Emeritus Professor Alec Tzannes

Emeritus Professor Alec Tzannes

Emeritus Professor

BSc (Arch), BArch (Sydney), Masters of Science in Architecture & Urban Design (Columbia), Hon. AIA, Hon. MRAIC, Hon. FNZIA, FAIB, LFRAIA Architect 4174

Arts, Design & Architecture
School of Built Environment

Alec Tzannes became Dean of UNSW Built Environment in 2008, and is a Professor of Design Practice (Built Environment). Alec Tzannes is the founding Director of TZANNES, an Architecture and Urban Design practice. He has served as Dean of UNSW Built Environment and is now an Emeritus Professor. TZANNES is recognised by more than 100 local, state, national and international awards in architecture, urban design and industrial design.

In 2014 Alec was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to architecture, as a practitioner and educator and through professional organisations.

In 2017 UNSW honoured Alec’s achievements with the degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa.

In 2018 he was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal. The Gold Medal recognises distinguished service by architects who have designed or executed buildings of high merit, produced work of great distinction resulting in the advancement of architecture or endowed the profession of architecture in a distinguished manner.

He is a graduate of the University of Sydney, where he completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Architecture (winning the University Medal), and has a Master of Science (Architecture and Urban Design) from Columbia University.

In 2003, he was a Visiting Professorial Fellow at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and has taught in architecture design studios at the University of Sydney from 1979 to 1983.

Fields of research: Urban Design, Density, Housing and Architectural Practice

  • Book Chapters | 2014
    Tzannes A, 2014, 'Designing Urban Infrastructure', in Gardner N; Haeusler H; Mahar B (ed.), Interchanging - Future designs for responsive transport environments, edn. 1, Spurbuch, Baunach, Germany, pp. 111 - 116, http://www.spurbuch.de/en/product-reader-aadr/product/interchanging.html
    Book Chapters | 2008
    Tzannes A, 2008, 'Alec Tzannes - Redesigning controls for sustainable cites', in Garlick B; Jones D; Luscombe G (ed.), Beyond Beige: Improving architecture for older people and people with disabilities, edn. Original, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Canberra, pp. 180 - 187
  • Designs / Architecture | 2012
    Tzannes A, 2012, Cranbrook Junior School, Publication: AIA NSW Chapter, AIA NSW Chapter, publication category: Designs / Architecture, http://aia/, http://aia/
    Reports | 2011
    Marshall NG; Tzannes A; Zamberlan L, 2011, Curriculum Structure Discussion Paper., Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, NSW
    Reports | 2011
    Marshall NG; Tzannes A; Zamberlan L, 2011, Program Directions 2011-2015 and Appendices, Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, NSW
    Designs / Architecture | 2009
    Tzannes A, 2009, Macquarie Street Apartment, Publication: AIA NSW Chapter, AIA NSW Chapter, publication category: Designs / Architecture, http://aia/, http://aia/
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2009
    Tzannes A, 2009, In Praise of Process - An exhibition showcasing work by alumni of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney, In Praise of Process - An exhibition showcasing work by alumni of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney
    Designs / Architecture | 2007
    Tzannes A, 2007, Parsley Bay (Shein) Residence, Publication: AIA NSW Chapter, AIA NSW Chapter, publication category: Designs / Architecture, http://aia/, http://aia/

Awards and Achievements
 
Tzannes has been honoured with more than 100 national, state and local awards, including being twice awarded with Australia's highest accolade for new residential work, the Robin Boyd Award, presented by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for:
 
  • Henwood House (1988), Paddington, New South Wales
  • Snelling House (1997), Northbridge, New South Wales
 
Selected awards include:
  • 2020    AIA (NSW), Award for Commercial Architecture, Dangrove Art Facility
  • 2020    Good Design Award, Architectural Design -  Interior Architecture, Daramu House Art Wall
  • 2019    IDEA Awards, Dangrove Art Facility, Public Space, Winner
  • 2019    AIA (NSW), Sir Arthur G. Stephensen Award for Commercial Architecture, Dangrove Art Facility, Sydney
  • 2019    Property Council of Australia’s Rider Levett Bucknall NSW Development of the Year, Commercial Architecture, International House Sydney
  • 2019    The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, The International Architecture Award, Museum & Cultural Buildings, Dangrove Art                  Facility Sydney
  • 2019    AIA (NSW), Award for Interior Architecture, Dangrove Art Facility, Sydney
  • 2019    Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Category Winner, District/Masterplan Scale, Central Park Sydney
  • 2018    World Architecture Festival, Best Use of Certified Timber, Commercial Architecture, International House Sydney
  • 2018    AIA National Award for Commercial Architecture, International House Sydney
  • 2018    AIA (NSW), Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture, International House Sydney
  • 2018    Urban Task Force, Excellence Award for Sustainable Development, Commercial Architecture, International House Sydney 
  • 2018    Urban Development Sydney, Excellence in Commercial Development, International House Sydney
  • 2018    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, Australian Timber Design, International House Sydney
  • 2018    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, Public or Commercial Building, International House Sydney
  • 2018    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, Sustainability, International House Sydney
  • 2018    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, People’s Choice, International House Sydney
  • 2017    AIA (National) The David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture, Central Park Sydney
  • 2017    AIA (NSW), The Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design, Central Park Sydney by Tzannes and Cox Richardson and Foster + Partners 
  • 2017    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design (Timber Design), International House Sydney
  • 2017    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design (Public or Commercial Building), International House Sydney
  • 2017    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, (Sustainability), International House Sydney
  • 2017    Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, (People’s Choice), International House Sydney
  • 2017    The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the Europen Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, The International Architecture Award, International House Sydney
  • 2017    AIA (NSW) Award for Sustainaable Architecture, Central Park Sydney by Tzannes and Cox Richardson and Foster + Partners
  • 2016    Red Dot Design Award: Urban Design, City of Sydney Street Furniture
  • 2016    Red Dot Design Award: Product Design, City of Sydney Street Furniture
  • 2016    Good Design Award, Urban Design & Public Spaces, City of Sydney Street Furniture
  • 2016    Good Design Award, Furniture & Lighting, City of Sydney Street Furniture
  • 2016    The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the Europen Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, The International Architecture Award, The Brewery Yard Central Park
  • 2016    UNESCO Award, New Design In Heritage Contexts, Cultural Heritage Conservation, Irving Street Brewery
  • 2015    AIA (National) The Lachlan Macquarie Award, Heritage Architecture (Creative Adaptation), Irving Street Brewery
  • 2015    AIA (NSW) Heritage Architecture - Creative Adaptation, Irving Street Brewery 
  • 2014    AIA (NSW) Public Architecture Award, Cranbrook Junior School
  • 2014    AIA (NSW) Commendation, Sustainable Architecture, Yatte Yattah Residence
  • 2012    AIA (NSW) Award, Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Stonecutters and Knox On Bowman, Jacksons Landing
  • 2011    Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Award Joint Winner, Category B1 Conservation Area: Alterations and Additions, Queen Street Residence
  • 2011    Woollahra Heritage Awards 2011, Joint Winner in Category B1 (Conservation areas – Alterations and Additions), Queen Street Residence Woollahra
  • 2011    Woollahra Heritage Awards, People’s Choice Award, Paddington Corner Terrace
  • 2011    AIA (NSW) Award, Public Architecture, Hillingdon Ascham School
  • 2011    AIA (NSW) Commendation, Commercial Architecture, Sydney Harbour YHA
  • 2011    AIA (NSW) Commendation, Residential Architecture - Houses,  Queen Street Residence
  • 2011    AIA (NSW) Commendation, Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing, The Royal Apartments 
  • 2010    RAIA (NSW) Wilkinson Award for Outstanding Residential, Architecture Single Housing - Bilgola Residence
  • 2009    RAIA (NSW) Commendation, Commercial Architecture, Woollahra Hotel
  • 2009    RAIA (NSW) Award, Residential Architecture - New Houses, Parsley Bay Residence
  • 2009    RAIA (NSW) Award, Interior Architecture, Macquarie Street Apartment
  • 2007    RAIA (NSW) Commendation, Commercial Architecture, Moncur Street
  • 2007    RAIA (NSW) Commendation, Public Architecture, Isabel Hall Wing
  • 2007    RAIA (NSW) Commendation, Sustainable Architecture, Isabel Hall Wing
  • 2006    Conservation Award, Woollahra Municipal Council, Sherman Studio
  • 2006    RAIA National Commendation, Heritage, Sherman Studio
  • 2006    RAIA (NSW) Award, Conservation and Adaptive Reuse, Sherman Studio
  • 2006    Architectural Domestic & Studio Award, Australian Steel Institute, Sherman Studio
  • 2005    RAIA (NSW) Award, The York and North Wing Apartments, Newcastle
  • 2005    RAIA (NSW) Award, Wiesener Residence 
  • 2003    Australian Timber Design Award – Recognising Excellence in Timber Design Landscape & Exterior Structures, Federation Drive
  • 2003    RAIA (NSW) Commendation, Public Building,    St Catherine’s Sports Centre, Waverley
  • 2002    ANZ International Lighting Awards, Award of Commendation, Anzac Parade Street Lighting, Canberra
  • 2001    RAIA National Commendation, Heritage Buildings, Fort Denison
  • 2001    RAIA (NSW) Award (Conservation), Fort Denison 
  • 2001    Excellence in Engineering and innovation in Engineering, The Institute of Engineers Anzac Parade Street Lighting, Canberra
  • 2001    National Trust Heritage Awards, Fort Denison, Café and Interactive Area
  • 2000    RAIA (NSW) Commercial Building Award, 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
  • 2000    National Interior Design Award from the Timber, Development Association, Aria Restaurant
  • 1998    RAIA The Blackett Award Kronenberg House