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.

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, Rebecca provides expert and independent advice to government on significant and strategic projects ensuring that good design is at the centre of development for the benefit of all Western Australians. A highly credentialled architect with more than three decades of experience in Perth and abroad, Rebecca has expertise in design, planning, heritage and construction and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Rebecca is the Chair of the State Design Review Panel, which plays an important role in the design of major city-changing projects, a nationally accredited mediator and was a long-standing member of the WA State Administrative Tribunal.

Rebecca is committed to delivering a built environment that gives Western Australians a sense of identity, belonging, and shared heritage without compromising functionality, sustainability or aesthetics.