A new master of the house

Award winning architect Alec Tzannes has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment (FBE).

Founder of the high profile Sydney architectural practice Tzannes Associates, Mr Tzannes is one of Australia's most distinguished architects. He has won numerous national and state awards, is the immediate past national President of the Australian Institute of Architects and has worked closely with industry, government and academia in a career spanning some 30 years.

"Mr Tzannes has a clear strategic vision for the future of the FBE, and a commitment to strengthening its engagement with industry and government," said Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer in announcing his appointment.

"While his major focus will be his role as Dean, Mr Tzannes will continue to be closely involved in his practice, and I believe this will be of great benefit to the Faculty.

"His continued involvement as a practitioner at the top of his profession will help ensure that the Faculty is actively involved with all facets of built environment - not only architecture, but also design, construction and planning.

"This is an exciting appointment which I'm confident will build on the strengths of the Faculty and take it in new directions," he said.

Mr Tzannes said he was delighted with his appointment.

"This is an opportunity to give back to the profession that has given me so much," he said.

"But even more importantly, it's an opportunity to be part of a Faculty that I believe can play a major role, through both its teaching and research, in meeting one of the major challenges facing society - how to design, construct and manage sustainable built environments.

"This means a focus on practical skills that can deliver immediate benefits to the community and a focus on areas of research that perhaps are not being fully explored at the moment.

"The FBE at UNSW is, in my view, the only faculty in Australia with the breadth of disciplines to really tackle this challenge."

Mr Tzannes will take up the position in early November. He replaces Professor Peter Murphy, who is retiring after five years in the role.

Professor Hilmer paid tribute to Professor Murphy for his valuable contribution to the Faculty during his time as Dean.

Media Contact: Victoria Brown | 02 9385 3263 | v.brown@unsw.edu.au