The ACT Chapter is saddened to share the passing of Alan Morschel FRAIA. Alan was previously head of the Planning Committee, and a Chapter Councilor. He became a Fellow of the Institute in 2022. Alan contributed greatly to planning reform for our city. He was a strong advocate for our work on housing diversity and densification. Our deepest condolences are with his wife Ruth, children James, Kate and Elliot, and all those close to him.
The Canberra architectural community remains one of close and abiding connections – it has always had a vital undercurrent that acknowledges this city as special in Australia – a model city. Alan Morschel understood this and made a significant contribution to our architecture community. At a personal level my first key memory of Alan was in 1990 when he interviewed me for an architect position within his section in the ‘very new’ ACT Public Works within the ‘very new’ ACT Government bureaucracy – Self Government for Canberra having only been established in 1988. I recall that it was an intense and challenging interview that focused on the practical to the aesthetic with a dash of the personal – I came to learn that this rich mix was typical of Alan the architect. Some weeks later I received the happy news that I would join his team and so I left academe at the University of Canberra and began a new chapter in my working life. Alan was the best kind of ‘boss’ though he would never have attributed that title to himself. He had admirable aspirations for what public works should and could achieve for Canberra. He always gave positive guidance and kept track of the myriad of projects in his section, but he also had a ‘hands off’ approach that let you thrive and grow within the work. The scope of public works he managed at that time was impressive ranging from public housing for a diverse demographic, community centres, heritage projects and the development of new public housing standards. The culture Alan encouraged was memorable as achievement focused – a lively work place filled with energy, motivation and challenge and Alan was always supportive and always about ‘making good things happen’.
I maintained a close professional relationship with Alan for some years after I left Public Works through the Institute of Architects where he made a significant contribution as a Chapter Councillor and as Chair of the Planning Committee, and in his role as a member of the ACT Registration Board. I also came to know Ruth Morschel well when we worked together at the National Capital Authority. As a couple Alan and Ruth have achieved so much for this city – and anyone that spent time with them quickly recognised the deep and abiding love they had for each other and for their family. Alan will be much missed within the architectural profession but his contribution to Canberra endures within the city fabric and through the people who had the good fortune to work with and learn from him.
– Annabelle Pegrum, AM LFRAIA ACT Chapter President 1933-94
Alan was an active member of the ACT Chapter for many years, contributing to our ACT Chapter Council, Planning Committee and Small Practice Committee. He contributed to many conversations and written submissions on planning reform for our city. He was a strong advocate for our work on housing diversity and densification.
Alan was an incredible mentor to me, offering his time without hesitation. His approach was always calm and considered with a warm touch of cheekiness. During my term as President, Alan supported me with several points of advocacy and attended meetings we had with the ACT Planning Minister. He was an excellent strategic thinker and was always great at encouraging me to contemplate alternative viewpoints and approaches. He was a true gentleman, embodying kindness, respect, and integrity in his actions and behaviour. He will be truly missed.
– Rob Henry FRAIA, ACT Chapter President 2016-18
