The Government Architects Network of Australia

Catherine is a highly respected architect with 40 years of experience across practice and government. In 2016, Catherine became the Australian Capital Territory’s first female Government Architect. Her commitment to better places, liveable buildings and sustainable cities is informed by decades of advocacy work with communities and professional organisations.

With a commitment to better built outcomes, Catherine Chairs the National Capital Design Review Panel, provides strategic advice to government, is an expert panel member for significant government projects, and a speaker at industry, government, public and university events.

Catherine’s experience in practice, the construction industry regulatory review and development underpin her commitment to excellence in the built environment and progress through intelligent and collaborative design.

As the 24th NSW Government Architect, Abbie leads an office established in the early days of the Sydney colony that has practiced for over two centuries.

Abbie is responsible for championing design excellence across New South Wales and shaping quality places and public spaces through policy and advocacy.

Abbie brings experience from a 30-year career in private practice on public, education, residential, health, research and commercial projects. Projects led by Abbie have received over 40 state, national and international architectural awards. Abbie is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, has received the Marion Mahoney Griffin Prize for a distinctive body of work in the field of architecture and is a former Director of the architectural practice BVN.

Leah is an award-winning architect, experienced strategic design advisor and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.

As the Government Architect, Leah advises government on housing, health, transport, economic development policy and significant projects, such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Previously, Leah served as the Gold Coast City Architect and oversaw city-wide design policy and implementation, including the Home of the Arts cultural precinct and final stages of the 2018 Commonwealth Games’ venues.

With over 25 years of experience, Leah is undaunted by large-scale, complex and ambitious projects.
Leah’s leadership and expertise is utilised through appointments to multiple design boards, panels, teaching positions and juries. Collectively, she leverages these roles to advocate for and facilitate high-quality, people and place-responsive design and heritage outcomes.

Kirsteen became Australia’s first female Government Architect following her appointment to the position in South Australia in 2015.

As the Government Architect, Kirsteen leads the Office for Design and Architecture SA, which oversees the state’s Design Review programs, provides independent design advice across state and local governments, administers legislation on behalf of Cabinet and supports strategic projects and policy development.

Originally from Scotland, Kirsteen is a registered architect in the United Kingdom and South Australia with extensive private and public sector experience, including with her own London-based architecture studio and the UK’s Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Kirsteen’s leadership, commitment to high-quality design and professional integrity are recognised through appointments to the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, various government liaison groups and industry juries.

Scott provides specialist advice on architectural, urban and landscape design, engineering, and infrastructure design services, promoting policy and reforms for best practice outcomes, addressing construction quality issues to achieving responses to climate change in the built environment.

Scott has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Tasmanian design space and has been responsible for a range of award-winning and internationally hailed strategic, master planning, public, commercial, and residential projects. Scott’s local knowledge means he has a keen interest in, and understanding of, making the most of Tasmania’s public infrastructure and building projects to contribute to what makes our cities special.

Scott’s high-standing in the Tasmanian architecture and urban design community and leadership expertise is evidenced by his position of Chair of the City of Hobart Urban Design Advisory Panel. Scott is a registered architect in Victoria and Tasmania, Adjunct Professor at the University of Tasmania’s School of Architecture, and former Chapter Councillor of the Australian Institute of Architects. He has a Masters by Practice degree from RMIT University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jill became the Victorian Government Architect in 2015 as a public advocate for architecture and design after more than twenty years in practice.

As an architect, her practice Garner Davis has received numerous awards for public and private works. As a design advisor and advocate, Jill promotes the value of contextual, integrated design thinking and collaboration.

Jill has taught at RMIT and Melbourne University, served as a board member and examiner for the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and in 2018 chaired the national committee for the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Jill is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and in 2021 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to architecture, education and professional associations.

As the Government Architect of Western Australia, Emma provides independent, expert advice on significant projects and strategic planning to State Government, the Premier and Minister for Planning. As Chair of Western Australia’s State Design Review Panel, she plays a significant role in the design evaluation of major and city-changing projects.

Emma holds degrees in Architecture and Interior Design and has nearly 30 years’ experience in practice. As an advocate for social issues related to the profession, she was awarded the RAIA Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects. Emma co-founded award-winning practices TheFulcrum.Agency and CODA Studio.