The Masters Project: Richard Leplastrier

Australian architecture is renowned for its exceptional quality and deep connection to the country’s unique landscape. But what does it truly take to master the art of architecture?

Join us for an insightful in-conversation series hosted by award-winning architect Tim Horton, featuring some of Australia’s most awarded architects as they share personal stories from their journey — reflecting on early lessons, influential mentors, and key takeaways from some of Sydney’s most iconic building projects.

This intimate series, in connection with the Library’s Year of Architecture, is perfect for aspiring architects, design enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about architecture, the built environment, and the future of our cities and neighbourhoods.

Richard ‘Rick’ Leplastrier AO is a seminal figure in Australian architecture and architectural education. Having worked closely with Jørn Utzon on the Sydney Opera House in his formative years, he has long eschewed publicity. Instead, his built works are secret treasures to be discovered only by those privileged enough to be introduced to them. His sensitivity to issues of culture and place, and his accumulated wisdom in the design and making of architecture is gently revealed though his tutorial sessions in the design studio. He was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal for architecture in 1999, the 2009 Dreyer Foundation Prize of Honour in Denmark and the 2004 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award in Finland. In 2009 Richard was elected an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and an Honorary International Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2015. In 2011 he received the Order of Australia for distinguished service to architecture and as ‘an educator and mentor’.

Tim Horton (host) is an award-winning architect, operating at the intersection of environment, law and city planning. He is currently one of only ten full time Commissioners of the Land and Environment Court in NSW, the world’s first specialist Superior Court of its kind dealing with resources, environment and planning.

For more than two decades he has been a constant in the development of professional standards for the built environment sector and has advised state and national governments on policy in design, planning and development, regulation and innovation in the built environment. Proving nothing if not adaptable, from 2016-2018, Tim co-hosted the national television series ‘Australia by Design’, produced by MWC Media and viewed by more than 5m viewers.

Free tickets are available for First Nations audience members. Please reach out to us at to book your tickets.

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Host or Publisher State Library of New South Wales