Notice from the Design Institute of Australia. 17 May 2024.
“It is with much sadness that we announce the passing yesterday of Robert Pataki LFDIA. He was a practicing designer and an effective contributor to the profession for over fifty years and a member of the Design Institute of Australia since 1978. In recognition of his services and commitment to the profession, Rob was awarded a Fellowship in 1985, inducted into the DIA Design Hall of Fame in 2007 and then to cap it all, was finally awarded a Life Fellowship in 2012, DIA’s highest honour.
Robert graduated in Industrial Design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and commenced work at John Holland Constructions. His career saw him work with major industries such as Phillips (in Australia and Holland), ACI Design Centre and then as General Manager and Design Director of PA Consulting.
In 1987 Robert created The Neo Group of Companies, including NeoTechnics, the largest industrial design consultancy in Australia, with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore and NeoProducts Pty Ltd in 1989, electronics manufacturers. He also worked extensively in many other Asian countries. His particular areas of expertise were in appliances, professional and technical equipment, home wares, packaging and graphic design. His clients were the major industrial companies including Motorola, Phillips, Black and Decker, Vulcan, Varian, Honeywell, GE, Kambrook, and Fisher & Paykel. Robert served on the Victorian State Council of the Institute and was active on the course advisory committee of the Industrial Design programs at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Chairman of the Course Advisory Committee at Monash University. Over the decades Robert undertook numerous roles within the DIA including his participation in Industrial Design Practice Groups, DIA Treasurer and DIA Company Secretary.
Published by Design Institute of Australia
17 May 2024
- Writers:
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- Date written:
- 2012
- Last updated:
- 2024
