Eli Giannini

Giannini was born in the historic city of Rome, Italy in 1956, and when she was 15 her family made the decision to migrate to Australia, which bought her to Melbourne. Giannini considers herself privileged to have had the experience of living in two cities, garnering a wealth of experience. Giannini came from a family of no other architects but feels that a possible influence may have been the many gallery excursions she experienced with her mother and grandparents. For Giannini, her personal and professional life share many overlaps. McGauran Giannini Soon (or MGS, Giannini's architectural practice) was established in 1985[2] with her brother in law and co-name partner; Rob McGauran. Giannini also works alongside her husband meaning that the trials and tribulations of architecture are a family affair. Giannini feels that a significant influence to her professional work from her personal life would be becoming a mother, which changed her perspective on a variety of issues. Her personal views have led to her being a strong advocate for women in the field of architecture, stating in an Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter publication from the summer of 2013, that in the future she hopes to be “Surrounded by powerful women in leadership positions.”[3]

During her time in Rome, Giannini was educated on how design and art enriches life and wellbeing. Giannini considers the education system being different in Rome, as it allows a more in-depth experience of your chosen field at an earlier age, than the teaching system she found after her arrival in Australia. Completing her early stages of study in Rome, Giannini didn't start her involvement in art and architecture until after her move to Australia, completing her undergraduate Architectural degree in 1983 at RMIT University, Melbourne. In 1993 after her first 10 years in a practice, Giannini furthered her thinking through research, following her enrollment in a Masters of Urban Design where she completed a thesis entitled 'Metro-scape'.[4] Years on, she started working alongside well-known artists such as Neil Taylor (Icon Pavilions) and Matthew Johnson (Glenroy Community Centre). Giannini also started a number of successful collaborations with Sue Buchanan, who had a background of both Architecture and Fine Arts. Working together they created sculptures that had won multiple awards. Giannini became associated with professional organizations some of which she is still a part of. From 2000 to 2002, Giannini had the position of a University Council member at RMIT University and was a Director of RMIT training. During her time on the University Council, Giannini was also on the Building Committee, giving her the position as the chair of RMIT School of Architecture and Design – Program Advisory Committee. From her time in 2002–2004, Giannini handled a number of committees and task forces including her position being appointed as President of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. She sits on the Australian Institute of Architects' National Gender Equity Committee and also a Member of the 'Room to Create' Committee City of Yarra.[5]

In 2023 Giannini was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to architecture, and to the arts.[6][7]

During her studies at RMIT University, Peter Corrigan was one of her design lecturers and tutors. He has influenced and inspired a generation of architects who practice today, including Eli Giannini. Soon after she graduated, Giannini was employed at Williams Boag architects, where she was provided with training and mentorship. There was a great quantity of experience she gained from firms such as Williams Boag architects, Peter McIntyre and also Spowers, as well as self-learning from books, magazines and travels to destinations she researched.

• MGS Architects
• http://www.eligiannini.blogspot.com
• An emancipated place : the proceedings of the conference and exhibition held in Mumbai, February 2000 : women in architecture, 2000 plus : a conference on the work of women architects : focus South Asia. Somaya, Brinda., Mehta, Urvashi., Hecar Foundation. Mumbai: Hecar Foundation. 2000. ISBN 8175251948. OCLC 48041242.