Public Sydney

About the Author

Philip Thalis is founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, who led the drawings in this book. The practice has won many architecture, planning and landscape awards for their work. He is a Professor of Practice in Architecture at UNSW since 2017 and lectures widely across Australia. Philip served as a Councillor on the City of Sydney from 2016-2021, chairing committees on planning, heritage and transport issues, as well as advocating for public and affordable housing. He was co-recipient, with Peter John Cantrill, of the NSW Architects President's Prize in 2009, made a Life Fellow in 2019, and in 2024 was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal - the Institute's highest honour.

Peter John Cantrill is an urban designer at the City of Sydney, where he has worked for over ten years. In 2024, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Urban Design Association's highest recognition. He is a respected leader within the broad community of practitioners he works with in the design of the public Sydney, and a mentor to younger professionals. He studied architecture at the University of Sydney and IAUV, Venice, and for many years was director of a leading architecture and urban design practice. He is dedicated to making public places that improve people's lives and that they will love.