Robin Boyd CBE (1919-1971) was a renowned Victorian architect, author, critic, and public educator in the 50s and 60s, a leader in Melbourne’s Modern Architecture movement, a visionary in urban design and outspoken on the ‘Australian Identity’.

He was a member of the talented Boyd family which, among others, included the novelist Martin Boyd and the painter Arthur Boyd.

Robin Boyd was not only a great architect who was passionate about good design and whose influence extended internationally – but he also ardently shared his ideas with the wider public, not just within the design community. Above all Boyd was committed to an educated nation, to the establishment of innovative ideas as a way of living in an informed Australia.

Boyd is arguably the most influential architect there has been in Australia. Through his writings Boyd inspired the general community and through his architecture he has become an acknowledged leader in the design and architectural professions.

Boyd’s influence is far reaching. He promoted the benefits of design in the built environment; a sensitive rapport between the built and natural environments; design to reflect contemporary lifestyles, and the development of a strong sense of Australian Identity…issues that are as relevant today as they were in Boyd’s day.

Acting as the cultural conscience of the nation, Boyd encouraged people to extend their thinking and expectations beyond ‘the known’ and ‘the given’. He urged people to reassess and innovate and, most importantly, he led by example.

Robin Boyd was a public educator. He was passionate about good design and devoted his life to creating a wider public understanding of its benefits.