I am thrilled to accept this honour on behalf of Harry and myself!
I understand that it is the first time that architects have been celebrated in this way.
This delights me as it is the architect’s creativity which is the remaining legacy of allgood development.
Harry and I have worked with many of those previously honored and I mention particularly Dick Düsseldorp, the founder of LendLease who commissioned us to build the ground breaking Australia Square development in Sydney in the early 1960’s; this pioneering development, I believe, set a standard for all subsequent developments in Australia with its own popular open plaza accessible to the public for recreation and dining.
During the following decades we completed other major developments in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and internationally, some of which are heritage listed while remaining commercially viable.
Great buildings are the result of the successful collaboration between the architect’s, developers and builders, in my experience the public responds positively to gooddevelopment.
While the financial return on investment is a core consideration of any development ultimately it is great architecture that is the legacy we leave for future generations: good design ensures enduring value for the city and its people.
Thank you again to the Property Council for bestowing this honour to Harry and myself, I know he would have been as pleased as I am now.
Penelope Seidler AM & Harry Seidler AC OBE