It is with great respect and deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Brian Suters AM, the founder of Suters Architects and a distinguished figure in Australian architecture. Brian established Suters Architects, setting a foundation of innovation, integrity, and commitment to public architecture that continues to define our practice. His vision and leadership shaped an enduring legacy across education, civic, cultural, and community projects throughout Australia.
Known for his thoughtful modernism and collaborative spirit, Brian believed that architecture should serve the public good. He championed buildings that were responsive to place, purpose, and people.
His contributions extended beyond design – he was a mentor, a leader, and an advocate for regional architecture long before it gained widespread recognition.
“Architecture should always begin with people. It’s not about imposing form – it’s about understanding purpose, and responding with clarity, care and imagination.” Brian Suters
Being awarded the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship was a significant achievement. The scholarship supports architects, graduates, and students in pursuing international travel and research. This opportunity allowed Brian to advance and deepen his architectural knowledge.
In 2004, Brian was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to architecture and to the community, particularly in regional areas. His legacy lives on not only through the buildings he designed but through the many architects he mentored and inspired.
Brian is also recognised as a specialist in the work of renowned Australian architect Charles Menkens. He dedicated himself to researching Menkens' contributions to architecture and published numerous papers discussing his design philosophy and the impact of his buildings on the Australian landscape. Brian's insights helped elevate the appreciation of Menkens’ legacy among students and professionals alike.
A lasting legacy
Brian’s portfolio included educational institutions, community centres, civic buildings, and cultural venues – each one approached with rigour, humility, and a quiet confidence. His influence is still visible in the DNA of our practice, now part of a broader architectural legacy that values collaboration, sustainability, and social responsibility.
We are honoured to carry forward the vision he began. Brian’s memory lives on in the places he helped shape, the people he mentored, and the values he instilled.
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"A significant chapter closed for the Newcastle Architectural profession albeit his contribution and legacy lives on." David Rose | Principal Architect | Chairperson
"Brian’s connection to Newcastle and the impact he had on countless students and graduates of the community is substantial. For Brian, design was always the highest order topic in the business of architecture. A gentlemen and a scholar. RIP." Scott Chapple | Principal Architect | Executive Director
"An amazing contribution to his city and community. I feel honoured to have shared a small part of his life in architecture. He will be missed but remembered." Geoff Street
Notable projects
1. Former City Administration Centre ("The Roundhouse"), Newcastle This iconic Brutalist structure, co-designed with Romberg and Boyd, served as Newcastle's administrative heart. It has since been transformed into the Crystalbrook Kingsley Hotel, earning state heritage recognition for its architectural significance.
2. Civic Playhouse, Newcastle (2004) A modern refurbishment of a beloved cultural venue, the Civic Playhouse showcases a blend of contemporary design with community needs. The project was notably the venue where Brian was honoured as a Freeman of the City.
3. Wolfe Street Residence, Newcastle Brian's personal family home, this Bauhaus-influenced design earned the prestigious Blacket Award for Architecture in 1980, highlighting his prowess in residential architecture.
4. 27 Fenton Avenue, Bar Beach (1975) A distinctive three-level home characterised by curved forms, cathedral ceilings, and ocean views, exemplifying innovative residential design.
5. University of Western Sydney Climate Change and Energy Research Facility, Richmond (2011) A refurbishment project that integrated sustainable materials and design principles, aligning with Brian's focus on environmentally responsible architecture.
6. University of Newcastle Life Sciences (Winner, Sulman Award for Public Architecture) A facility to foster interdisciplinary research and learning, integrating natural light and flexible laboratory spaces within a cohesive academic precinct.
7. Toronto Anglican Church Blended modest modernist detailing with a serene spatial quality, reflecting the church’s community-focused and spiritual purpose.
8.Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre A cultural landmark that is a refined and accessible venue for Western Sydney, combining elegant form with functional performance spaces to celebrate community arts and foster regional talent.
10.Muswellbrook Art Gallery The original Muswellbrook Art Gallery's design is imbued with understated elegance, allowing art and community engagement to take centre stage within a regional cultural context.
Throughout his career, Brian Suters demonstrated a profound understanding of architecture's role in shaping communities. His projects will continue to inspire and serve as benchmarks for thoughtful, community-oriented design.
These two major awards serve as a testament to ARCH's unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and its significant role in advancing community-focused architecture since its foundation in 1958.
ARCH is AWF's newest network partner – Architects without Frontiers (AWF) mobilises the resources of the Australian design profession to assist communities in need through delivering built projects and practical work to overcome the causes of poverty and improving education, gender equality, health and environmental quality.
The ARCH team is the lead architect and clinical planner in the transformative expansion of Ipswich Hospital and Cairns Hospital. The two projects are included in the six hospital developments announced by the Queensland Government on 26 September. This is the largest-ever investment in hospitals in Queensland, adding 264 beds, advanced surgical theatres, and state-of-the-art emergency departments.
After the successful conclusion of our 2024 Assembly, everyone in attendance left feeling inspired about our future under our new brand, ARCH. From one team member .... "The sense of a new beginning for the firm, that everyone was invited to share, strengthened connections."
The firm's new ARCH wordmark embodies the new name and represents strength, simplicity, and grace in form and function. A universal symbol, the arch tells a visual story of connection and convergence, a conduit of ideas, a union of thought, a collection of ambitions. It embraces the practice's values of people, place, planet, and purpose and sets the stage for their future.
ARCH is proud to be a sponsor of the 2024 Brisbane Markets Annual Gala event, celebrating the people and culture of Queensland’s substantial horticulture industry, the 2nd largest primary industry in the state of Queensland.
St John the Baptist School is awarded Platinum in the Architecture & Design Collection Awards for Educational Facilities and Gold in the ArchFrame Design Awards for Educational Built.
Congratulations to our ARCH project team for Concord Oval for being announced World Design Awards Winner – Sports Design Built and ArchFrame Design Awards Gold Winner – Sports Design Built.
We are excited to announce that our USQ Springfield Expansion of F Block project has won the Global Future Design Awards – Gold Winner Educational Built and ArchFrame Design Awards – Gold Winner Educational Built.
These are Australia's newest, coolest pools, open today in Victoria’s second city! Geelong, get ready to experience a new level of community vitality, vibrancy, and excitement as the Norlane Aquatic Community Hub for the community of the City of Greater Geelong.
ARCH is fully committed to implementing our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and we are delighted to have been able to listen, develop, and share this important work with our people and wider community.
In the coming days, we are gathering all of our people from across Australia to our Assembly 2024. We will be joined by an Australian Olympic Team legend to celebrate our successes and share some significant news with our clients and colleagues.
We are playing a crucial role as the Lead PSC, architect, and clinical planner in the design of the Centre's expansion. This includes the creation of a new acute psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) and associated facilities, increasing access to care for people needing acute mental health services.
Titled "Working on Country", this event featured three local architects sharing their experiences and knowledge of practical engagement outcomes from recent projects.
Life Fellow is the highest honour class of RAIA membership. This well-deserved honour acknowledges over 30 years as a registered architect delivering a range of major projects and for his wider contribution as an industry leader.
Each year, the week between 27 May to 3 June commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively. This year, all ARCH studios are participating in activities to recognise National Reconciliation Week #NRW2024
Rebecca has over 25 years of extensive design and project management experience in the Seniors Living Sector. She deeply understands the contribution built form makes to our environment and is particularly interested in quality design for integrated seniors living and aged care facilities.
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