BPSM Architects and the Australian Institute of Architects celebrates the life of one of Tasmania’s pre-eminent architects, Jim Moon upon his recent passing.
Jim was the last remaining founding partner of Bush Parkes Shugg and Moon Architects, which was founded in the early 1960s. He leaves behind a legacy of significant work.
Jim studied architecture at Hobart Technical College and graduated with Bill Shugg in 1953. He travelling to Europe and worked in Copenhagen on the new Tivoli Gardens Concert Hall.
Jim returned to Hobart in 1956 and commenced work with Bill Shugg in a converted trolley bus. Later, with Bill, he became a founding partner of the new design firm of Bush Parkes Haslock Shugg and Moon.
Jim was a sensitive designer who was known for his post-war modern aesthetic influenced by his time in Scandinavia. His design approach developed over the years, exhibiting a highly resolved architectural philosophy, expressing simplicity of form, and honesty of materials.
Jim was made a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in 1969. The outstanding architectural merit of Jim’s ‘Bornholm’ residence and Clarence City Council Chambers designs were both recognised for their outstanding architectural merit with the Institute’s Enduring Architecture Award (awarded in 2019 and 2022 respectively).
Notable buildings designed by Jim during his time at BPSM:
- ‘Bornholm’, Jim’s own minimalist modern family residence in Sandy Bay
- ‘Moon Residence’, Tea Tree and his final home on the waterfront at Tranmere
- TCAE theatre complex, Mount Nelson
- Savings Bank of Tasmania, Hobart
- Marine Board Empress of Australia Ferry Terminal, Hobart
- Tasmanian Teacher Federation, Hobart
- Tasmanian Television TVT6, Newtown
- Hobart City, Clarence City, and Devonport Council Chambers, and
- ‘The Pyramids’, Risdon.
Beyond Architecture, Jim was a keen bushwalker, and long-term member and past President of the Tasmanian Club.
Damian Rogers AM & the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects