Martyn Hook

Distinguished Professor Martyn Hook is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor Campus Design & University Architect at RMIT University Melbourne where he provides academic voice and professional insight to the evolution of RMIT’s Living Places Plan, a strategic document that will chart the future of the universities built environment, learning spaces and development opportunities. He works closely with the COO and University Executive and is Chair of RMIT Campus Design and Development Committee.

Prior to this role Martyn was Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement, in the College of Design and Social Context (DSC) at RMIT where he led development of community, government and industry partnerships as they relate to learning and teaching including Partnered Projects, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and research.

Drawing on the experience of a distinguished academic career, Martyn has particular expertise in the implementation of strategic vision and driving organisational change through the lens of an integrated scholarship model that links teaching, research and engagement. He is a passionate advocate for the role that universities can play in shaping our communities not just as education providers but also as a ‘Knowledge Partner’; building relationships with industry, NGO’s and government that seek to provide transformational experiences for students and develop impactful partnerships for researchers that benefit society and the planet.

Martyn has spent the past 15 years in Senior Management positions at RMIT first as Acting Head of Architecture & Design, followed by a year as Head of the RMIT School of Art, 5 years as the Dean of the School of Media & Communication, led the establishment of the RMIT School of Design and most recently served 6 years as Dean of the School of Architecture and Urban Design. The tenure of each leadership role has been marked by a program of significant change, pedagogical enhancement and team building. 

Martyn’s research interests are embedded in ‘practice-based research’ in relation to architecture and design with a focus on research training and the translation of creative practice into research methodologies. He was the Founding Director of the DSC College Research Degree Program, Practice Research Symposium (PRS) in Europe and Asia. Building on over 30 years of research training this unique PhD program facilitates design professionals and practitioners to engage in research through design practice. In this international context over the past decade Martyn has supervised more than 35 candidates to completion and established an extensive network of university partners and alumni throughout Europe, Singapore, India and South Africa.

In tandem with his Operations role Martyn is Distingushed Professor of Architecture in the School of Architecture & Urban Design and over the past 25 years has been a significant contributor to the ongoing success of the RMIT Architecture Discipline. As a former President of the Australian Deans of the Built Environment and Design (ADBED) and an active member of the Australian Institute of Architects, Martyn maintains a strong and critical relationship between architectural practice and architectural education. In addition to his work at RMIT Martyn is a director of multi award winning iredale pedersen hook architects, a studio practice based in Perth and Melbourne dedicated to appropriate design of effective sustainable buildings with a responsible environmental and social agenda.