Dr Harriet Edquist
Dr Harriet Edquist

BA, MA(Monash), PhD(RMIT), HonFAIA

Dr Harriet Edquist (’65) is an academic and historian with over 30 years experience in teaching and researching Australian, particularly Victorian, Architecture, Art and Design. Harriet graduated with a BA and MA in Classics from Monash University and a PhD in Architectural History from RMIT University.

From 2001 to 2007, she was Head of the School of Architecture and Design at RMIT and from 2004 to 2005 President of the Society of Architectural Historians Australia and New Zealand. In 2007 she became the Foundation Director of the RMIT Design Archives. Harriet was appointed Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in 2006 for her services to architectural education and history.

Harriet has authored 15 books and numerous book chapters, journal articles and conference papers on topics within her areas of expertise.

She has curated a number of design exhibitions including Shifting Gear: Design, Innovation and the Australian Car at the National Gallery of Victoria, 2015. She is also inaugural President of Automotive Historians Australia.

Prior to 1987 she was a lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts, University of Melbourne where she specialised in Renaissance and Modern Art History.

In 1987, Harriet joined RMIT as editor of Transition Discourse on Architecture, and a year later was appointed lecturer in Architectural History. She is now a Professor of Architectural History in the School of Architecture and Design, RMIT University.

Harriet finds it difficult to separate work from leisure, but at home she sews to relax.

Updated January 2016