RMIT emeritus professor James Sinatra became a Doctor of Design Honoris Causa on 17 May, in recognition of his pioneering role in landscape architecture in Australia.
Sinatra’s extensive experience in commercial, institutional, community development, municipal and residential landscapes and public art projects has seen him participate as a lecturer, critic, juror and reviewer all over the world.
Sinatra initially led RMIT’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program and then stayed involved with the program for fifteen years, before retiring and becoming an emeritus professor.
In 1991 he started his current landscape architectural and art practice Sinatra Murphy, with Phin Murphy. Sinatra Murphy’s work is widely celebrated and respected for its artful approach to placemaking and the provision of meaningful public spaces.
Sinatra also co-authored two books on landscape architecture for remote indigenous communities in Australia: Listen to the People, Listen to the Land, and Landscape for Health. These publications, co-written with Murphy, celebrated his commitment to working with indigenous communities to understand and help shape their landscape environments in healthier ways.
Sinatra has received many honours, including a fellowship with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and a National Future Leaders Scholarship, widely described as the “Jim Sinatra Leadership Award.”
The RMIT vice-chancellor and president, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said Sinatra had made an outstanding contribution in the field of landscape architecture.
“He has created invaluable opportunities for Australian and international students and RMIT staff to participate in projects to bring real and meaningful change to communities in need,” Professor Gardner said.
“His extensive experience in this field is highly valued by all who know him.”
