Jan Juc architect to feature at statewide awards

A TORQUAY-BASED architect is up for three prestigious awards next week, following the completed design of a First Nations business hub in Geelong.

Director of Dawn Architecture Tim Birnie has been shortlisted for awards in commercial architecture, regional architecture, and the Emagn Project Award at next week’s Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Architecture Awards for his work on the Murran Retail and Arts Hub on Malop Street.

Mr Birnie, who has completed over 50 projects to date in his time as an architect, said it was an honour to find out he had been shortlisted for multiple award categories with the awards night to take place at The Astor Theatre in St Kilda.

“It was a fantastic feeling to see the project acknowledged on a statewide level,” Mr Birnie said.

“Murran itself, supported by First Nations not-for-profit organisation Ngarrimili, aims to nurture and provide business opportunities to local First Nations people, so it’s amazing to be acknowledged by these awards.

“We see the venue as a destination for Geelong and of cultural significance for First Nations and non-First Nations people to visit what is on offer.”

Mr Birnie said one of the overarching themes of the project was the concept of a circular economy, representative of how Murran will operate and make its own products.

He also has a unique story getting into architecture, starting his career originally as an engineer.

Mr Birnie boasts architectural experience across residential, commercial and educational projects and to this point has been mostly unknown to the architecture industry until now.

An accomplished surfer as well, Mr Birnie said he has a deep connection and respect for nature.

“I’m forever inspired by the potential to create spaces here in the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions,” Mr Birnie said.

“I hope my work continues to become more known throughout the region and a project like this, something extremely unique, and I think it has made me a better architect as a result.

“There was a lot of putting forward of idea with the First Nations advisory board which helped the design of Murran take place.”

He also said it would be a dream come true if he were to come away with one category win.

“Any sort of recommendation or commendation just means the world to me. To be in the running for these awards against the big firms, would just be amazing.”

To contact Mr Birnie about his projects, head to dawnarchitecture.com.au.