Alex Bremner
School of Architecture and Built Environment
IT MIGHT sound like the script of an Indiana Jones movie, but searching for documents and building remains in remote parts of Africa, India and Canada is all in a day’s work for Dr Alex Bremner.
Since graduating from Deakin in 2001, Alex has worked and studied around the world. After completing his Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) and Master of Architecture, he became one of the first Australians to win a prestigious Gates Scholarship to complete his doctorate at Cambridge University in England. He has held postdoctoral fellowships at leading educational institutions in the United States of America and is currently a lecturer in the History of Architecture at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
"Probably the most interesting experiences I’ve had in the job relate to my research," Alex said.
"I’m often in foreign countries, making my way to remote areas in places such as Africa, India, Canada and South-East Asia in search of documents and building remains."
Despite his exotic travels in search of architectural treasures, he said the highlight of his job was interacting with interesting and intelligent people in different age groups.
Dr Alex originally studied architectural drafting at Holmesglen TAFE before he applied for a position in Deakin’s course.
At that stage he aimed for a more practical career in Architecture.
"It only occurred to me to pursue a career in academia once I had entered university," he said.
"It [Deakin] helped in the sense that it provided me with a solid foundation upon which to further develop my interests, establishing a platform into postgraduate education in Australia and overseas.
"Looking back, what stands out most of all is the freedom and support students received to pursue their ideas, creating an environment that enabled accelerated personal growth and development."
In the future, Alex aims to contribute to the knowledge bank in history of architecture on an international scale.
"My long-term goal is to become an internationally respected figure in the history of architecture and the preservation of our cultural heritage through promoting a better understanding of our built environment."
Education is another cause that is close to Alex’s heart. He aims to become involved in protecting and championing the causes of higher education in the future.
Alex’s advice to future Architecture students is to determinedly follow their dreams.
"The most important piece of advice I could give anyone is to stay focused, and to pursue your goals with vigour and passion," he said.
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