Principal Ruth Wilson awarded Life Fellowship by Australian Institute of Architects 

The Australian Institute of Architects has awarded Architectus Principal Ruth Wilson a Life Fellowship for her significant contribution to the profession of architecture, both through her practice and through her involvement in the wider community. 

Ruth was one of six architects in Victoria to receive the prestigious honour, announced 24 November.  

An accomplished architect with 35 years of experience and a diverse portfolio of work, Ruth has led many significant projects for valued long-term clients, including the State Library Victoria Vision 2020 redevelopment (with Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects), the Bendigo TAFE Campus Revitalisation (with 6 Degrees Architects), the expansion of Melbourne Airport’s T2 International Terminal, and the Bio21 Ruth Bishop Building at the University of Melbourne, to name just a few.  

Ruth is passionate about architecture and has always demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to the profession, continually promoting and fostering a model of contemporary practice that is sustainable, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone in its orbit.   

She actively endorses architecture as a fulfilling career, establishes programs and pathways for students and graduates to enter and thrive in the profession, and empowers other women to make a positive impact through extensive mentoring and through roles in groups such as TEN Women – an initiative of 10 senior, influential women in the property and construction industry in Victoria. 

Over the course of her career, Ruth has held roles in the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC), as examiner and tribunal member of the Architects Registration Board Victoria, as a director of TEN Women and as a member of several Victorian Chapter Awards juries. She is currently appointed to the PCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in Victoria. 

At Architectus, Ruth has been a big part of shaping the practice over the last 22 years. She is a founding director of the current business and holds executive roles spanning communications, new business, ESG initiatives, sector leadership as well as working actively on projects. She was a key proponent of the ground-breaking Parental Leave Policy at Architectus and instrumental in the establishment of our first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2020 through to our Innovate RAP, which will be launched next year. 

“I’m passionate about opening young people’s eyes to the rewards of a career in architecture and setting them up for success throughout their education and early professional years,” said Ruth, who is also acting leader of the Education and Research sector at Architectus.  

“Just as importantly, I want to help build the strong foundations our profession needs to adapt and thrive, whatever challenges we face.” 

Architectus CEO Ray Brown said: “Ruth always leads by example, whether she’s shaping our policies and culture within the practice or contributing to valuable initiatives beyond it. I’m delighted to see her recognised for the positive impact she makes in so many ways.”