Russell Yelland
News / Latest News

Three cheers!

Three cheers!

In what is arguably our most successful industry awards result to date, the Russell & Yelland team celebrated three accolades at the Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter Awards in July.

R&Y, September 2024

We took out the award for Educational Architecture for the Nazareth Catholic College Kidman Park campus, while the Angelico Centre at Cabra Dominican College received both the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) Project Award and a commendation in the Educational Architecture category.

This threefold recognition reflects the degree of effort and skill our team has demonstrated during what has been a particularly busy few years designing best practice education environments. Little wonder we took the opportunity to celebrate!

L-R: Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter President, Kirstie Coultas; Associate and Project Architect, Hariklia Pontikinas; Senior Architect, Jessica Weiland; and Director, Stewart Caldwell. (Image: Daniel Marks)

1/1 L-R: Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter President, Kirstie Coultas; Associate and Project Architect, Hariklia Pontikinas; Senior Architect, Jessica Weiland; and Director, Stewart Caldwell. (Image: Daniel Marks)

Noted by the jury for efficient programming and careful spatial planning, the design team – led by Associate and 2022 EmAGN Award-winner, Hariklia Pontikinas – was also applauded for the effective use of contextual and repeated design motifs. Circular patterns drew attention for signifying embracing gathering spaces, while the curved, sandblasted, precast concrete façade was noted for having taken cues from the site’s market garden past.

1/3 Curved motifs are established in the building’s form and echoed in landscaping features on approach. (Image: Sam Noonan)

2/3 Curves continue between zones indoors, demarcating areas of activity and subtly steering wayfinding. (Image: Sam Noonan)

3/3 The central courtyard's design continues the embracing theme. (Image: Sam Noonan)

1/3

“…Circulation rings the inner courtyard, giving rise to opportunities for informal gathering and interaction between staff and students as they transition between classes.

Learning spaces are highly flexible and connect to open breakout areas for individual study. The project builds identity and pride for the College community.”

(Jury citation)

The art, design and technology-focused Angelico Centre at Cabra Dominican College was likewise commended for its distinctive features. The jury made mention of “the Wiggle,” a large structural element at the building’s entry inspired by neighbouring heritage and contemporary forms across the campus.

“The Wiggle” makes a bold statement, both as a structural and decorative element at the entry to the Angelico Centre at Cabra Dominican College. (Image: Sam Noonan)

1/1 “The Wiggle” makes a bold statement, both as a structural and decorative element at the entry to the Angelico Centre at Cabra Dominican College. (Image: Sam Noonan)

1/2 The raked ceiling and generous landing herald arrival on the first floor. (Image: Sam Noonan)

2/2 Technology spaces are well-equipped and intuitively connected, with careful planning evident in machinery layouts and workspace clearances. (Image: Sam Noonan)

1/2

The EmAGN Award citation gave credit to the collaborative dynamic between Project Architect and Associate, Rhiana Bell, and Graduate of Architecture, Georgie Jackman (nee Warren). The win was doubly sweet for Georgie, who we believe is the only member in the Network’s history to secure two EmAGN awards!

Experienced Graduate of Architecture, Georgie Warren with Associate and Project Architect, Rhiana Bell, celebrating a double win for the Angelico Centre. (Image: Daniel Marks)

1/1 Experienced Graduate of Architecture, Georgie Warren with Associate and Project Architect, Rhiana Bell, celebrating a double win for the Angelico Centre. (Image: Daniel Marks)

Director Stewart Caldwell reflected on the successes recently:

“For a practice of our size to achieve this number of accolades really confirms we have the recipe right. Knowledge sharing is in Russell & Yelland’s DNA, and it’s so satisfying to see our next generation of architects living this out – confidently leading projects but remaining open to the learnings that come with collaboration.”

Read the full jury citations or browse our project pages to learn more about our designs for the Cabra Dominican College Angelico Centre and Nazareth Catholic College Kidman Park campus.

Related News/Articles