1995 – 2005
With the abolition of the state’s hospital boards following the change in government in December 1989, there was much more competition for hospital work from the larger firms outside Queensland. As well, in the years immediately before the move to Elizabeth Street, several key Directors retired as they reached sixty-five years of age. All were very conscious of the diminished workload.
Brian Wilson Chancellery 1995
Of the tertiary buildings, the Chancellery at the University of Queensland was the most prestigious and was clad in zinc sheeting. Other projects at UQ included a design for General Purpose North, for which Conrad Gargett explored innovative planning principles used in their later education buildings.
Tech Transfer Building (Block T) 2000
During this era educational work, particularly at tertiary level, was a growing sector. Projects were completed at the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, The Australian Catholic University and at Griffith University on three campuses.
RAAF Townsville Combined Mess 2003
A change in direction to pursue Defence work proved valuable once the practice had obtained the necessary prerequisites and security clearances. These projects were significant in scale and functionally complex.
Student Learning Support Centre (SLSC) 2005
The SLSC was the result of close collaboration with the pro vice chancellor for teaching and learning and the director of facilities management. The building included support facilities for students and staff and an IT centre, as well as a 408-seat theatre purpose built for digital filmy study, an amphitheatre and a central forecourt as the focus for a twenty-four hour learning environment.
The SLSC was awarded an AIA regional commendation in 2008.
Francis Rush Centre 2005
Lawrence Toaldo (Current Managing Director), after winning an invited competition, designed the Francis Rush Centre at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in 2002 with completion in 2005. The Rush Centre was to supplement the cathedral and provide adjacent but separate administration space, function facilities and linking loggia shade structure.
The Francis Rush Centre was awarded an RAIA regional commendation.