Forthright, principled and astute, Philip Follent is recognised as a champion of the need to defend the physical and cultural heritage of the built environment while advancing the cause of creating and sustaining high quality urban settings and civic spaces. He has been relentless in arguing for best outcomes and has generated many initiatives to enrich the wider understanding of the nature and value of high quality design. His legacy achievements include his contribution as the Foundation Professor for the Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University and his direction of the design competition that led to the construction of the inspiring Architecture School building at Bond designed by Sir Peter Cook and CRAB Studio. He provided significant leadership as the Queensland Government Architect and generated a series of initiatives that consolidated the role of that position. Even more telling has been his career long contribution to strengthening the standing of the profession of architecture in the City of the Gold Coast. His advocacy and unrelenting articulation of the need to protect the unique characteristics of the region have made a significant and influential contribution to public debate concerning the future nature and form of the City of the Gold Coast and its public realm. Unquestionably, he has made an outstanding personal contribution to the enrichment of the natural and built environment of Queensland.