UWA Publishing mourns the loss of Richard Weller who passed away on 15 May 2025 aged 61.
Richard Weller served as Winthrop Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Western Australia, co-developed the University’s Landscape Architecture course with Craig Burton and directed the Australian Urban Design Research Centre. Richard was the author of 9 books, two of which UWA Publishing had the honour to publish: the highly successful Boomtown 2050: Scenarios for a Rapidly Growing City (2009), which presents design solutions for Perth’s predicted population of 4.2 million in 2056, and Made in Australia: The Future of Australian Cities by Richard Weller and Julian Bolleter (2013) that offers optimistic and creative urban design solutions for the future of Australia’s major cities.
Kate Pickard, publisher of UWA Publishing, remembers Richard for “his passion for landscape architecture and his wildly creative thinking (not to mention leather pants and flowing hair). His passion is what drove the team at UWA Publishing to collaborate and create the stunning the Boomtown 2050 and Made in Australia.”
In 2024, Richard was awarded the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) President’s Award for a lifetime of achievement in landscape architecture. From the AILA’s announcement, published 19 May 2025, on the passing of Richard Weller: “Richard Weller’s design career was defined by innovation, critical inquiry, and a willingness to challenge conventions… Weller’s design philosophy was rooted in the belief that landscape architecture is an “art of instrumentality,” addressing complex social, ecological, and urban challenges through creative and rigorous solutions. His work ranged from small-scale artistic interventions to visionary planning at the scale of megaregions, always grounded in a deep sense of place and a commitment to public good.” Read the full announcement here.
UWA Publishing is deeply saddened by this loss and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Richard’s family and friends. Vale Richard Weller (1963 to 2025).
Image credit: Richard Weller at the Melbourne School of Design for the 2023 exhibition "ODDS & ENDS: The Landscape Architecture of Richard Weller"