Construction and planning expert Dr George Zillante has been appointed the new Head of the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Adelaide.

Professor Zillante has more than 20 years' experience in the fields of architecture, urban and regional planning, building surveying, business administration and construction.

The university appointed him due to his strong track record in teaching, research and government advisory roles.

Professor Zillante will join the University of Adelaide in July.

He has been Associate Professor and Head of Construction & Project Management at the University of South Australia since 1999.

His appointment has occurred at a key time for the School, which has a new curriculum for its Bachelor of Design Studies and a new Professional Advisory Board, chaired by architectural editor and commentator Justine Clark.

"This is an exciting time for the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design," says Professor Christopher Findlay, Executive Dean of the University's Faculty of the Professions.

"George Zillante's appointment as Professor and Head of the School caps off a series of strategic changes being made in the School for the benefit of students, staff and industry.

"George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position at the University of Adelaide.

“He has worked professionally as a registered architect, town planner and building surveyor. His input into the development of building legislation has been of great assistance to the construction industry in this state.

“He has been keenly involved in work on sustainable construction, and last year he played a leading role in a winning bid for the $28 million Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Low Carbon Living."

Professor Zillante says this is a perfect time to join the University of Adelaide: "I look forward to working closely with the talented staff and students in the School and members of the profession to ensure that we offer the very best outcomes in teaching and research in the state."

The School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design offers a high-quality Bachelor of Design Studies, which provides a solid foundation for progression to Masters level. The Masters degrees offered by the School are in Architecture/Landscape Architecture, and Architecture/Planning (Urban Design).

Other recent appointments in the School include: noted scholar and urban theorist Dr Jo Russell-Clarke (teaching landscape architecture and urban design); award-winning emerging designer Damien Chwalisz, winner of the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship (design studio and representation); noted Austrian designer Urs Bette (final-year Masters studio); landscape sustainability expert Joshua Zeunert (landscape architecture); and well-respected design teacher Gavin Chow (design studio and representation).