At Thargomindah, Hurst's team were at the forefront of adaptation of religious architecture using established conventions while acclimatizing to Queensland's tropical conditions.
Many of Hurst's domestic clients during the period 1959-1966 elected to build low set houses with concrete slabs and a minimum of stairs rising to the front and rear.
He attributed this to a swing away from the traditional Queenslander style of architecture and the desire to make outdoor living spaces relate to the rest of the home.
[1] He took a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Queensland in 1968, with the thesis The role of the Australian professional consultant in the developing countries of South East Asia.
This period also holds special significance in Hurst's career as it is commonly associated with the genesis of the Noosa style when he commenced work in the area from 1976.
[1] In 2004, Hurst was honoured at the exhibition Cool: The 60s Brisbane House,[7] a collection of drawing and models from prominent Queensland Architects of the era.
1974 - Citation for Meritorious Architecture, RAIA, Wintzers Restaurant, Brisbane[1] 1976 - Commendation RAIA, Miflin residence, Kenmore[1] 1981 - Citation for Meritorious Architecture, RAIA, own house, Sunshine Beach 1990 - John Herbert Award for Excellence in Heritage Conservation from the National Trust for Halse Lodge in Noosa[1] 1994 - John Herbert Award for Excellence in Heritage Conservation from the National Trust for St Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough[1] 1996 – Architect of the Year presented by the Board of Architects of Queensland / Queensland State Government[1] 2003 - Order of Australia Medal [8] As architects frequently used by the Anglican Church during the 1950s, the firm in which he worked designed many churches of which these are examples – the first often illustrated in Australian architectural histories as an example reconciling traditional ecclesiastical form to the tropics, The second (not realised) in an even more extreme climate has a square plan for changes in liturgy, and multiple roof vents which recall vestments.