Louise Cox

Louise Cox is an internationally renowned architect. Awarded with an Order of Australia (AO), insignia of Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters of France, and the Australian Institute of Architects National President's Prize; Mrs Cox’s work has set the standard in her field.

Mrs Cox graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1963. Since attaining this degree, she has dedicated over 50 years to the practice of architecture and town planning.

Mrs Cox made history as the first woman President of the New South Wales Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (1988–90), she was the 56th National President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (1994–1995), the first woman to serve in this role and from 2008 to 2011 she was the 19^th President of the International Union of Architects, based in Paris, the second woman to preside over the world body of architects.

Whist acting as the Practice Director at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Mrs Cox first became aware of problems with standards when architects belonging to the institute complained about them.

“I believe a lot of the architects didn’t understand what the standards needed to encompass, so I became involved in their development,” said Ms. Cox.

“Standards are immensely important documents, and we’d struggle without them. They provide a consistent benchmark, ensure uniform outputs, and when things are done differently, they inspire confidence,” continued Mrs Cox.

Mrs Cox was elected to the Standards Australia board in 2000 and served until 2009, offering her expertise and knowledge for many years. She is encouraging of people and professionals joining standards committees, noting that” it’s incredibly easy to criticize standards when you’re not part of the process, so joining in and offering your expertise will only be beneficial for you and your industry.”

“In addition, you’ll make an impact on the global standards stage. In my opinion, the best part of standards development is the international collaboration. Being part of something bigger than yourself, meeting people with a difference of opinions and helping influence adoption of standards is incredibly rewarding and provides a real sense of overseas requirements.”

Alongside the Standards Australia Outstanding Service Award for Boards in 2003, in November 2004 she became an Honorary Life Councillor of Standards Australia. Mrs Cox was presented with the insignia of Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters by Frédéric Mitterrand, French Minister for Culture and Communication in 2011 ; the Australian Institute of Architects National President's Prize in 2013.

And in 2014 Cox was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service to country, for "distinguished service to architecture as a practitioner, through executive roles with international professional organisations, and to architectural education and heritage conservation".

“Louise Cox is highly respected by all who work with her, both in her field and at Standards Australia. Her time on the board encompassed a significant period in Standard Australia’s history and we owe her a great debt of gratitude. Mrs Cox is known for having standards’ best interest at heart and being a strong voice in the room. When we think of standards heroes, we think of Mrs Cox,” said Adrian O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer at Standards Australia.