Penny Fuller - 2012 Emerging Architect Prize

July 2012

 Jury Citation – Penny Fuller

The Emerging Architect Prize recognises exceptional potential in an individual’s contribution to practice, research or education, and involvement in the profession through leadership. Penny Fuller stands out in all these areas, amongst a very strong field of young professionals. Penny studied architecture at the University of Canberra, which included study in Paris at École d’Architecture de Paris-Val-de-Marne. Upon graduating she worked on Aurora Place, Sydney with Group GSA and Renzo Piano. Relocating to the UK in 2005, she was engaged as an Associate with renowned London architectural firm Foster + Partners. During this time Penny led prominent large scale international hotel and resort projects, requiring research and innovation to create unique and progressive developments. Penny has contributed to the dialogue examining the relevance, adaptation and progression of Australian architecture. She has given public talks at numerous forums and has curated exhibitions promoting new, young architects. Furthermore, Penny’s dedication to teaching is outstanding and she continues to teach at both the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney. She was one of the organisers of the CBD Second Life: Masters Studio at UTS in 2011. As a tutor, Penny possesses the rare ability to communicate sophisticated design ideas in a readily comprehensible manner. She also successfully fosters individual creativity whilst clearly articulating the merits of the process-based design methodology. Five years ago Penny established a design studio in collaboration with Jad Silvester where she specialises in concept development and delivery. While the studio remains a platform for research, education and design delivery, Silvester Fuller has developed and refined a proven design methodology that is rational and progressive, yet flexible. The practice’s first built work, Dapto Anglican Church Auditorium, is a hint of the positive results her fresh approach and rigorous design process will bring in the continuation of the practice. In awarding the 2012 Emerging Architect Prize to Penny Fuller, the jury recognises the opportunities for collaborative practice in conjunction with the development of ideas through teaching and discourse. With a local sensibility as well as a global perspective of our profession, Penny is a part of a new generation of architects showing the benefits of engaging, sharing and promoting each other. Penny shows great potential to continue this contribution to the profession throughout her career.