“Queensland’s built environment needs architecture to act as a narrative of culture. Which is what I love about adaptive reuse – the ability of architecture to make history, place, culture visible.”
Architect, facilitator, educator, researcher – I’ve worked in a variety of roles, and each of them has involved the public realm and human experience. Early in my career, on a Scots-Australia Council architectural scholarship in Edinburgh, I worked on institutional buildings and heritage architecture which introduced me to the realities of public process and fuelled my passion for adaptive reuse.
I’m equally passionate about the importance of well-designed places – the Design Dividend – which correlates high quality design with higher value and returns. It means investing in metrics like walkability, thermal comfort, social connection, comfort and safety, and joy, in making places that are practical, sustainable, and ergonomic. It’s what great value for money looks like.
“I’m here to strengthen ARM’s local presence in Queensland and connect clients to the expertise within our firm nationally.”
Communication, facilitation, moderation collaboration – having the whole of the team work as one organism to deliver the best outcome is where I shine. The environment must be safe for anyone to suggest anything, and the only judgement is whether the idea makes a good contribution towards the common goal. At ARM, the freedom to be who you are is genuine.
I have a background in competitive rowing (quads) and classical dance – the choreography of things coordinated to move as an organism. I’m now a burlesque performer.
What I love about ARM’s work is that it’s thought provoking, provocative, confident and not always pretty in a classical sense. Like burlesque.