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Francesco Bonato

Director/Architect

Bachelor of Architecture (Honours), University of Adelaide
Life Fellow and Member, Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) 
Associate Professor, University of Adelaide
PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide

Fran is a founding director of Tectvs. He is a highly creative and hands-on Architect responsible for numerous award-winning projects. Fran is a Registered Architect in South Australia and Victoria and has led architecture, urban design and interior design projects – both large and small – for public and private sector-based clients. He promotes and practices architecture as a design profession, drawing from multiple specialisations; from involving industrial and graphic designers on some projects, collaborating with artists on others, or designing furniture and fittings to complement specific structures and spaces. Fran’s projects are unapologetically contemporary yet fit comfortably with the now and then. 


Fran is an Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Adelaide, Co-chair of Mainstreet Committee (2013), Co-chair of APDSA 2016 Conference Steering Committee (2014). A previous President of the Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter, Fran was awarded the highly-prized ‘Sir James Irwin President’s Medal’ (2016) for his significant contribution to his profession.

Select project experience

  • South Melbourne Football Club, Albert Park, VIC

  • Angas Street Carpark and Office, Adelaide, SA

  • Well Street Apartments, Brighton, VIC

  • Grange Apartments, West Lakes, SA

  • Artisan Apartments, Bowden, SA

  • Norwood Green (Caroma Masterplan), Norwood, SA

  • Latitude Apartments, Aldinga, SA

  • Serafino Masterplan and Cellar Door, McLaren Vale, SA

  • Common Ground Affordable Housing, Mellor Street, SA
    Master Builders Association, (Excellence in Affordable and Public Housing), 2015

  • Wayville Station and Pedestrian Overpass, Wayville, SA
    Australian Steel Institute (Steel Excellence in Engineering Projects), 2014 

  • Burnside Substation Upgrade (SAPN), Burnside, SA
    Australian Institute of Architects, Commendation (Small Projects), 2013

  • Norwood House, Norwood, SA

  • 115 - 119 Gilbert Street Apartments, Adelaide, SA
    Australian Institute of Architects, Newell Platten Award (Residential Architecture, Multiple Housing), 2009 

  • City West GIS Control Buildings (SAPN), Adelaide, SA

  • Xerts Restaurant, Darling Harbor, Sydney, NSW
    Design Institute of Australia, Commendation (Interiors), 2001

  • Faraway House Redevelopment, Adelaide, SA

  • Mitolo Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant, McLaren Vale, SA
    South Australian Chapter of Australian Institute of Architects, (Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture), 2019

  • St George College Master Plan, Hospitality Trade Training Centre and Library, Mile End, SA

  • The Grange Residence, Malvern East, VIC

  • Palmer Sculpture Biennale, Palmer, SA

  • Minda Lifestyle Precinct, Brighton, SA

  • Sandcastle Garage, Burnside, SA

Fran Bonato CV: CV
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