What does Queensland Public Trustee have to do with UQ scholarship students taking a trip to India?

28 July 2023

Max’s Design Prize is a new Trust established under Queensland Public Trustee administration, enabling passionate design students to travel to India and undertake a drawing study of Indian architecture for inclusion in The University of Queensland’s Architecture Library collection.

Public Trustee of Queensland, Samay Zhouand said Max’s Design Prize was launched through The University of Queensland (UQ) for students studying a Bachelor of Architecture and Design.

“The Queensland Public Trustee acts as Trustee for a number of philanthropic charitable trusts, which along with other charitable organisations benefit from legacies made through Wills,” Mr Zhouand said.

Max’s Design Prize has been developed from the estate of Maxwell John Horner (1950-2009) who taught architectural design and construction at UQ from 1973 until he retired in 2003. He was known as a skilled architect, brilliant educator and valued mentor, as well as for his engaging teaching style and enthusiasm for drawing and design.

“Charitable giving makes a real difference to people’s lives – whether that be supporting people in need, contributing to further education or ensuring culture and art are preserved for generations to come,” Mr Zhouand said.

“The establishment of this prize as a Trust in Max’s Will is testament to his vision and generosity and we are honoured to be administering the Prize and working alongside UQ,” he said.

Antony Moulis, Interim Dean and Head of UQ’s School of Architecture, said Max’s legacy as an inspiring educator would live on in this wonderful opportunity.

“Max greatly valued his own personal experience witnessing the rich building traditions of India and we are very grateful of his gift supporting students to experience and study the architecture of the subcontinent,” he said. Find out more information about Max’s Design Prize here or you may wish to know more about Queensland Public Trustee’s charitable trusts and ways you can support your community.