DIA Victoria Tasmania paid tribute to nine new DIA Fellows. The following DIA members have been in professional practice in a design or associated profession for a minimum of seven years and have demonstrated outstanding ability, experience and achievement in their chosen profession.

Marcus von Moger is Product and Industrial Designer with a design versatility that spans corporate identity and rebranding for many significant cultural and medical institutions, civic buildings, museums and corporations. Marcus was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate for his distinguished career and support of the DIA since 1974.

Amanda Henderson is an Exhibition and Display Designer at the forefront of the design of three-dimensional experiences that inspire clients, their audiences and creative peers alike. Amanda founded Gloss Creative Pty Ltd in 2001 and was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate in recognition of her service to the design industry and the DIA.

Claire Beale is a Textile Designer and educator at RMIT University in the BA Textile Design program in the School of Fashion and Textiles. Claire was appointed a DIA National Councillor and President of the DIA Victoria/Tasmania council in 2014, and was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate in recognition of her service to design education and the DIA.

Valerie Mack is an Interior Designer and the Managing Director of the Melbourne studio of Hirsch Bedner Associates. She is a DIA National Councillor, DIA Commercial Interiors Practice Group Coordinator and was appointed Vice President of the DIA Victoria/Tasmania council in 2014. Valerie was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate for her service to the interior design profession and the DIA.

Mike Chijoff is an Industrial Designer, manufacturing specialist and Founder and Director of industrial design consultancy Chijoff+Co. Mike established the design education concept – The Paper Plane Academy – which inspires design thinking in future generations. He has served as a DIA Victoria Tasmania Councillor and Industrial Design Coordinator since 2011 and received a DIA Fellowship certificate for his commitment to the design industry.

Hendrikus Berkersdedicated 33 years to Design Education at RMIT University from mid 1977 until September 2010. Hendrikus is the founder of Environmental Blinds Pty Ltd, volunteers his time to the DIA Victoria/Tasmania branch and has been Chair of the Membership Committee since 2012. Hendrikus was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate for his commitment to the design industry.

Caecilia Potter is an Interior Designer and Founder and Director of architecture and interior design practice Atticus & Milo. Caecilia is an enthusiastic exponent of emerging designers and was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate in recognition of her service to the design industry and active support of the DIA since 2000.

George Arvanitis is a Graphic Designer and Principal and Creative Director of GMA Design Group. George works to a philosophy that good design is good business, adding value to brands, products and services. He was presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate for his long-standing membership and active support of the DIA and for services to the design industry.

Bryce Wilsonwas presented with a DIA Fellowship certificate in recognition of his 45-year service to the design industry and the DIA. Bryce’s career began at the vanguard of Interior Decoration and Interior Design in the 20th Century and his passion and flair for design remains unabated.

Honorary Fellowships

We also presented three Honorary Fellowships to distinguished persons who are not DIA members but are deemed worthy of recognition by the professional body. This honour is usually bestowed on individuals who have made a significant impact on, or contribution to, the DIA or professional design.

Kristin McCourtie received an Honorary DIA Fellowship certificate for service to the design sector through her role as Manager and Director of Design Foundation Ltd, a position she has held since 2000. As the consummate relationship broker and manager, Kristin works with peak design organisations namely: International Design Alliance, ICOGRADA, the Design Management Institute and Alliance Graphique Internationale.

Jo-Ann Kellock was presented with an Honorary DIA Fellowship certificate in recognition of her distinguished career and advocacy of the DIA. Jo-Ann is a consultant to the DIA as Manager Specialist Programs through her business Kellaborate.

Caroline Caneva received an Honorary DIA Fellowship certificate for her dedication to the DIA Victoria Tasmania branch. Instrumental in developing the DIA Victoria Tasmania Council as an active, professional group of volunteers, Caroline has also advanced the reach of the DIA through the coordination of numerous events and programs including DIAlogue AM and PM series, Spring Dinner and the Victoria Tasmania Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA).

DIA Victoria Tasmania Branch
The DIA promotes the value of professional design and designers to industry, business, government and the community through its State Branches. The Victoria Tasmania Branch focuses on the needs and interests of local designers, running a range of activities including seminars, awards programs and networking opportunities, varying from design discipline specific to multi-disciplinary audiences.

design.org.au/victas