Vale Anne Cunningham 1943–2025
A tribute to Anne Cunningham, a role model to generations of women in architecture, who not only led through practice but actively fought for women in the profession.
Anne Cunningham outside MSD by Jessicajessiejess, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The recent death of Anne Cunningham (born Margaret Anne Salter) reminds us of the importance and influence of the generation of women architects who helped reshape modern practice in Australia.
When Anne Cunningham and Ann Keddie formed their eponymous firm in 1981, they created perhaps the first all-female architectural partnership in Australia.
- Both had young children and they shaped their practice to suit, including enabling part-time and flexible working hours, which attracted a series of talented staff.
- Based in Melbourne, the firm specialised in residential projects and won a series of awards for their public housing schemes.
Anne Cunningham was a true pioneer for women in architecture.
Author's summary: Anne Cunningham was a pioneering architect and role model for women in the profession.