They built this city: iconic architectural firm racks up 140th

Brisbane’s longest-serving architecture practice WilsonArchitects - responsible for many of the city’s landmarks - has notched up an amazing 140 years in the business.

Home, formerly Lamb House at Kangaroo Point, was designed by AB Wilson. Photo: Tara Croser.

Kudos to Brisbane’s longest-serving architecture practice WilsonArchitects that has notched up an amazing 140 years in the business.

Founded by AB Wilson in 1884, the practice has played a pivotal role in the development of the subtropical architecture dotted across the river city.

Responsible for landmarks such as Home (formerly known as Lamb House), La Boite theatre-in-the-round and some of QUT’s original buildings at the Garden’s Point campus, four generations of the Wilson family can be credited with much of the city’s best design.

When architect AB Wilson’s grandson Blair married landscape architect Beth Moxon, the practice further evolved to integrate both disciplines. Today, Beth and Blair’s son Hamilton continues their legacy — alongside three directors from outside the Wilson family.

“What excites me is our ability to honour our heritage while embracing new opportunities,” Hamilton Wilson says.

Hamilton Wilson continuing the family tradition.

Wilson says as the firm grows locally and international co-directors John Thong, Michael Hartwich, and Michael Herse are continuing to innovate the design approach that not only connected people and communities but also respected the environment.

To mark the 140th anniversary, the firm has authored a new book Genius Loci (meaning ‘spirit of place’) that attempts to capture the people and projects that have shaped the firm.

Former Queensland State Government architect Michael Keniger reflects in the book on the relationship between the Wilson family, the practice and the growth of Brisbane.

”The buildings and landscape projects designed by the practice over its four generations are now almost too numerous to mention and are accepted as an ever- present part of the fabric of our city,” says Keniger.

Among the practice’s award-winning design portfolio is the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Riverbank House and the Brisbane Grammar School STEAM precinct.

In early November, the firm will launch the book at the new STEAM precinct with a gathering of architects, clients and members of the practice’s past and present design team.

Off to the dogs

A month after news of his appointment to what he says is his dream job, former Sunday Mail editor and 4BC presenter – and noted dishlicker tragic – Peter Gleeson has promised to “redefine” greyhound racing.

After 43 years in newspapers, TV and radio, Gleeson was last month named the inaugural CEO of the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club.

An $85m investment in the new organisation will merge the Brisbane and Ipswich clubs in a new base at what is called The Q – a greenfield site at Yamanto, west of Brisbane.

Peter Gleeson

“The Q will redefine greyhound racing in Australia with its modern amenities and commitment to excellence,” Gleeson says. “It will race seven days a week on three state-of-the-art tracks, offering patrons wonderful facilities.”

Gleeson – a passionate advocate and greyhound racing fan since he was a kid – says animal care and welfare will be the centrepiece of the new venture, including a 24-hour veterinary hospital.

“It’s an exciting time ... with recent wagering statistics showing the industry is the most profitable of the three (racing) codes,” Gleeson says.

Shopping gong

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast has taken home the title of Queensland Retail Property of the Year for the third time. The gong was announced art at the Property Council of Australia’s gala Queensland awards last week.

Property Council of Australia’s Queensland Executive Director Jess Caire says Queensland’s remarkable retail properties are fantastic assets to their communities.

Originally published as They built this city: iconic architectural firm racks up 140th