Professor Kirsten Orr, Head of School of Architecture & Design, University of Tasmania

Dr Kirsten Orr is an academic and registered architect (TAS & NSW) with extensive practice experience. Prior to joining the University of Tasmania in March 2016, she was Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney (1996 – 2015). Her research and teaching balance traditional academic research with contemporary practice-based investigation and are underpinned by a deep interest in Australian architecture and material culture.

Kirsten Orr, photo by Ben Wild

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

I am passionate about educating the next generation of architects and my teaching seeks to strengthen the practice-based research skills and innovative mindsets that will enable my students to keep pace with, and push the boundaries of, architectural practice into the future. I regularly integrate prototyping activities into my teaching to stimulate student creativity and foster an effective learning environment by mediating between the virtual world of the computer screen and design principles, materials, fabrication processes and construction techniques. This is enhanced by research-led teaching partnerships with industry and ‘live’ projects for community organisations. My innovative teaching approaches were recognised in 2011 when I was awarded a competitive Teaching and Learning Citation by the University of Technology Sydney.

Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?

A long-term student project for Ku-ring-gai Council from 2009-2013 culminated in the construction of a precast concrete park structure to the students’ design at Greengate Park in Killara, Sydney. It was awarded the 2014 Parks and Leisure Australia Award for Open Space Development (NSW). The project involved partnerships with industrial fabricators and structural engineers, including Make Good Pty Ltd, a fabricator with a 5-axis CNC milling machine suitable for architectural applications; Warringah Plastics, a fabricator with 5-axis CNC milling and vacuum forming equipment; and Partridge, structural engineers.  Along the way, numerous prototypes were constructed at half- and full-scale exploring different CNC processes and innovative materials. One prototype was a shell of folded ‘Alucobond’ composite panels on a high-tech timber structure, and another comprised mass-customised vacuum formed plastic panels for a roof canopy.  An article on this project is due to be published in the Brookes eJournal of Learning and Teaching in 2016.

In 2015, I established a new partnership with Austral Bricks in a Master of Architecture design studio that spanned theoretical and practical work to explore the tectonic potentials of clay brick, one of the most ubiquitous materials in suburban Australia. In particular, it investigated new ways of assembling and detailing brick, emphasising the experimental and the applied and endeavouring to understand the complex relationships between ideas of craft, workmanship, play, discovery and innovation as they apply to a real architectural project.  Students produced a series of experimental brick assemblages to establish their own individual material languages, which were then applied in designs for a park amenities block at North Turramurra Recreation Area in a live project for Ku-ring-gai Council.  The studio questioned the status of brick in local government architecture and the emerging practices and innovative architectural approaches that may lead to its redeployment. While the utilitarian amenities block typology typically falls outside the “architectural canon,” this investigation is nevertheless important to sustaining, enhancing and innovating municipal architecture in an era of extensive redevelopment.

Collaborations such as these enrich student learning by emulating architectural practice and integrating all strands of disciplinary knowledge.  They also have the potential to introduce new synergies and mindsets within the architectural profession and construction industry.

Students at Austral Bricks, 2015. Photo by Kirsten Orr

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in architecture and how did you overcome it?

In 2006, there was a fundamental shift in the ethos of the Architecture Program at the University of Technology Sydney when it moved from being a practice-based, part-time course to becoming a full-time course.  This demanded the reimagining of what an architectural education at a university of “technology” could be.  I embraced the opportunity to take the UTS curriculum in new directions and embarked on a tour of Asia and Europe to benchmark best international teaching practice in both Architectural Design and Architectural Technology.  Among other places, I visited the National University of Singapore, the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture – Paris Malaquais, and the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London.  What I saw had an enormous impact and shaped my new approaches to learning and teaching, including the introduction of prototyping activities integrating parametric design technologies (Rhinoceros^© with Grasshopper^© plug-in) and computer numerically controlled fabrication technologies.  I haven’t looked back.

What are you looking forward to in your career?

I am looking forward to bringing my diverse range of skills and experiences derived from academia and architectural practice to bear on my new role at the University of Tasmania as the Head of School of Architecture & Design.  After twenty years at the University of Technology Sydney, this will be an exciting and challenging new chapter in my career.  In particular, I am looking forward to building upon the School’s existing strengths in learning-by-making and community projects to realise the full potential of its nationally distinct workshop facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

As a registered architect who also has PhD, I am able to bring unique perspectives that straddle the demands of the architecture professional and Australian university context. My comprehensive understanding of the complex interrelationships between the university sector, the architectural profession and the workings of State and Federal Government allow me to provide substantial professional leadership and I have held appointments to all of the major Australian government and professional bodies regulating the practice of architecture, the education of architecture students, and the accreditation of Australian architecture programs.  I am currently

• Chair, National Education Committee, Australian Institute of Architects
• Chair, Australian Architectural Education and Competency Framework Project, a joint project of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), Institute, Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA), and Australian Deans of Built Environment & Design (ADBED)
• Executive Member and Incoming President, Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA)
• Member, National Panel to review the Australia and New Zealand Accreditation Procedure (ANZ APAP), a joint project of the AACA and Institute
• Member, 2016 Awards Jury for the Tasmanian Chapter Architecture Awards, Australian Institute of Architects

Clare Kwok, Associate at ClarkeHopkinsClarke (CHC)

Clare became a registered architect in 2011 and joined the CHC team in 2012. Originally working solely on retail projects, she has recently also joined the multi-residential sector of the practice. Her most prominent projects to date include design work on the Coburg North Shopping Centre that features a  ‘future’ Green Star Coles store (being used an example Australia-wide), the South Morang Central Shopping Centre and commercial offices at York St, South Melbourne.

Clare Kwok, photo by Rachael Dere

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

Growing up I was constantly rearranging my bedroom and playing with Lego blocks; I felt the possibilities of design were endless. Today, through this industry I get to experience this on a much bigger scale.

I enjoy starting with a blank page and eventually being able to experience my design in a three dimension built form. I particularly enjoy the challenge of working with a team of different consultants to find solutions and ensure that a project’s social, commercial and financial conditions are met.

I feel architecture is one of few industries that allows professionals to be heavily involved in multiple disciplines at the same time, such as the retail and multi-residential sectors that I specialise in. It’s perfect for someone like me who grew up wanting to do everything!

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in architecture and how did you overcome it?

I think communication and understanding other perspectives is always a constant challenge, whether that refers to understanding cultural issues, language barriers or being a woman in a male-dominated industry. I have always taken the approach to try and meet these challenges head-on.

I think it is particularly important to ensure you have adequate support both at home and in the office.

Like all aspects of life, there will undoubtedly be situations at work where topics of conversation arise that you may have no interest (or understanding) in. I think the key is to take this in your stride and treat each experience as a potential opportunity to broaden your horizons. You never know, you might actually come to pick up a few things and it does help when your team is going pretty well (go the Hawks!!).

South Morang Central Shopping Centre by CHC Architects, photo by Emily Bartlett

Who do you look up to in the architecture profession?

Les Clarke, one of CHC’s founders who still works in the practice today. It’s great having him in the office, seeing the way he carries himself, and observing how he just gets on with the work every day.

Les always reminds me to keep things simple and not to rely too heavily on technology. Good architecture always speaks for itself!

What are you looking forward to in your career?

Quite a lot! 2015 was a big year for me both personally and professionally and 2016 is shaping up to be even bigger.

I am looking forward to moving into a more senior role within the firm and broadening my experience into a new specialisation and sector (multi-residential).
As a new associate at CHC, I look back on all the support I received when I first started my career and think it is critical that we (and I) continue to develop and support the younger members of the firm. I look forward to being able to mentor and develop our junior staff and pass on all the knowledge I have gained over the years.

Similarly, I believe creating work-life balance is critical for a long career. I look forward to balancing my career with family life in the future and think as an industry we have an exciting opportunity to better support a growing number of working mums. I think we are experiencing an exciting time for women in architecture, with a lot more women (and mothers) achieving senior positions. I believe the opportunities are there if you take the initiative and establish what works for yourself and your office. Remember, flexibility is a two-way street.

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

I believe my key strength is putting ideas into action and not waiting for someone else to fix the problem. I think having ‘can-do’ attitude as well as having a curious mind is an attribute that allows me to better experience all that the industry has to offer.

Images (top to bottom): South Morang Central Shopping Centre by CHC Architects, photos by Emily Bartlett

Melinda Dodson, Director and Principal Architect, Melinda Dodson Architects (MDa)

Melinda is the Principal of Melinda Dodson Architects (MDa), a design and research practice of experienced architects, landscape and urban designers undertaking commercial, mixed use, residential and education projects.

She is past Australian Institute of Architects ACT and National President, where her primary focus was on sustainable cities and architecture advocacy.  Awards include the NEAT Housing Competition 2014, NAWIC Outstanding Achievement in Construction Award ACT in 2013, University of Canberra PhD scholarship 2012, Instyle Design Award 2010, and the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Young Architect Prize in 2005.

Melinda believes passionately that sustainable cities and architecture holds the key to solving many of the frustrations of our cities, and these values — along with her PhD research on sustainability, house size and user satisfaction — underpin her practice.

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

I’ve always enjoyed architecture but think it takes a while to mature as an architect, to find your place and the contribution you wish to make. In the last 5 years (since starting my own business MDa) I have renewed my 3D modelling skills and this, in combination with 20 years of experience, and the provocations that come from my PhD research on “small houses”, combine to make architecture very exciting for me. I became interested in the “no bigger than necessary” design thesis some ten years ago while active with the Institute of Architects and since starting the PhD its morphed into user-centred design, that is, using “social research” techniques to delve deeper into design and use of “small houses”.

I also enjoy the collaboration and critique process; the pursuit of that self-evident, elegantly simple solution – not forced – but rather the solution that resolves many issues at once and usually requires a lot of work to conceive! It involves listening to clients – really listening – and sometimes they’ll say “keep going” or you know yourself to keep going! It’s very satisfying when you reach that point where it’s successfully resolved.

Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?

Recently MDa won the NEAT Housing competition, a very satisfying win as it was the result of bringing together our creative endeavour and our research, an approach that underlines what we stand for as a practice.

There is a body of post-occupancy evaluation fieldwork, including our practice research, on the liveability of medium density “small houses”; terraces, townhouses and the like. Our NEAT Housing Competition design entry responded to fieldwork with compact housing occupants and their observations about privacy, flexibility, size, expansion space, garden space and many other aspects.

Our “HI-lo” precinct of houses is organised around shared edible gardens across two levels; at “HI” and the “lo” level. Cars access the precinct but share space with pedestrian paths and private garden space. HI, lo and HI-lo houses are clustered in groups, offering many permutations for expansion and contraction of household occupant numbers, hobbies, home and work life over time.

The “HI” house features upper level living, with loft above. The upper level northern courtyard and surrounding communal landscape, offers resident privacy from the street and range of spaces to access. The house has two front doors, at “HI” and “lo” level, with floor layouts flexible for single level living on each. Variations might include home office studio, tenant or carer at lower level with living above or vice versa. We focussed on simple materials and standard construction techniques along with passive design features responding to the Canberra climate, with both the initial build cost and ongoing running costs kept affordable.

The precinct is articulated using slender pitched roof forms. These offer screening between houses, while the forms limit overshadowing. The result is a medium density precinct which allows for privacy and communal possibilities and with landscape weaved throughout.

Several spin-off projects on compact housing are now underway in Canberra.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in architecture and how did you overcome it?

I don’t want to over emphasise the challenge but from time to time there is marginalisation, similar to what no doubt applies in other industries and professions where there is under-representation. For some in the construction industry, women in senior roles is still a novelty. It’s a form of underestimation from people who don’t know you well, but being underestimated means you can surprise people when you get the job done anyway. I’ve always used it to focus me on whatever the project outcome is that I am trying to achieve instead.

Who do you look up to in the architecture profession?

I have a long list of women and men that I could offer – I guess it’s all the people I feel I have learnt from over the years. Alastair Swayn sits at the top of that list for his architectural values, strategic outlook, and his passion for the city of Canberra, architecture and the profession, as well as for his generosity.

What is a typical day at work involve for you?

Running a busy architectural practice, finishing my PhD and finishing renovations! In the business that means dividing my time between business administration, interacting with clients and the MDa team, design and 3D modelling. My PhD occupies some evenings and weekends.

What are you looking forward to in your career?

Completing my PhD mid-2016 and building the practice further; anyone who runs a practice will tell you how engaging that is. It has an “otherness” quality to it as well. I’ve found that in commercial practice, you have to facilitate the progress and performance of the team in your practice with all that this entails. It’s a pleasant irony really that you may own the practice, but it’s not really about you, but rather how you facilitate the progress of others — an important daily endeavour.

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

The integration of design and research into projects. But to be more precise, the quality of our design work is continually improving as we acquire more skills and techniques to investigate – really investigate – the needs and wants of the occupants of our built designs. I have always seen the “no bigger than necessary” agenda as a form of sustainable architecture but increasingly, this approach also has the potential to minimise the resource wastage that stems from built solutions that are unsuitable for the occupants and / or are difficult to change. I suspect this is a controversial point of reflection for the profession, but the body of social research on occupant satisfaction with medium density “small housing” of the last five decades justifies the sort of approach I am advocating. Research also challenges your preconceptions and this is essential to any creative endeavour.

Image: NEAT Housing competition entry by MDa

Caroline Stalker, Director, Architectus and Adjunct Professor, School of Design, Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology

Caroline is an architect, urban designer, communicator and leader of teams for complex architectural, master planning and urban design projects. Her career spans 27 years and a range of project types demonstrating a sustained passion for enhancing people’s connection to the natural world and each other through design, and a keen sensibility for integrating architecture into its urban setting. Caroline’s work has been recognized in both AIA and PIA awards, and she is an Honorary Life Fellow of the Urban Design Alliance of Queensland, a member of The Queensland Board for Urban Places and the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Urban Design Committee.

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

Designing, building, communicating, thinking well – working from the big idea through to the detailed, thinking across scales. I work a lot on urban-scaled projects which means it can be many years before the thinking is translated into something built, so when that does happen it is particularly special. My career and interests have always focussed on the public realm, public life, nature in the city, building communities. Working with communities, clients and clever project teams on potentially transformative urban design is a real privilege.

Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?

Since 2008 I’ve been involved as a urban designer/master planner and architect at James Cook University in Townsville’s Discovery Rise. Located and built on the edge of Townsville in the 1960s when Universities were ‘a place apart’, in this century JCU is the keystone of an important Townsville employment hub and  is now seeking to reinvent itself as an energetic community of living and learning. JCU have had real clarity of purpose and understanding about the importance of great design and urban realm in achieving this. I’ve had the pleasure of working with JCU to establish an overarching master plan, design guidelines, detailed master plans for residential villages and the town centre. The master plan advances a concept of Dry Tropical Urbanism, where buildings are more like perforated green shade screens than solid volumes, and the public spaces of Discovery Rise offer respite and invite occupation even on very hot days. It’s a looser-fit urbanism than the walled urbanism of southern cities that emphasises landscape integration with mega-shade trees and woven or layered shade to mark and create urban places.  We have also completed a number of detailed master plans for the different precincts within Discovery Rise: the Mt Stuart St precinct and the Ideas Market; Discovery Village and Discovery Central West. Mt Stuart St and the Ideas Market are the heart and soul of Discovery Rise; Mt Stuart St is a shady slow speed people street, connecting with the Ideas Market; a mixed-use grand courtyard where JCU and the city meet. Discovery Village posits new models of medium density housing for Townsville, taking the idea of a three dimensional lattice to create housing forms where ‘cool tanks’ of air are created and cross ventilation is supported horizontally and vertically.

We’ve also been the architects for the first building of the new town centre, the Clinical Practices building.  It offers clinical practice, commercial and teaching spaces. It also contains a fresh food market, bottle shop, chemist, cafe;  all essential ‘starters’ for a new town centre. The design creates a filigree screen to the street edge, marking the corner strongly with the ‘brain coral’ screen, alluding to JCU’s research prowess – and progressive approach to its campus, which we have taken exceptional pleasure in being able to support over the years.  I feel very lucky to have been able to have an ongoing role, not only doing the design framework but then to be part of implementing the buildings, streets and spaces

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in architecture and how did you overcome it?

Juggling very young children and architecture can be tricky – during this period of my life I stepped into an urban design role in a planning practice that worked very well, I had terrific bosses.   More recently probably guilt and stress about not putting enough time into my teenage children.  (Actually they are just fine; I’d still like to see more of them, but given their age I accept the feeling may not be mutual).   Very early on in my career I was sexually harassed; I think that was extremely common 30 years ago and is much less so now. I have encountered quite direct sexism at different times – it can be very demoralising.  But again I believe this is much less prevalent and acceptable now. I’ve been part of the generational change, and would now always suggest to other women that they ‘find their people’ – the workplaces where the culture fits the way they need to work and supports them – and those workplaces are more the norm now.

Who do you look up to in the architecture profession?

I’m pretty broad church.  Anyone who practices with integrity, clarity and depth of humanity.  Brit Andresen because she taught me well and I admire her intellect and ethics.  WOHA for their great clarity and skill. Erskine and Ted Cullinan’s practice were early career heroes for their blend of social and design concerns. Kuma for poetic minimalism, also SANAA. Snohetta because they are collaborative but also great designers. The current crop of Spanish ‘critical regionalists’ for their humanistic and climatically oriented architecture.

What is a typical day at work involve for you?

Constant juggling of priorities – leading projects, the practice, client relationships, meetings, presentations, business development. If I’m lucky a bit of quiet design or thinking/writing work.

What are you looking forward to in your career?

The next great project that is always just around the corner!

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

I believe my key strengths to be in the areas of strategy and conceptual thinking, then driving those ideas through to realisation in collaboration with other skilled people. I’m a reasonably strong communicator who can bring people together around a shared design vision. My ability to think at the urban scale and drive that down into the detailed scale consequences of that thinking is also useful and I understand not super-common. And in the end I really like doing it, despite the difficulties, hours, all the challenges we all face in the profession, I fundamentally really love being an architect.  So enthusiasm and consistency are probably strengths too.

The University of Queensland Women’s College team at a project inception meeting in the Architectus  Brisbane office. From left interior designer Bill McIlwraith, co-director Elizabeth Watson Brown, director Caroline Stalker, architect Jennifer Palmer, graduate architect Jessica Spresser, former director Mark Jones

Georgia Singleton, Global Director of Health, Education and Science at Woods Bagot

As a Global Director of Health, Education and Science at Woods Bagot Georgia has continued to provide a strong commitment to the sector’s ongoing development across the globe. Having worked on a diverse range and scale of architectural and interiors focused projects, she seeks to push traditional building and fit-out typologies with dynamic, highly integrated and research-driven solutions.

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

The role of architecture is changing. We are problem solvers and thought leaders of the future for business, universities, governments and schools. In education, science and healthcare, where research led design enables great design outcomes, we are seeing a paradigm shift not borne from aesthetics, but rather cross-discipline collaboration.

I love the fact that design is never your own; its fluid and constantly changing and evolving. Design is also a collective notion – you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. It’s those talented individuals and research designers I work with every day that really inspire me, make me move.

Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?

I have been involved in a number of key projects including the University of Sydney Business School, Nan Tien’s Institute and Cultural Centre, University of Western Sydney’s campus redevelopment and the UNSW Australian School of Business & Bioscience projects.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in architecture and how did you overcome it?

Before my time at Woods Bagot I worked in a company that didn’t respect women’s ideas, thoughts and values. I was quite bemused by this as being a woman in architecture allows a different voice.

As a woman we bring different ideologies to the fore and it helps create dynamism in an organisation.  It’s so important to nurture female talent rather than stymie it and recognising female excellence in architecture is what I strive to do at Woods Bagot.

Who do you look up to in the architecture profession?

It would have to be Woods Bagot Executive Chairman Ross Donaldson and Global Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nik Karalis. Both men truly inspire me. They have changed the shape of Woods Bagot, the way we design and have shown the true essence of what it means to be global design leaders.

In terms of people I have been influenced by, I would say Alvar Aalto. Every time I experience one of his buildings, I get reignited. I studied him a lot and love how he compresses space and then expands it. I love the siting, the fluidity, the fact that it’s NOT polite. I love that.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

I love the diversity of my role.  It’s everything from design to managing a team, board decisions, dealing with stakeholders and clientele and dealing with managing a global sector.

What are you looking forward to in your career?

Right now I am at the pinnacle of my career. There will definitely be more challenges ahead but at the same time I am confident and equipped to handle these because of the support I have at Woods Bagot and the comfort that I have the right team of people around me to make sound decisions.

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

I see myself as a good facilitator of design and a person that brings together the right team of people. The great thing about Woods Bagot is that the model is built around co-authorship so it’s not just one person’s design it’s collective. By having a model that harnesses combined talent it enables us to produce the best design outcomes like when we worked on the University of Sydney’s business school and UNSW biosciences.

Images (L-R): Nan Tien Education and Cultural Centre, Sydney University Business School, photos by Peter Bennetts

Ingrid Bakker, Principal HASSELL

Ingrid is a Principal of HASSELL in Melbourne and part of the Regional Management team, overseeing the Eastern Region of Australia. She is a registered architect with 20 years of experience in both the architectural and interior design industries.

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

I really enjoy the variety in architecture – things come in from left‐field when you least expect it.
Almost every day an exciting new project opportunity comes in the door, and they’re often largescale, city‐changing, important projects that I’m really enthusiastic about.

Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?

I’ve been really lucky to be involved in some amazing projects, particularly in Melbourne. My first project was the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, which was an unbeatable learning environment. I was involved in the interior design of the Westin Hotel in Melbourne. Working as an architect on an intensive hospitality interior project was also a great learning experience.

Recently, I’ve been involved in the new headquarters for Medibank at 720 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It was a fantastic project to lead. It took a lot to win the project and then deliver it in a very short timeframe. We’re all very proud of the end result and the tenants are rapt with the environment that we’ve created for them. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know we’ve created a building that people love being in.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

I don’t think there is a typical day at work for me. As regional manager at HASSELL, I travel interstate almost weekly, so my day varies depending on whether I’m in our Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Melbourne studios. My time is split between meeting with clients and leading teams to win new work, and working one‐on‐one with staff across the region.

My day often doesn’t start at 9 and finish at 5. I might be up at 5am to catch a flight and not home until fairly late in the evening. I balance this by not working at the weekend so I can spend quality time with my family.

What are you looking forward to in your career?

I’m always looking forward to the next project. As HASSELL increases its international presence I’m really excited about the opportunities and the potential of working on projects in other locations. I’m very fortunate to work with some incredibly talented people ‐ both within HASSELL and the organisations we partner with on projects.

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

I’m a people person, so my core strength is my ability to bring the right people together in a collaborative team. With the right team you can understand and respond to a client’s brief and ultimately create the best result.

I genuinely enjoy collaborating with others, and I also love winning, so I’m able to get people inspired about a project and what we’re trying to do.

In this competitive industry it’s necessary to have that desire to win, but I also recognise the need for resilience given that you can’t win everything. You have to roll with the punches a little bit and dust yourself off and keep going when things don’t quite go your way. I’m very optimistic and generally very positive, so I’m always looking for the best in people and situations.

Images: Medibank, 720 Bourke St
Photographer: Peter Bennetts

Jane Wetherall, senior architect, Donaldson and Warn 

Jane is a Perth-based architect. Soon after graduating in 1996 she commenced an ad hoc practice with her partner Geoff Warn and together they delivered a modest but interesting series of residential projects that were published and exhibited nationally and internationally. She joined Donaldson and Warn, Architects in 2010.

What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?

Over the years I’ve come to realise how much I enjoy working with people. I can’t believe I spent so many of my earlier years working more or less as a sole practitioner – it didn’t suit me at all! I like the teamwork aspect of architecture and find the job of a project architect is made all the more enjoyable (or not!) depending on the relationship with the many people involved in designing and delivering a project.  Like most architects I also find enormous satisfaction in experiencing the end result – working with the contractor and their team to achieve the built form, absorbing the spatial experience, the building’s engagement with the surrounding context, the subtle qualities and juxtapositions that were perhaps anticipated but can’t be fully appreciated until you experience the work in person.

Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?

Donaldson and Warn have just completed the upgrade to a 1970s tower on St Georges Terrace. I was involved at the front end during schematic design and then more recently with contract administration. The rearrangement of volumes and façade line at the lower levels has resulted in a vastly improved ground plane – simpler, larger spaces suiting more contemporary tenancies – including a new rooftop terrace. The tower’s facades and lobby were also refurbished with contemporary materials and integrated lighting. It has been very rewarding to see this project evolve – the end result has certainly delivered on its intent, particularly if you were familiar with the ‘before’ condition. This project also had the benefit of great teamwork – in particular our team was lucky to work with a progressive and supportive client and an excellent contractor.

Who do you look up to in the architecture profession?

Hmmm, a tricky question. I don’t have a list of architecture role-models as such. Perhaps I look up to many different people, admiring in each a slice of their qualities. Here is a very broad cross section:  I am impressed when high profile people maintain a strong sense of authenticity (Janet Holmes a Court); I admire those who stand by their message and keep their cool under fire (Annabel Crabb – with a smile); and I am suitably awestruck by those who successfully embrace architecture as a springboard to other creative endeavours (Fleur Watson, Pia Ednie-Brown).

What are you looking forward to in your career?

I think we are lucky with our profession in that the range of projects allows for endless new areas of learning. By default we have the opportunity to become experts in areas that may not have been obvious in the early years of studying and working, but are fascinating none-the-less. Each project has its own world of constraints, modes of engagement, resources, relationships, protocols etc. Working on a highly technical building would be intriguing, or an intensely political one.

What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?

I believe good projects flourish with good teamwork. I like to think I am good at working with people, keeping them focused, remaining sensitive to their needs and helping to create an environment where the team feels valued and where we all want to put in our best effort. Given we all spend so much of our lives in the work place this aspect of the practice of architecture is becoming more important to me.

Images: 99 St Georges Terrace by Donaldson and Warn.
Provided with permission from mondoluce.
Photographed by Ronald Tan