Inspiring Place, led by Jerry de Gryse (1979),  scooped the pool at the 2011 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (Tasmania) biennial awards  taking out an Award for Planning for its Design Guidelines for Nature Based Tourism - Victoria, an Award of Excellence in Urban Design for its Urban Design Strategy for Kangaroo Bay near Hobart and the Medal for Landscape Architecture.

The Medal was given to Inspiring Place for its work at Saffire, a luxury eco-tourism resort on Tasmania's east coast.  The jury commented that the project "persuasively conveys the key role of landscape architecture in fostering a deep sense of stewardship and engagement with the unique Tasmanian landscapes that support, inspire and delight both visitors and inhabitants alike".  The jury also noted "the outstanding leadership and influence of the landscape architect in guiding the client, contractors and project consultants through a clearly articulated, principles-based approach to site design & management for long-term sustainability".

The Medal is the top State prize given in one year and is only awarded to one winner.   2011 is the first time that it has been awarded in Tasmania.

Mr de Gryse said, "I'm pleased to lead a team of skilled people, working across the broad spectrum of work in the profession.  My initial experiences in the profession in Minnesota still guide me in my work.  My mentors and now friends Herb Baldwin, Jim Robin, Peter Olin and Roger Martin challenged me to be the best I could be as a student and still inspire me to make excel 30 years on."

For photos, the full citations and more information on the awards see http://www.aila.org.au/tasmania/AWARDS/2011/default.htm