Richard Johnson (architect)

Richard Anthony Johnson AO MBE B.Arch. (Hons) M. Phil (London) F.RAIA, MDIA, AJIA (born 1946) is an Australian architect best known as the creator of some of the Australian most important and iconic cultural buildings and spaces.

Johnson was born in Sydney. He has a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons 1), University of New South Wales (1969) and a Master of Philosophy (Town Planning) from University College London. He has held several academic positions including:.

• Adjunct Professor of Architecture, University of NSW since 1999 - 2008
• Professor of Practice/Architectural Studies, University of NSW 2008-
• Life Fellow, Royal Australian Institute of Architects since 2011
• Fellow, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, 2005
• Associate, Design Institute of Australia
• Associate, Japan Institute of Architects
• Registered Architect in the State of New South Wales

• 1969 - 1985 Principal Architect, Department of Housing and Construction
• 1985 - 2000 Director, Denton Corker Marshall Pty Ltd

In 2001, the Sydney-based Directors of DCM, Richard Johnson, Adrian Pilton and Jeff Walker de-merged the Sydney office from the group and renamed the office Johnson Pilton Walker Pty Ltd - a multi-design disciplinary firm which is currently working on a wide range of projects in Australia, China and New Zealand. Kiong Lee, Paul van Ratingen and Graeme Dix joined the practice as Directors.

• 2000 – present Director, Johnson Pilton Walker Pty Ltd.

Museum of Sydney, 1995

National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

Some of Johnson's major projects have included:.

• Australian Pavilion - Expo '74 in Spokane (USA)

- as assistant to James Maccormick.

• Australian Pavilion - Expo '75 in Okinawa (Japan)
• Australian Pavilion - Expo '85 in Tsukuba (Japan)
• Australia Post Pavilion and Exhibits at Expo 88 (Brisbane)
• Queensland News Pavilion and Exhibits - Expo 88 (Brisbane)
• Spanish Pavilion and Exhibits - Expo 88 (Brisbane)
• Australian Embassy in Beijing,
• masterplan of the Australian Embassy in Tokyo
• Art Gallery of NSW - New Asian Gallery
• Sydney Opera House masterplan and refurbishments (with Jørn Utzon)
• Museum of Sydney, 1995
• First Government House Place, Sydney
• Australian Museum - New Zoology Building
• Australian National Maritime Museum - Masterplan
• National Portrait Gallery in Canberra
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart - Masterplan
• National Gallery of Victoria - Redevelopment Masterplan and Feasibility Study

Johnson was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1976 for Public Service in the field of architecture and in 2012 was appointed Life Governor of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

In 2014 Johnson was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) "for distinguished service to architecture, particularly the design of iconic Australian public buildings, to the visual arts and the museum and galleries sector, and to professional associations."

RAIA Gold Medal

Richard Johnson was awarded the RAIA Gold Medal by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects on 13 March 2008. The RAIA National President Alec Tzannes said the medal recognised Johnson’s "executed work of exceptional merit, and his outstanding contribution to the development of the profession in Australia".