave Maggie Edmond an honorary Doctor of Architecture degree. This is a special award that recognizes her great achievements.

Architecture Awards

• In 2001, she became a Life Fellow of the RAIA. This is a very respected title.
• In 2023, an award was named after her: the Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award. She won the very first award in 2003 for her design of the Chapel of St Joseph in 1978.
• Also in 2023, Maggie Edmond received the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards in Australian architecture. Her partner, Peter Corrigan, had received the same award 20 years earlier. Maggie described getting the award as 'restorative', meaning it helped correct an earlier oversight.

Twenty years later, the Institute asked the 2023 Gold Medal Jury to consider whether there had been an oversight in acknowledging only one member of the duo whose longstanding collaboration was responsible for the practice of Edmond and Corrigan. The jury was undivided in its conclusion that the work celebrated in the 2003 Gold Medal was that of the partnership.

Maggie Edmond's Family Life

Maggie Edmond is the daughter of Linda Suchestow. Linda was a fashion designer in Melbourne.