Alan Synman OAM was a practising architect from 1968 to 2006. In 1976, he founded Synman Justin Bialek (SJB) Architects which has since become a prominent national architectural practice with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. SJB has expanded its areas of expertise in creating SJB Planning, SJB Interiors and SJB Urban practices. Together with SJB Architecture, these practices have received the highest professional industry and international awards for design excellence. In July 2000 SJB/FKA Architects was formed, an exciting initiative with Fender Katsalidis Architects, borne out of the involvement of both firms in the Melbourne Docklands NewQuay project.    

Since retirement, Alan has served on a number of PCG Committees to assist with building projects including Beth Weizman, Metropolitan Golf Club, Maccabi Victoria Tennis Club, the Jewish Holocaust Museum (Chair) and Emmy Monash.  

Alan was Chair of the Jewish Museum of Australia Corporate Club from 2009 to 2012, he has been a Director of the Maccabi Victoria Foundation since 2005 and the principle driver of the Foundation Coaching Program and All Abilities, key initiatives since 2011 and was made a Life Member of Maccabi Victoria in 2021.  

Alan was awarded an OAM in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list for services to the community and architecture.