Information about the Architects

Stephen Ashton




Biography:

Stephen Ashton has been a director of ARM since its inception in 1988, and a director of the predecessor firm A&R since 1984. Stephen was President of the Victorian Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects from 1990 to 1992, and a Chapter Councillor from 1986. He was also Chairman of the Building Professions Committee and examiner of the Architects Registration Board of Victoria. He was made a Life Fellow of the AIA in 1998.

He brings to the firm extensive experience in high-level project management, including non-traditional techniques such as Project Alliancing. He is also interested in the effect of building types on the performance and management of organisations. His business administration training is of great benefit in these areas of expertise.

Stephen’s thorough and practical approach has proven itself on projects for which he has been Project Director, including RMIT Storey Hall, National Museum Of Australia, 1010 LaTrobe Street & The Innovation Building at Digital Harbour and the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre. The projects he is currently working on include the Perth Arena, Carlton Brewery Development and the redevelopment of the Victorian Arts Centre.

Ian Mcdougall


Biography:

Ian McDougall has been a director of ARM since its inception in 1988. He was registered in Victoria as an architect in 1980 and was made a Life Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in 2004. His design work has had recognition in the professional arena for individual projects and as an urban designer. Ian was also awarded the Federation Medal in 2000.

Ian began his studies at the University of Adelaide, completing his architecture degree in 1979 at the RMIT University and completed his Master of Architecture at RMIT in 1993. In 1992 he was made an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at RMIT, and has taught in the undergraduate and masters course at RMIT, as well as visiting teaching positions of University of Western Australia and The University of Sydney. Ian served as the President of the Victorian Chapter of the RAIA and was National Treasurer from 2000-2002. In 2003 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for his contribution to Australian Architecture. He was elected as a National Councillor of the RAIA in 2006 and as Treasurer in 2007. He is Professor of Architecture & Urban Design at the University of Adelaide.

He was Project Director of the masterplanning of Melbourne Docklands from 1996 for the Melbourne Docklands Authority, the masterplanning of Yarra Edge, Victoria Harbour, and the review of New Quay. He was Design Director for the Albury Library/Museum, One East Melbourne residential tower project and St Kilda Triangle. He was Director in charge of the Shrine of Remembrance and Melbourne Recital Centre/MTC Theatre.

Ian is currently Director in Charge of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment

Howard Raggat

Biography:

Howard Raggatt is an architect with a reputation for innovation in design practice and theory. After graduation he became a founding member of the Half Time Club, giving the inaugural talk in 1979. In 1982 he was awarded the RAIA President’s Award to Young Architects. He has played a lead role in many of ARM’s design awards including the Victorian Architecture Medal for RMIT Storey Hall, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre. 

His work has been widely published and exhibited and became an important example in Charles Jencks’ book, The Architecture of the Jumping Universe. His thesis for a critical Australian Architecture (Fin de Siecle? 1992) developed operations for the copy, translation and the blur, and included the CD Not Songs. 

Howard’s most distinctive work includes the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. This museum was opened in March 2001, and was awarded the international Blueprint Award, for Best New Public Building.

Howard led the design for the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre which includes a 1000-seat recital hall and the new 500 seat performing arts theatre, which is the new home to the Melbourne Theatre Company. Currently, Howard is Design Director of the Perth Waterfront development, the $350M multipurpose indoor stadium, Perth Arena and the redevelopment of the Victorian Arts Centre.




Other Projects of ARM Architects

National Museum of Australia

Melbourne Central

Marion Cultural Center