Recent Redlands resident, Bruce Raymond Medek (1965 to 2022) was farewelled at a private industry event on May 18 at State Library of Queensland, South Bank.
Bruce was a respected Queensland architect, with many building awards to his name.
He was renowned for mentoring students and graduates during their apprenticeships, for forging strong, ongoing relationships with builders during the construction process, and as a proud advocate for the architectural profession.
Bruce was treated by the staff at the dialysis unit and the palliative care team at Redland Hospital as his kidneys failed due to complications from a rare bone marrow disorder, amyloidosis.
Early detection allowed Bruce access to experimental treatment which extended his life expectancy.
He dedicated these extra years to promoting high quality architectural practice to the wider community and its importance in designing liveable spaces.
In addition to running his own business Gall and Medek for more than 15 years (1995-2010), Bruce served with the Royal Australian Institute of Architects as a mentor convening the Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS), as chair of the regional awards program, on the national Practice and Contracts Consultative committees and as state chapter president.
For 15 years (2007-2022) Bruce also represented the industry on the Board of Architects Queensland as an elected member, as the Institute’s representative, and subsequently as deputy chair and chair.
Bruce’s legacy includes promoting accessibility to quality architecture at all levels of society, from public and private housing through to large scale community and commercial works.
His practice with Jim Gall extended their business goals to include advice on sustainability and social design at a time of climate crisis and responsibility.
Bruce worked hard to ensure future generations understood the importance of quality design and construction in the building industry.
Bruce is survived by his wife Maree, who is employed at Ormiston College, his son Oscar, and his son Theo who is also a student at Ormiston College’s senior school.
Maree said she wanted to honour the dialysis unit and palliative care teams at Redland Hospital for their care and dedication during Bruce’s waning years.