Reading
Words
Emma Stevens, Katie Allen,
Melissa Vukovic, Isabelle Verschuren,
Ben Cooke, Ben Daly,
Jack Collings, Michael Cowled
Date
February 2025
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend Mark Skiba. Always one to light up a room with his cheeky smile, keen sense of humour and personable nature, he will be dearly missed.
Mark was a Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with an abiding interest in Melbourne’s past, present and future. Many worked closely with Mark for the 8 years he was at Tract and from his time at Boroondara Council and GHD, and were fortunate to have Mark not just as a colleague, but as a close friend, loyal confidant and mentor.
Mark joined Tract in 2007 immediately upon completing his Master of Landscape Architecture at Melbourne University. Mark was an enthusiastic graduate of Landscape Architecture with a keen interest in Urban Design and immersed himself in his early work and the profession.
Throughout his career, Mark was deeply committed to advancing the fields of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture. He was Vice President of AILA Victoria between 2017 and 2019, where he contributed to the Chapter’s advocacy on critical urban design and planning policy; he was a member on both local and international juries; and he was a mentor to many through his time tutoring design studios at the University of Melbourne. Despite all the places his career took him, he always had an affinity for Tract, and was a regular face at many a Tract event.
Mark’s dedication to the profession was recently recognised when he was awarded the 2024 Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture (AILA) Fellowship. In the words of the AILA judges ‘Mark is a quiet achiever whose significant impact on the profession is delivered with great humility’ and ‘Mark has shown great generosity in sharing his knowledge and passion whilst tirelessly championing design excellence’.
Beyond his career, Mark had a deep passion for the Arts – architecture, history, poetry, literature and music. He had a thirst for knowledge, and always had a book, magazine or journal in hand.
He thoroughly enjoyed the Melbourne gallery and theatre scene, revelling in the history of the Heide circle and colourful personalities like Mirka Mora. He loved fashion, whether it was hitting the local shops or giving his own blow-by-blow commentary on the Brownlow red carpet.
His love of history and the built environment led him to co-found Melbourne Architours in 2011 with a small group of friends who shared his passion – sharing the spatial and landscape wonders of the city he loved.
His work and personal life were intertwined through his passion for design in which many of his friendships evolved. In his early years at Tract, he was always a regular at Friday night drinks, keen to recap the week and spend relaxed time with his colleagues – his friends. His humble intelligence, inclusivity and overall kind nature were endearing. There are many past and present Tract employees that have been privileged enough to call Mark our friend.
He was fortunate enough to marry his longtime partner, Michael, in December last year. An event that was Mark and Michael to a tee – full of happiness, good food, good wine, good friends and good design.
The 4th February would have marked his 39th Birthday.
Mark was effortlessly warm, and balanced intellect with an easy-going charm – he was equally at home in deep academic debate and light-hearted banter – qualities that endeared him to many, making friends wherever he went. He loved people, and was loved by all.
Remembering Mark Skiba
1986 – 2025
