Debra Pickrel, one of the world's leading US-based architecture critics has referred to Queensland's architects as the great "undiscovered" talent of the world's design stage.
The writer and author of a seminal work on American architect Frank Lloyd Wright said she was thoroughly impressed by the depth of talent and expertise she witnessed on a fact-finding mission to Queensland's architectural highlights this month.
"The use of natural materials, the adaptability of inside-outside living, these are so in tune with what people are looking for today - purposefully focussed building design that addresses environmental concerns," she says.
"The talent of the architects I saw could well translate to develop projects in Florida, the US south-west and south-east, and Hawaii. Their work would be well suited to bring to those places in particular, which all share warmer climates and variable conditions, much the same as Queensland."
During her stay, Pickrel visited architectural projects in the Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville regions and also attended the Australian Institute of Architecture regional awards in Cairns.
Pickrel says the public buildings she has seen demonstrate planning, the importance of design and engagement with the community and says individual architects are making some astounding impacts, citing Donovan Hill's North Bridge as "truly a great building".
