INTERSECT Q1.22 by Design Matters National

“ Before I even put pen to paper, I think a few decades ahead. Would people still love this fifty years into the future? What materials would have the durability for a timeless appeal?” Vale Yael K

Q1.22

Contents

What’s Up From the President & CEO

News from around Australia

Planning Tid Bits by Clause1

What’s In

Vale Yael Kurlansky: Celebrating an Extraordinary Talent by Sandra Peterson

Small Project Bug Difference: The Snug by Shae Parker McCashen, Director, Green Sheep Collective

Meet inspirational female Members

Sounding good: Acoustics in universal design by Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

Cutout: Telling a Story through Design by Aiyda Khan, Operations Manager, Cutout

What’s On

Professional Development

Upcoming Events

Welcome to the 2022 Building Design Awards

Who’s Who

Editor: Coral Gordon Art Director: Owen Walsh Printing: Southern Impact

Five by Five: Five minutes with... Alex Willis, Building Designer, Perth, WA Jim Woolcock, TPA, Edwardstown, SA Keira Nicholson, Building Designer, Perth, WA Ross MacKinnon, Building Designer, Ancona, VIC Wen-Chi Tseng, Building Designer, Riverdale, WA

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DISCLAIMER

Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not imply that Building Designers Association of Victoria Inc trading as Design Matters National agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, Design Matters National does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of Design Matters National. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at editor@designmatters.org.au

01 What’s Up

01 What’s Up Many exciting things are happening this year, and we are back in full swing with events! The 2022 Building Design Awards are open and awaiting your projects that showcase excellence in design, and we have a brand new design competition: The True Zero Carbon Challenge!

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From the President

By Ingrid Hornung, President, Design Matters National, 2020-2022

Welcome to our first INTERSECT of 2022! I’m so proud of the entire Design Matters community, for the way you have responded so creatively, to the many challenges over the last two years. As has been brought home to us over that time, it has been a different ‘pandemic’ for each and every person; and I know I am not alone in looking forward to a fresh start this year! In this issue, with International Women’s Day almost upon us, we take the opportunity to profile many of the wonderful women in our midst. In particular, we celebrate the life and achievements of Yael Kurlansky, of Yael K & Associates, who passed away late last year. I was not fortunate enough to know her personally; but have found myself touched and inspired, learning about her, nevertheless. I hope you do too. Enjoy!

Ingrid Hornung President

I’m so proud of the entire Design Matters community, for the way you have responded so creatively, to the many challenges over the last two years.

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Designing the home of the future – are you and your partner up for the True Zero Challenge? I am excited to announce the True Zero Carbon Challenge, our newest design competition that involves an energy assessor and building designer teaming up to create the home of the future.

From the CEO

By Peta Anderson, CEO, Design Matters National,

Recent studies suggest that every m2 of house is responsible for approximately one tonne of CO2 released before the house is even lived in.

The aim of the competition is to design a custom three bedroom plus study home that produces more power than it uses over a year, calculates the embodied carbon in materials and, here’s the kicker… the home must repay its entire carbon debt by 2050, the year of net zero housing. The home will be a minimum of 7 stars and projects will be judged on aesthetics, functionality, passive solar design elements, material choices and minimisation of broader sustainability objectives. This competition is like no other and will give participants a tremendous advantage when the 7 star Whole of Home energy efficiency rating is introduced under the new National Construction Code 2022. The True Zero Carbon Challenge will pave the way for building designers and energy assessors to be publicly recognised, in particular by consumers, industry, government and home builders, for their incredible skillsets to design homes of the future. The competition brief will be launched next month outlining the design requirements of the True Zero Carbon Challenge and will include details of how to enter. All entrants and their guests will be invited to attend the True Zero Carbon Challenge Awards gala event to be held later this year. These initiatives are never possible without the volunteered and professional contribution by our members. The True Zero Carbon Challenge is the brainchild of our Committee of Management members Jeremy Spencer and Luke Middleton, both of whom are well recognised for their expertise and passion for sustainable design. I sincerely thank both Jeremy and Luke for bringing, what is going to be, an exciting and innovative new Awards competition for the built environment of the future. To register your interest and receive a copy of the True Zero Carbon Challenge brief to your inbox please email our National Events Manager, Elaine Centeno at e.centeno@designmatters.org.au. If you’re up for a challenge to be recognised as a trailblazer on the road to True Zero 2050, then this awards competition is for you!

Right: Vic. Weathertex Environmentally Sustainable Design Winner: Massimo Loche, Ausplan Design Group, Greenest House.

01 What’s Up

National

News

01 What’s Up

2022 Building Design Awards

The 2022 Building Design Awards will proudly showcase and recognise the talents of Building Designers and other professionals in the Built Environment in every Australian state and territory. Have you completed a project that you are proud of in the last three years? Share your design and gain nationwide recognition by entering the 2022 Awards.

True Zero Carbon Challenge

true zero carbon challenge

New Design Matters National Team Members: Coral Gordon has joined DMN as Communications Administrator after studying for two Marketing degrees at La Trobe University. She commenced her Bachelor of Business (Major in Marketing) in 2015 and was offered to study a Masters in Marketing. She graduated with her Masters in December last year whilst working as part of the DMN team.

Samantha Choyce has recently joined DMN as the State Manager for Western Australia. As a licensed Real Estate Agent with more than 14 years of experience in the industry, Samantha is a customer-focused professional with specialist knowledge of policy, procedure, compliance and operations across all aspects of residential real estate. Coral Gordon

Samantha Choyce

The True Zero Carbon Challenge is our new design competition that brings together an energy assessor and building designer to create the home of the future. Are you up for the challenge? Register your interest today and receive the True Zero Challenge brief. Register your interest

Samantha boasts a successful career working for boutique agencies in Perth & Melbourne, as well as the largest Victorian network during her time in the Eastern states. Able to efficiently prioritise in the face of a continually changing environment, Samantha oversees all back-end processes in the office to ensure an excellent customer experience.

Event: Awareness of NCC Requirements: Condensation, on Wednesday 13 April News National: 2022, from 10AM - 2PM AEST at Wrest Point Sandy Bay in Hobart.

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Tasmania:

Join us as Mark Dewsbury, with over Tasmania: 30 years’ expertise, speaks about resolving Event: of NCC Requirements: Condensation, on Wednes the Awareness issue of condensation in the Tasmanian April 2022, from - 2PM AEST at you Wrest Point Sandy Bay in Ho climate. This 10AM seminar will provide with practical application, principles for new Join us as Mark Dewsbury, with over 30 years' expertise, speaks abo buildings, challenges for fixing existing the buildings, issue of condensation in the Tasmanian ventilation; guidance on best climate. This seminar wi youpractice with practical application, principles new buildings, challeng methods to minimise designfor and ventilation; guidance on best practice methods to existing buildings,based construction risk; sustainable product design and construction solutions; and more. based risk; sustainable product solutions; a

Thank You DENFAIR 2022 On behalf of Design Matters National, we would like to thank everyone who attended our first event of the year! It felt amazing to be back and see everyone face-to-face. All of the beautiful exhibits, from e&s to ABI Interiors and everything in between – there are just some experiences you can’t do over Zoom, those which require you to be there to be genuinely felt and, in turn, inspired. We want to thank all of the Members who visited our stand to say hello and thank you to the new faces we saw. We hope to see you again throughout the year at our future events.

Victoria:

Event: Pathways to achieving carbon Victoria: neutrality, on Monday 9 May 2022 online. Event: Pathways to achieving carbon neutrality, on Monday 9 May online. Join Danielle King from Green Moves Australia as she explores the options, costs Joinand Danielle King from Green Moves your Australia as she explores the o what’s involved with making costs and what's involved with making your business carbon neutral business carbon neutral or net zero. zero. Register: https://bit.ly/35s6sf8 Register: https://bit.ly/35s6sf8

We would also like to thank all the exhibitors for helping to create such an inspiring atmosphere, LÜP for ensuring all systems were running smoothly, and last but certainly not least, Ali Lawes for organising this year’s incredible DENFAIR 2022.

Queensland:

Queensland: Event: HERO Introductory Workshop, on Thursday 12 May 2022Workshop, online. on Thursday 12 May 2022 on Event: HERO Introductory

Queensland: Join subject matter expert Matthew Graham and HERO developer N Join subject matter expert Matthew Graham and HERO developer Bishop in an using or considering usin in an intensive workshop Nick tailored for those Event: HERO Introductory Workshop, on Thursday 12 May 2022 on intensive tailoredwith for those using through technical gu Learn how to workshop use this software proficiency or considering using HERO. Learn how Join subject matter expert Matthew Grahamtoand HERO developer N Register: https://bit.ly/34ecPSq use this software withtailored proficiency through in an intensive workshop for those using or considering usin technical guidance. Learn how to use this software with proficiency through technical gu Register: https://bit.ly/34ecPSq Register: https://bit.ly/34ecPSq

01 What’s Up

TPA News

The Impending Move to 7 Stars

As we all work towards a carbon zero built environment, what are the challenges we need to prepare for, and how do we best achieve a 7 Star rating? Claire Lings (Project Officer, WALGA) and Peter Newman (Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University) share their knowledge on the proposed NCC changes.

01 What’s Up What opportunities and solutions can the government action to address the priority issues? Claire: The NCC is the current instrument used in WA to set standards for energy efficiency. The assessment of a proposal’s compliance with the NCC energy efficiency standards comes at the building permit time, which may be too late in the process to make design changes, particularly if a project has already been through a planning process. Eighty percent of Local Governments in Western Australia have objectives in their community strategic plans and/or local planning strategies that aim to improve the environmental sustainability of their local built environment. However, there are currently no planning tools that provide clear and concurrent guidance to Local Governments who are seeking to formally set higher standards. Assessing energy early on in the process may encourage better design outcomes. Peter: We need to go beyond 7 stars to Net Zero as that is the basis of all new financing which around the world is Net Zero now. There is $170 trillion in the world’s finance companies and banks for Net Zero, so everyone is desperately seeking out how to do it.

What key knowledge gaps do we need to address to help us action these issues? Claire: Educational material could be developed and be tailored to each audience to promote benefits of ESD, including: • Demonstrating benefits to consumers (such as data on a power bill for every increased star). • Education on the long term benefits, and that best practice design and construct doesn’t have to be expensive upfront if designed well from the outset. • Investigating what is being taught in university/TAFE etc., so that sustainability becomes an important part of higher education in design/ drafting/building courses. • Education on how to assess and measure ESD for planners and building surveyors, develop appropriate assessment frameworks and provide Local Government education. • No follow up inspections currently (mandatory inspections) on what has actually been constructed. No compliance/enforcement framework. • Energy assessor accreditation/ registration is required to ensure accountability, a level playing field and appropriate education/training/CPD for those consultants completing energy assessments. Peter: Knowledge gaps are mostly about transferring demonstrations of Net Zero into the mainstream. There are hundreds of examples of Net Zero houses and other buildings (mostly by Griff Morris and Garry Baverstock) and a range of precinct scale Net Zero developments such as those from Development WA (WGV, East Village and Peel Industrial Estate) as well as Hesperia’s projects.

Planning Tid Bits

01 What’s Up

Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes.

Right: Vic. Multi-Residential up to $6M / Use of Recycled Materials / Documentation Winner: Peter Lombardozzi, Archsign, A Stitch in Time.

New and updated apartment standards

Recent State-wide Planning Scheme Amendment VC174 has introduced new provisions for apartment development applications, to implement the recently revised Better Apartment Design Standards. The changes were approved by the Planning Minister on 20 December 2021 and seek to improve external amenity and design outcomes for all apartment developments and update the existing Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning). The changes relate to Clause 55 (Two or more dwellings on a lot) and Clause 58 (Apartment Developments of five storeys or more) and include: • Amending the Neighbourhood and Site Description and Design Response requirements to include If the application is for an apartment development, the design response must explain how the proposed design selects materials and finishes for the external walls. • Amending Standards at Clause 55.07-2 and Clause 58.03-2 Communal Open Space objective to: – Include an additional objective that communal open space meets the needs of residents and enhances residential amenity; – Previously the standard for a minimum area of communal open space for apartment developments was required for developments of 40 dwellings or more. This has been reduced to 10 dwellings or more. The minimum has been changed from 2.5m2 per dwelling or 250m2 (whichever is lesser) to a minimum 30m2, and that apartment developments of 13 dwellings or more should provide an additional communal open space area of 2.5m2 per dwelling or 220m2, whichever is lesser. This additional area may be indoors or outdoors and consist of multiple separate areas of communal open space; – Further subjective standards apply in relation to open space accessibility, utility, size and shape, passive surveillance and outlook and landscaping.

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• Standards at Clause 55.07-4 and 58.03-5 Landscaping objectives have been amended to: – Retain trees and increase canopy cover, landscaping to support the urban context and reduce visual impact of buildings and landscaping which is climate responsive, supports biodiversity, wellbeing and amenity and reduces urban heat; – Development should replace any significant trees which have been removed in the 12 months prior to the application being made; – Provide canopy trees over deep soil areas; – Provide a range of plant types and sizes, use shading plants or materials which reduce heat absorption; – Utilise sustainable irrigation systems; – Amend the tables which set out canopy cover and deep soil requirements, generally increasing the coverage required. These changes define the area and depth of deep soil required, which in turn will require additional information provided in applications, showing how trees and their soil requirements can be provided on site. • Providing a new objective at Clause 55.07-6 and Clause 58.03-6 Access Objective which includes a number of new standards relating to vehicle access and crossover design; • Relocating Clause 55.07-8 Building entry and circulation objectives to Clause 55.06-16; • Amending standards at Clause 55.07-9 and Clause 58.05-3 Private open space objective, generally increasing minimum area requirements; • Including new Clause 55.07-17 Integration with the street objective; • Including new Clause 55.07-18 Site services objective • Including new Clause 55.07-19 and Clause 58.06-4 External walls and materials objective which seek durable materials which weather well. • Expanding the standards in Clause 52.08-5 Integration with the Street in relation to how a building appears from the street view; • Add new objective 58.04-4 Wind impacts objective (for developments of 5 storeys or more) including that new development should not cause unsafe wind conditions. This clause includes a numerical standard setting out “Unsafe” and “Comfortable” wind conditions in public land, publicly accessible areas on private land, private open space and communal open space. Decision guidelines for this clause include Whether it has been demonstrated by a suitably qualified specialist that the development will not generate unacceptable wind impacts within the site or on surrounding land. • Amendments to Clause 58.06-02 Site Services objectives; • Amendments to Clause 58.07-1 Functional layout objective, including minimum areas for the main bedroom (10.2 m2) and other bedrooms (9 m2).

01 What’s Up

Transitional provisions are provided in the various zone requirements of planning schemes. This means the previous planning scheme provisions will apply to applications for planning permits (or amendments) lodged prior to VC174/20 December 2021. Practitioners should keep in mind that any current application lodged prior to 20 December 2021, if amended under Section 50 of the Planning and Environment Act , will reset the application date to the Section 50 Amendment date. This will remove your transitional provisions rights if your Section 50 amendment application is made after 20 December 2021. The above changes appear to update the standards for all proposed apartment developments, and bring apartment developments considered under Clause 55 (4 storeys or less) more in line with the objectives and standards under Clause 58 (5 storeys or more). The changes will make professional wind assessments standard for applications for 5 storeys or more. The changes require a greater consideration of landscaping at application stage to ensure deep root areas are provided to result in minimum canopy tree cover. The changes also bring more focus onto materials and finishes, seeking materials with a longer life and better longer term weathering properties. Privacy Requirements Set to Add Significant Complexity for Permit Applicants In early 2021 the Planning & Environment Act (1984) was amended to enshrine the previously temporary measures, put into place as part of the COVID 19 response, that allow documents associated with planning matters to be made available online. The P&E Act has always required the relevant authority to make certain documents available, often at municipal offices, for public inspection. These most recent changes formalise the option of making such documents available ‘online’, in an electronic format. The change is considered a positive step that will facilitate the efficient use of online systems to continue to expediate the processing of planning matters. With a significant number of Victorian Councils now moving to (or having already moved to) electronic lodgement and processing systems for planning permit applications, the change has generally been welcomed by all. However, prohibitions restricting the publishing of ‘personal information’ online are set to cause headaches for permit applicants and Councils alike. As Councils are forced to grapple with these privacy obligations, we expect that a significant burden associated with these requirements is likely to fall at the feet of permit applicants. The definition of personal information includes: “…information or an opinion…, that is recorded in any form and whether true or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion…”. Under this definition, the following information is unlikely to be published online, without the expressed consent of the individual involved: • Name and details of a planning permit applicant • The proprietor’s details from the registered search statement (title) • The names and contact details of the architect or building designer. • Details of any third-party consultants including, arborists, traffic engineers, acoustic consultants etc… • Names and addresses of any objecting parties

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Over the past few months our office has been asked, by some Councils, to provide two sets of all documents accompanying our planning permit applications. The second set has been required to have all personally identifiable information redacted, so that it can be published online. We are hopeful that the requirement to provide a redacted duplicate of all material does not become the norm and recommend that regular permit applicants consider putting a process in place that captures the ‘consent’ of all relevant individuals involved in their applications, to publish their personally identifiable information online. Our office has also received copies of objections, from Council, that have had the names and addresses of the objectors redacted. One consequence of such personal information being removed is that permit applicants may find it increasingly difficult to engage with objecting parties or determine the merits and standing of any objector’s submissions. Regular permit applicants should review the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s new practice note for more details: PPN74-making-planning-documents-avaliable-to-thepublic.pdf Changes Impact VCAT Applications Recent applications to VCAT may be experiencing delays in processing as the Tribunal gets strict regarding the correct name of the permit applicant and applicant for review. The permit applicant and applicant for review are required to be the same on both Council and Tribunal applications. Whereas business and trading names have been accepted in the past, VCAT applications are now being placed on hold until the name of an appropriate legal entity is provided. An appropriate legal entity can be; a real person, a registered company or business (registered name not trading name) or trustee of a trust that can legally enter into a contract. It is also preferred that entity to have a real interest in the application, such as: the landowner or developer. If you find yourself in the situation where appeal documents need to be changed you may be required to apply to VCAT to amend 1. The permit application by changing the name of the permit applicant and/or 2. The application for review by changing the name of the applicant

These tid bits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to INTERSECT. For more information visit www.clause1.com.au Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au

New Materials New Possibilities

JAHAOS0034_PL_IntersectMag

The next collaboration in James Hardie’s architecture series is with Nathanael Preston and Daniel Lane of Melbourne and Hobart architecture firm Preston Lane. Using Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and its supporting range of accessories, the team could inject fun and whimsy into their new architectural facade concept; the striking Zig-Zag house.

With the use of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, the Zig-Zag House is an arresting addition to its Melbourne laneway and has become a financially feasible point of inspiration for many homeowners. This speculative project shows how innovative materials can create endless design possibilities without compromising durability or the practical elements of a build. For homeowners, this means that experimental and exciting designs are more achievable than ever before thanks to using Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding.

© 2022 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denote a trademark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd. Image shows a digital representation of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding installation.

By arranging 600mm-wide Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding lightweight panels at 90 degrees with internal and external corner junctions, they created a sharp-edged shape with a subtle texture to wrap a two-storey extension.

Order your free Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding Sample & Accessories kit to see it for yourself. Request yours at jameshardie.com.au/specifier

02 What’s In

02 What’s In In celebration of this International Women’s Day issue of INTERSECT, we are honoured to pay tribute to the extraordinarily talented Yael Kurlansky. The light that Yael brought into every design will live on through the stories her clients will continue to share.

02 What’s In

VALE YAEL KURLANSKY Celebrating an Extraordinary Talent

Yael Kurlansky, known and loved by many as Yael K, was not only innovative in a practical sense, her sensitivity to the natural world and the needs of her clients created a legacy that will endure and continue to evolve. Any landscape, lucky enough to have an award-winning Yael K residence nestled in it, is sure to become a destination for students and lovers of brilliant design in the years to come. Few people create such an impressive body of work in their careers.

Yael Kurlansky 9 September 1955 –10 December 2021

Right: This Swanbourne duplex won BDAWA and BDA National awards in 2013 for small-lot hosing, semi-detached/duplex residences and best interior design (private residence).

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Yael Kurlansky added a beautiful energy to the environments she touched. Each home she designed was reminiscent of an opening blossom. Annimac from Annimac Consultants – Futurist, trend forecaster & former judge of the WA Design Excellence Awards

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YAEL KURLANSKY’S NOTABLE AWARDS 1999 BDAWA WINNER + 2000 BDA NATIONAL WINNER + 2000 BDA NATIONAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD Category 3: Single Residence over 400m2 + Category 15: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: COOLBINIA RESIDENCE 1999 (Yael & Selwyn’s Personal House) 2003 BDAWA WINNER Category 16: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: COOLBINIA RESIDENCE 2004 2003 BDAWA WINNER + 2004 BDA NATIONAL WINNER Category 2: New residential buildings 251m2 to 350m2 Category 15: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: MT CLAREMONT RESIDENCE 2004 2005 BDAWA WINNER + 2006 BDA NATIONAL WINNER Category 15: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: APPLECROSS RESIDENCE 2006 2006 BDAWA WINNER + 2010 BDA NATIONAL WINNER + 2006 BDA NATIONAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD Category 4: Residential buildings over 450m2 + Category 15: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: MINIM COVE RESIDENCE 2006 2007 BDAWA WINNER Category 4: Residential buildings over 450m2 + Category 15: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: HALLS HEAD RESIDENCE 2007 2008 BDAWA WINNER Category 15 – Best Residential Interior PROJECT: DALKIETH RESIDENCE 2008 2009 BDAWA WINNER + 2010 BDA NATIONAL WINNER + 2010 BDA NATIONAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD Category 7: small lot hosing PROJECT: WEST LEEDERVILLE RESIDENCE 2009 (Yael & Selwyn’s Personal House) 2010 BDAWA WINNER + 2011 BDA NATIONAL WINNER Category 15: Best Residential Interior PROJECT: APPLECROSS RESIDENCE 2010 2013 BDAWA COMMENDATION Category 2: New residential buildings 251m2 to 350m2 PROJECT: WEMBLEY RESIDENCE 2012 2013 BDAWA WINNER + 2013 BDA NATIONAL WINNER Category 7: small lot hosing Category 8: Semi Detached / duplex Best Interior Design Private Residence PROJECT: SWANBOURNE DUPLEX 2012 2014 BDAWA WINNER Category 3: New residential buildings 351m2 to 450m2 PROJECT: WEMBLEY RESIDENCE 2013 2017 BDAWA WINNER Category 20: Best new residential design $500k - $1m PROJECT: COOLBINIA RESIDENCE 2016

Right: The award-winning Wembley residence.

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Yael’s innate talents put her on the map, but it was the rapport she built with clients, contractors and the wider community that enabled her to deliver outstanding, win-win outcomes. World-class design skills were embedded in Yael’s DNA. Her beloved father ran an electrical manufacturing and building company in South Africa and her older sister, Ruth is an architect (Yael’s great niece, Andrea, is also an architect and her great nephew, Ethan, is studying architecture). Growing up in this highly creative household was pivotal to Yael’s professional success. “Life is a journey, not a destination” was one of Yael’s favourite quotes. It certainly proved true upon meeting the love of her life, Selwyn Kurlansky, when she was just 17.

Above: This Coolbinia house was a 2017 BDAWA Winner for best new residential design $500,000 to $1 million.

After finishing high school, Yael obtained a trade certificate in hairdressing and worked in Johannesburg. She married Selwyn and they welcomed their son, Dean, and daughter, Toni, into the world. In December 1986, the family moved to Perth, Western Australia to embark on the next chapter of their lives. “We were looking for a better life for our young kids,” Selwyn says. Little did Yael know that Perth would be the place where her career evolved from cutting hair to designing cutting-edge homes in Western Australia, Sydney, Melbourne and South Africa. In fact, Yael’s first client, Roz Jacobson, originally sought her out for a haircut and ended up with a floorplan for the home she still lives in.

Right: Inside the award-winning Wembley House

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“Yael was always drawn to the design profession and had a deep understanding of floorplans thanks to her sister, Ruth,” Selwyn says. “Her first client had so much trust and faith in Yael. As soon as she saw the plan, she loved it so much, she built the house.” Yael studied building design part time while working as a hairdresser and raising her children. “She was a genius at space optimisation and efficiency, but attention to detail was where Yael really excelled,” Selwyn says. It did not take long for local builders to spot the rising star and behind-the-scenes project work to start pouring in. Yael became a member of the Building Designers Association of Western Australia (BDAWA) in 1993 and founded her eponymous studio, Yael K Designs, in 2000. Prestigious state and national awards followed. These achievements were especially remarkable, given Yael was one of the only female leaders in the industry at the time. Futurist, trend forecaster and former Design Excellence Awards judge Annimac, of Annimac Consultants, remembers Yael as a “trailblazer and gracious mentor who had such humility.” “Exceptional designers innovate according to the needs of their clients – even needs the clients don’t know they have. Yael was really tuned in to her clients’ requirements. Her designs were a beautiful marriage of form and function,” Annimac says. Former BDAWA executive officer, Rochelle James, agrees Yael was a pioneering woman in her field and set a great example to both aspiring and established designers.

Right: Yael Kurlansky lived and worked at this stunning West Leederville property for a decade.

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“Yael wasn’t just innately talented, her attention to detail, holistic approach to life and the trust she engendered with people all coalesced in her designs,” Rochelle says. “She would sit with her clients for many weeks and even interview their children to understand individual living habits and find out things like who was left or right-handed and how many pairs of shoes or earrings they owned. Every intricate detail would be seamlessly incorporated into the design.” Clients and long-term friends, Marlene and Bruce Woolf, experienced the Yael K magic twice. “Yael designed our first home when she was still a hairdresser and we lived there for 25 years,” Marlene says. “Then she created our current home in Wembley. We did not need to make one change when Yael presented us with her draft plan. She made a special effort to understand you and it showed. When I asked about the bridge that runs over the stairwell to our bedroom, Yael said I told her how much I loved this feature from my childhood home. Words can’t describe how remarkable she was.” Selwyn saw first-hand how remarkable his wife was. “Yael always adored her work and loved life. I don’t know anyone who loved life like she did and I was in total awe of her work. Our son, Dean, always said his mum was the accelerator and I was the brake. Yael was a Porsche with no brakes, as per the Sia song Unstoppable,’” Selwyn says. “It was important for Yael to be satisfied that each project was perfect and, most importantly, perfect for her clients. This approach made people so happy. She would go to her office, put on music and express her feelings for her clients.”

Yael wasn’t just innately talented, her attention to detail, holistic approach to life and the trust she engendered with people all coalesced in her designs. Rochelle James, former BDAWA Executive Officer

The Eagle Bay holiday homes, Whitehaven and Blue Pearl, that Yael designed for her family and friends were sanctuaries where some of her favourite concepts came to fruition. “She absolutely loved Eagle Bay and would jump in the car with her dog Tutti, whom she adored, and drive down there to work on her designs,” Selwyn says.

Left: The Swanbourne duplex’s award-winning interiors went hand-in-hand with its award-winning building design.

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“Yael would work when inspired, eat when hungry and sleep when tired. It was a time management style that served her well. She always made time for work, friends and family.” WA-based director of Design Matters National, Jason Saunders, says he knew he could call on Yael if he needed advice. “Yael was always generous, humble and willing to give you her time. I was inspired by that,” Jason says. “Yael was already established when I entered the industry. She had mastered the art of creating customised forms that suited each client to a tee and was someone we looked to for direction, and to see what could be achieved.” Business partner at Yael K & Associates and friend, Wesley Wark, credits Yael’s guidance with his professional growth. “Yael’s passion and creativity are evident in the built history of Yael K, the numerous awards, and the loving clients. She will be remembered, embraced and missed. I don’t know why things happen the way they do, but my life was made better because of working with her,” Wesley says. Yael K & Associates will continue to honour Yael’s ethos in all their endeavours – especially when the construction of the final home Yael designed for her dear friends, Jeanette and Jeff Keiles, commences in April 2022. “Yael designed every house I’ve ever owned. One in South Africa and four in Perth,” Jeanette says. “I wouldn’t live in a house she didn’t design.” Yael passed away peacefully, with her family and friends by her side, after a long, private battle with breast cancer. She is forever in the hearts of her husband Selwyn, son Dean and wife Aimee, daughter Toni and husband Paul, grandchildren Noah, Ari and Lior, sister Estelle (Perth), sister Ruth (South Africa), brother David (South Africa) and all their families. by Sandra Peterson

02 What’s In

Yael was always generous, humble and willing to give you her time. I was inspired by that. Jason Saunders, WA Committee of Management member for Design Matters National Inside the National Design Excellense winning West Leederville Property

By Green Sheep Collective

Small Project BIG DIFFERENCE

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The Snug

‘The Snug,’ as affectionately known by its’ owners, was originally a run-down, dark, poorly insulated and ‘inward looking’ two-bedroom, one-bathroom Californian Bungalow situated on a small block in inner Melbourne. The footprint of 99m2 consisted of a series of separate rooms and lean-to structures that were in need of substantial maintenance.

01 Project 02 What’s Matters In

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Small Project The owners, a couple, requested a thermally comfortable, sustainable home with open kitchen, dining and living area, third bedroom, second bathroom, and covered entertaining area, with light living spaces and an improved connection with the outdoors. The design brief sought to address a number of challenges – namely, working within a modest budget, without compromising the garden area. Design planning also needed to consider factors including a poorly orientated and inefficient house, a lack of cohesion within the existing floor layout and a relatively small lot size. A comprehensive site analysis, including shadow studies, informed the siting and massing for passive solar design. The design process explored multiple layouts for the building to test possibilities and ensure the chosen design was the best response to the brief, the surroundings and the climate. The owners specified that sustainable design measures be applied from the outset to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability. The design and construction allowed for future installation of solar panels, with provision of wiring, and sufficient north facing roof area. In terms of energy efficiency, a whole-home approach was taken to the energy rating lifting the environmental performance and energy efficiency of the entire home, not merely the extension. The original dwelling had poor thermal performance with an energy rating of just 0.9 Stars. Significant improvements in thermal performance and occupant comfort were achieved by the design – achieving a massive 77% reduction in heating and cooling loads. Overall, the design preserved valuable embodied energy - retaining the whole original building and increasing the footprint by just 18m 2. The highly efficient floor plan has just 7% of its floor area as circulation space - the entire house is roughly half the size of the average Australian new home.

Right: The striking built form sits comfortably with the original home and respectfully in its context. The warm, classic material palette complements the landscape and provides longevity with a robust and beautiful finish.

02 What’s In

The design brief sought to address a number of challenges – namely, working within a modest budget, without compromising the garden area.

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Big Difference The starting point involved a design approach that was both highly siteresponsive, in terms of climate, views, orientation, slope and neighbourhood context, and highly client-responsive, to the brief and to their underlying needs. At just 117m2, The Snug features clever multi-functional spaces to include three bedrooms, two bathrooms and spacious, naturally-lit living areas with strong connections to north-facing garden areas. The small-footprint home significantly improves the solar orientation, thermal performance, comfort, daylight, ventilation, views and connection to the outdoors, while preserving the existing streetscape and built form heritage of the neighbourhood. Reconfigured internal spaces encourage occupants to make use of the entire property, as the design features views to trees, garden and sky. Living areas are functional, practical and light-filled, with soaring ceilings and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Above: This beautiful extension integrates seamlessly with its landscape, connects indoors and out, allows for north light and natural ventilation and is detailed with sustainable materials. Right: This expressive extension boldly asserts its presence - a feat for just 18m2 new area. It modernises original fabric to transform the house into a light, energy efficient, comfortable home. A minimal footprint is offset by lofty angled ceilings, north-facing living areas, garden views and a great sense of spaciousness.

The design responded to the site’s temperate climate and site conditions through the stringent application of passive solar design principles including the re-positioning of living areas to the north, non-habitable rooms to the south, and ensuring outdoor living areas receive northern sun, thereby maximising solar gain. In addition to ensuring excellent natural cross ventilation and stabilised thermal comfort to the whole home, abundant natural light allows the owners to grow indoor plants that remove pollutants by filtering the air to reduce toxins and VOCs. All materials and products used in the construction of The Snug were researched and selected to create a healthier indoor environment. Building materials were carefully selected to minimise the amount of embodied energy. E-crete concrete was specified, reducing the embedded CO₂ by up to 80%, while radially sawn Silvertop Ash cladding was used, resulting in up to 60% reduced waste in the milling procedure. Preference was given to paints, oils, sealants and glues that are made with renewable raw plant materials, and are recyclable, biodegradable and emit no harmful substances. The Snug is spacious, with plentiful storage. The warm, classic material palette complements the landscape and provides longevity with a robust and beautiful finish. With custom design throughout - from angled ceiling junctions, to intricate cabinetry, this reinvigorated building will provide for its owners well into the future.

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02 What’s In Architect Name: Green Sheep Collective Photographer Name: Emma Cross Photography Builder: Natural Build Vic Interior Designer: Green Sheep Collective Landscape Designer: Green Sheep Collective Structural Engineer: ZS Consulting Building Surveyor: Metro Building Surveyors Soil Testing: Statewide Geotechnical Air conditioning: Fine Edge Air Conditioning Energy rating and sustainability advice: Erika Bartak, Filter ESD

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Meet inspirational female Members The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911. For over 100 years, people all around the world have come together to acknowledge the inspirational women in their lives. Every day our Members show us their perseverance and strength and remind us of the significant roles they play in all parts of society.

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Belinda Stewart Title Principal/ Building Designer Company/Organisation 3875 design & drafting

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? Creating a business that has been able to continue to grow and evolve with what has been thrown at it over the last 12 years (and especially the past 2.5 years).

What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? I think not having a huge hardcopy library of resources. Everything is so readily available online.

Who inspires you as a female professional and why? I started my career over 30 years ago in the structural design/drafting stream and was one of only a couple of females in the civil/structural industry in East Gippsland at the time.

Also, the past couple of years has shown geographical location is no barrier due to platforms such as Zoom being available.

My inspiration probably came from my first boss. A gentleman and awesome civil/ structural engineer who had the attitude that it can be achieved. You need to believe it can be done and back yourself. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? Leading by example. Being generous with my time to not only my team and colleagues but to my clients, whilst being open to discussion of design opinions different to mine. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? Initially, being an 18-year-old female structural draftsperson, I was seen as not being capable on-site from not only my male peers but the industry as a whole. However, as I am a good communicator (code for “I don’t mind a chat), it didn’t take me long to gain acceptance within the industry as I asked many questions, and this acceptance has followed me throughout my “construction” career. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? I have never not been supported by my male counterparts. I have been lucky to have worked with some amazing male colleagues, across the construction industry, during my career. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? No matter what you want to do, whether in a male-dominated industry or not, have initiative, a hunger to learn and ask a lot of questions.

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? Personally, I have not really come across this division since my early drafting years, which was probably more that I was a junior than possibly a female. I have always been able to work closely with both my male and female colleagues. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) If you can do the job, it shouldn’t come down to “ticking the box” for any of these representations. A job, or position, should be awarded on an individual’s merit. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I believe it still has a long way to go, but at least it is a conversation that is being brought up and discussed. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? By backing oneself and being educated in what you want to convey, you gain respect and inclusiveness from any industry professional. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? To do what I have done. I have no regrets. I have put myself out there and carved out an awesome career which I am proud of still to this day.

Project: Bruthen Renovation Photographer: Belinda Stewart

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Anthea Wells-Corner Title Principal Company/Organisation Dancing Dragon Design

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? Starting it. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? I encounter so many professional females who are juggling several different aspects of their personal and professional lives with grace, humour, two hands and the occasional howl at the moon, that I have to say all of them. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? By being passionate, informed, fluid and empathic. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? Having a couple of burly builders stand over me with the intent to intimidate. I stood up. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? I was fortunate to have a boss who had the insight to recognise that I worked best a bit differently and gave me the freedom and trust to do so. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Don’t overthink it. Whatever ‘it’ may be. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? Myself.

Project: Jude’s Joy. Photographer: David Hancock – David Hancock Photography.

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? Every time there has been a shared goal. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) The diversity in examples given is there, although the diversity of function often seems to be lacking. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? Looking at statistics, not that far. Thankfully (in my experience), recent generations are not accepting gender stereotypes leading to increased societal support for equality in the workplace and beyond. I also think this is relevant for all genders. Next step: equity. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? Being valued for the whole self enables greater diversity of thought and freedom of expression as it removes the fear of being judged or ostracised and disables the ‘yes’ culture. In turn, this leads to an increase in active participation and the generation of creative solutions. It’s also a lot more fun. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Trust yourself.

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Berna Akay Title Architect Company/Organisation Berna Architects

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? One standout moment in my career was being asked by Moreland City Council to prepare a set of Guidance Plans for other architects and Building Designers. Over fifty per cent of small scale unit development applications the Council received were from designers who submitted just one or two projects a year. This meant many of them were unfamiliar with Moreland’s expectations, and that led to significant changes to the design and/or documentation and the Council having to spend a lot of time detailing those expectations in writing.

Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? I came into this profession believing I could work autonomously from home while enjoying a healthy work-life balance; raising a family while enjoying my passion for design and creativity.

My passion for producing high-quality architectural work, my excellent local knowledge, particularly within the small scale unit developments niche along with my expertise as a thermal performance assessor and a sustainable design consultant, were the reasons why Moreland City Council approached me directly for this work.

For us, the hurdle was separating our family life from our business life and also separating our roles within the business. It has required us to drop our egos, but it has ultimately led to each of us owning our strengths and skills. I now think it’s one of the things that makes us a unique team to work with.

I was both grateful and honoured to be able to support an industry that works collaboratively yet autonomously under the shared vision of creating a better-built environment. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? My mentor, Barbara Yerondais, from BY Projects Architecture who I met 12 years ago. She is a strong independent woman who established her first architecture business over 35 years ago and is still thriving in her business, still mentoring, still teaching and still growing. She is definitely part of the reason why I believe I can do all that too. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? The most important thing I do is listen. When people feel heard, understood and valued, they open up and share more freely, so it becomes a collaborative process right from the very beginning. Their openness inspires me as much as I might inspire them.

My drive and passion rubbed off on my husband, who went on to study Building Design and joined the business. The idea of a ‘husband and wife duo’ was a seed planted by my previous employers, and although I’m reaping the rewards now, it wasn’t always an easy road to travel.

Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? As a 19-year-old TAFE student studying Building Design, I was working part-time in the industry. My boss at the time was able to see my potential and urged me to study Architecture. He didn’t just suggest it, he followed up with me and checked in with me and the progress I was making. He encouraged and supported me to travel the world and to actively get involved in architectural tours while studying at university. He pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and the boost of confidence this gave me is still felt today. I am so grateful and thankful that he guided me in this way. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Always seek to stay inspired and passionate and keep learning. Find that energy that keeps you happy, content and satisfied. And if things look like they might not turn out the way you hoped, remember why you started. Own your strengths, trust yourself and face your fears.

02 What’s In Above: Project: Woodvale Grove Photographer: San Khoshaba – REpics

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What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? A major one for me has been seeing more women in leadership roles. There’s an unspoken connection and a reassuring bond I feel when I see confident, selfassured women that step outside the mould. It gives me the courage to expect more from myself.

Small private businesses may be lacking in gender equality, often because they are not as scaffolded financially to allow for maternity leave or greater flexibility, which women still need to access more than men. But I feel that the responsibility shouldn’t be sitting entirely with businesses. As a society, we still need to do a lot more work towards levelling the playing field at home and at work.

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? As a family-run business, we wanted to grow the kind of team where we all felt like we had each other’s backs. There’s an appreciation that not everyone brings the same level of skills or experience to the table, and each person has their own strengths. The comradery comes from knowing you can rely on others to bring their unique perspective, support and guidance when you need it.

What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? I’ve had far too many female clients tell me that they have felt dismissed when they were interviewing male Architects, Building Designers, or Builders for their projects. Often they’d be sitting next to their husbands, discussing their future home or development, and feeling ignored.

There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) As a student, there was an equal number of males and females in my course, but the number of women seemed to dwindle after we graduated. It could have been a change in career paths or life goals, but I can’t help but think that young women in the industry don’t have it easy. This is a highly technical career that involves a lot of on-the-job training, and it’s almost like there is a ticking time bomb for getting the skills and experience they need early in their career, so they are established enough to continue on this path after having children and take time off. There is still a low number of women in high-level positions, particularly in management or leadership roles in the construction industry, but I am hopeful there is more change on the horizon. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I can only speak about the interactions I’ve had with other organisations within my industry. From where I stand, it feels like government organisations have made leaps towards more gender equality in the workplace.

When women feel respected and listened to, it encourages us to speak up and share ideas that can help bring different perspectives to the project. Inclusive behaviour fosters collaboration, which in turn brings a higher level of energy and enthusiasm into the project and a better experience overall. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Enjoy the journey. As long as you keep stepping outside your comfort zone, you will always keep growing and experiencing higher levels of job satisfaction. And if you are not enjoying the journey, step back, identify what it is that is not congruent with your values and beliefs, and have the courage to change course. Banish self-doubt. Stop comparing yourself to others. Each person’s journey is unique, and it has its own timeline. And lastly, learn to say ‘NO’ sooner. Save your energy and passion for the projects you really want to work on. You don’t have to please everyone, but rather focus on serving the right people the best way you can.

01 Project Matters

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02 What’s In

Title Specification Manager Company/Organisation Masterwall Australia / Sto WA

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? That would have to be entering the Building Industry and setting up/running the National Specifications division for New Zealand within two ASX listed companies after only one year in the building industry. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? I would have to say any woman that speaks her truth, lives authentically and genuinely supports other women’s success. I have had multiple mentors or even brief interactions with women that have inspired me over the years, and many wouldn’t even know it. You never know what impact you may have on someone. Women in business shine and step into their own – I love seeing that. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? The devil may be in the detail; however, when it comes to inspiring a team, I tend to talk big picture, how their input is important, and the effect it will have on the business; everyone is important. Externally, I am passionate about what I supply and consult on, and my approach is consultative, educational, and solutions-based. I pose myself as an extension to their team and only represent products I believe in. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? The biggest hurdle is credibility in the building industry as a female with limited building knowledge. It was a baptism of fire, and I loved every minute of it. I absorbed information from every person I could, took on tasks I knew

Project: North Beach, WA

Bree Sturges

nothing about and used every opportunity as an opportunity to learn. I taught myself through sheer tenacity and resilience. If I made a mistake, I owned it and learnt from it. I was/am always real, authentic, and honest. If I encountered any backlash, immoral, chauvinistic behaviour, I made sure it was called out. There’s always learning in how to do that with grace! Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? Certainly when the GM at my previous role in New Zealand supported my transition into a National Specifications role. He believed in me, respected me and trusted me to set up the entire division how I saw fit. Belief in yourself is paramount; however, when someone else believes in you, you can achieve great things. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Know your worth and always back yourself. Seek opportunities for growth in every place possible. Always give it a go! Also, be yourself. The days of having to be a bulldog in business to ‘match the men’ are over. Embrace the divine feminine and all that is you. That masculine energy can be called upon, but explore dancing with them both. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? I would have to say the lack of available experienced people in the Building Industry has led to more opportunities for those entering the industry. In other words, those that may not have been considered previously have got a foot in the door due to their highly transferable skills and overall

02 What’s In professional experience. These days it’s all about finding the right people; anything can be learnt. This rings true for me, and I am grateful for that opportunity. Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? Yes, definitely in my current role (Masterwall/Sto WA), the sense of comradery between myself and our Director lends itself to a hilarious workday. We tackle projects as a team and combine our skills, ideas and opinions to deliver a well-rounded service to our clients. It’s a great feeling knowing that your Director has your back and vice versa. This comradery runs through our business culture also within all gender dynamics. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) Yes, certainly I can see a change in Australia from say when I first entered the workforce 20 years ago. However, after living and working in various countries outside of Australia, I can honestly say our diversity is severely lacking. I feel this is a generational/individual issue that needs to be solved at the core of it. Particularly this comes down to the systemic racism, sexism and discrimination that is rife in Australian society and politics still to this day.

How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I think it heavily depends on the industry you are referring to. However, in Australia, society as a whole has a long way to go. I think a lot of the “gender equality” of, say, large corporations or even SMEs is very surface level and far more for PR than what the reality actually is. It comes down to the internal culture of the company and the ingrained patriarchal society that we have been indoctrinated into. The internal culture is made by the individuals themselves as a collective. It starts from within. I frequently still encounter discrimination against women due to age, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? A change in the consideration and attitudes to women’s health is certainly something I personally have had a positive experience with. I have endometriosis which can interfere with my daily life quite drastically at times. The ability to be able to work from home and have autonomy over my hours where needed has been a great source of support and has made me feel respected, considered and valued. These attitudes cultivate a reciprocal sense of respect and loyalty from me. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? I have many! Slow down, take a breath, learn the skill of mindful listening. Always trust your intuition and speak your truth. Respect your values and morals, and don’t be afraid to practice boundaries.

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Danica Stojanovic Title Director Company/Organisation DSGN Studio

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? I always dreamed of being in an architecture environment, so for me establishing my own boutique Building Design practice – Dsgn Studio – in 2017 is one of my most significant achievements. I design, manage and lead projects from start to finish, and each project is based on individual client needs and budget and designed to maximise site potential, orientation and sustainability. I love creating beautiful and better spaces that are specifically tailored to the client and their needs and lifestyle.

Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? I think for any woman, motherhood can affect career progression, especially in the architecture and building fields, which are traditionally more maledominated professions.

However, this is not the only thing that makes me feel proud. In the past two decades, I have completed Architectural Master’s studies in Belgrade, Serbia, and had the privilege to work with awardwinning Architects both in my homeland and after moving to Australia. I have worked on many beautiful projects, from reconstruction and restoration, residential apartment developments to large-scale commercial and educational projects and sporting stadiums.

Now, having my own business gives me greater flexibility to balance work and family, and it has taught me to manage my time better – that means developing good habits and being more disciplined and focused.

Who inspires you as a female professional and why? My whole life, I have been surrounded by strong, confident females who are fair and good at what they do, so choosing just one woman to list here is a challenge. All my great professors and mentors, colleagues, and clients - in different countries and socio-economic conditions - have inspired and shaped me into who I am today. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? I always strive to foster an open and positive work environment that involves collaboration, creative thinking and the chance to work in a judgment-free space. I strongly feel that working like this is the only way to achieve project success and provide quality service to clients.

The Covid pandemic created a window of time to further expand my expertise, and so I recently completed a Diploma of Project Management, which strengthened my project management and communication skills. Being able to effectively communicate with clients, consultants, and colleagues is key to happy working relationships.

For me, I have had to be the backbone of the family as my husband often works away, and my family is on the other side of the world. This has meant taking career breaks and stepping back to part-time work during my children’s early years.

Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? Throughout my architectural studies and career, I’ve always felt supported by male colleagues, and I have been lucky to have great mentors who valued my abilities. I think this support helped me to always strive for more, which boosted my confidence and helped my career. I was lucky to graduate from both architectural technician high school and from my master’s studies with my closest friend, Marko, by my side. I can think of countless occasions where he’d volunteer his time, stay awake and work all night to help me meet a project deadline. We always provided great support for each other, and I’m very grateful to have him, as well as other male and female colleagues, as part of my life. I thank them for their selfless advice and support. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? A creative professional blossoms with time and experience. Believe in yourself, learn as much as you can in all fields and look after your health and well-being.

Project: Dual occupancy home in Jolimont architectural estate. Photographer: Danica Stojanovic.

What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? In 2012, after several years of working full-time in award-winning Perth architectural practices and after having my second child, I decided to take a short career break to design and build our family home. This shift from a full-time career professional to raising two young children and focusing on building our own space in this world was a big life shift for me. Ultimately, starting a family led to the birth of DSGN studio, and that has allowed me to further develop my career in residential and small commercial architecture and interior design – but with a sweet work-life balance. Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? I’ve been very lucky in my professional career that I generally feel a sense of comradery with the people I’m working with. Architecture is a team-orientated profession where people bring different expertise to the table, and we must work together, and I love that about the industry. After all, you spend so much time at work that you want to enjoy what you’re doing, and the people around you play a big role in that. My experience has generally been positive. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) I would love to see workplaces where everybody’s voice can be heard regardless of skin colour, age, gender, nationality, accent or position. As an immigrant from Serbia, I quickly became aware of the challenges of starting over in a new country, but also of the values and diverse approach to work and collaboration that my professional and educational experiences in Australia and Europe have provided me. The more diversity we share, the better we’ll get.

How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I think there is definitely progress in this area, but that gender stereotypes are still a big issue. Women make up almost half the workforce, but they take home, on average, about 15% or $250 less than their male counterparts, according to the Federal Government. I strongly believe this needs to change. When people think of Architects or building professionals, they often picture hiring a man. But this shouldn’t be the case. I urge people to not make quick judgments about someone’s abilities based on their gender. I’m an optimist by nature, and I feel that for the next generation of young women, it will be easier than it was for their predecessors. We know women are equal to men, it doesn’t have to be argued. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? There are so many different factors that contribute to making a workplace inclusive, and I was fortunate that the people I worked with had an open mindset and there was no division between men and women. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Travel, travel and then travel more! Travelling is the best form of education.

02 What’s In

Dianne Bayley Title Director Company/Organisation Pasco Design

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? Opening my own Building Design and Interior Design business 22 years ago! Apart from that, being Design Manager on multiple high rise apartment buildings and hotels around Melbourne. In particular, convincing a Sydney Board of Directors that Melbourne hotels should be designed by Melbourne Designers. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? Internationally – Zaha Hadid (Architect), Patricia Urquiola (Architect and Designer) and Kelly Werstler (Designer). Locally – Kerstin Thompson (Architect and Educator), Sue Carr (Designer), and Miriam Fanning (Designer). All strong women with unique design minds who think outside of the square. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? Passion! Surrounding myself with likeminded people. Using visual and textural cues/samples. Always trying to think beyond the norm and what is expected. Being open to all ideas that others bring to the table. Listen to Clients.

Project: Williamstown Residence Photographer: Chris Groenhout

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Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? Managing a large design team covering multiple sites while I was a single mother to a small child. Facing up against male Directors who continuously set meetings for 7 AM, knowing full well that was almost impossible for me, but still expecting me to be there. Finding the courage and conviction to insist that I was valuable, and that any meeting could be held at 9 AM instead. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? Unfortunately, not really. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Don’t let gender factor into your work life. Be equal. Keep your self-esteem and integrity as high priorities. Find like-minded employers and colleagues. Work hard within your own personal parameters. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? Technology – how we do everything! 3D CAD (no more hand-drawn perspectives), internet access (no library required), Zoom, website development, photography – effectively how we present everything we do. Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? When I was a Design Manager for a large developer, I had the opportunity to work on a committee of Developers, Builders and Designers where design and construction issues that arose were discussed and resolved together. We were all working towards the same goal, and egos/gender/ agendas were left at the door.

There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) I am both a Building Designer and Interior Designer. When I worked solely in Interiors, the workplace was filled mostly with women of all ages, races and religions. Other than being qualified, there was never any talk of education or economic status. However, when I entered the field of Building Design, there were very few women, and I suspect that my male colleagues didn’t know what to make of me and whether to take me seriously. Over the past 20 years, that has changed significantly, and there are many more women in the industry of all ages and races. Again, the only prerequisite is being fully qualified and capable. Religion is only identifiable on occasion, so I can’t comment on that aspect. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I started my career 35 years ago, and so gender equality in society, in general, has come a long way, but not nearly far enough in high ranking positions across the business and government sector. However, within the design industry, I have found that gender equality is much more balanced generally. There are far more female Directors of Architectural and Design companies than ever before, with quite a few all-female offices, not by design, but due to the high number of well qualified and experience female applicants. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? Clients, consultants and builders ignoring the fact that I am female and dealing with me as a Designer with many years of experience, first and foremost. It should never have been/be an issue. Having inclusive industry bodies who promote Building Designers, regardless of their gender, such as Design Matters National. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Believe in yourself. Be brave and confident. Step up, but don’t sell yourself out.

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Joanne Crawley Title Owner/Building Designer Company/Organisation Hive Building Design

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? My greatest achievement so far was being given the opportunity to design and build a new home for my parents. It was extremely challenging at times from many perspectives; however, the final outcome is truly beautiful, and equally importantly, it functions incredibly well, possibly even better than intended. Dad loves it! Who inspires you as a female professional and why? Straight to the top – Zaha Hadid. Inspirational. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? By weaving a narrative throughout a design project based on the client’s brief and lifestyle. Creating this storyline enables all parties to focus on the journey and desired outcome. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? The most significant and ongoing hurdle is acceptance and respect for women in the construction industry. I do see the attitudes changing for the better in the younger generation coming through. Persistence and demonstration of knowledge prevails over time. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? In my capacity as a part-time TAFE teacher, I feel well supported by male colleagues – my industry experience is highly respected and deferred to regularly. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Get out on-site and ask questions – it’s the only way to fully understand what you are designing and documenting. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? Technology and workplace flexibility.

Project: Callen Street, Seymour Photographer: Joanne Crawley – Hive Building Design

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? In my capacity as a part-time TAFE teacher, I feel well supported by male colleagues – my industry experience is highly respected and deferred to regularly. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) Cultural diversity has brought exponential change to so many industries. I encourage women representatives of all backgrounds to pursue a career in the Built Environment and construction sectors. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? With groups such as NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), education and formal advocacy for women now have a larger platform and greater public awareness. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? Inclusive behaviour is best demonstrated purely by treating people as you would want to be treated, as an equal irrespective of gender. I’ve worked with a wide variety of tradespeople and consultants over the last 15 years – and building relationships is something I pride myself on ensuring I incorporate into my business practice. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Trust your passion and your skills – don’t let fear stop you.

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Linda Strahan Title Sole Owner and Operator Company/Organisation Hinterland Eco Assessments

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? My dad was a registered builder as I was growing up, and I loved watching him draw up plans on his drafting board. I helped him work on our house, as we moved in not long after the lock-up stage. I wanted to be an architect, but back in the 1970s, dad didn’t want his daughter on a building site. I ended up in a medium-sized mechanical trades business as the Office Administrator and part-owner. After 35 years, I had to leave the business and needed a career change, so I enrolled at TAFE to do a Diploma of Building Design, then a Diploma of Project Management, and a Cert IV Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability course. Overlapping these three courses, I completed all three in two and a half years (2019 - 2021). I gained my accreditation as a TPA in September 2021. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? I can’t think of just one woman who inspires me as a professional – there have been so many wonderful women I know who have been inspirational in their fields of work. It’s their dedication to their work, their passion and their single-minded focus on being the best. When you see other women doing this, you want to work alongside them, honour their dedication and passion and make a difference too. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? I think it’s important to give everyone a voice, whether new or experienced. Everyone has something to bring to the table. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and as a group, we all benefit when everyone uses their strengths. In the past, I told my staff there were no silly questions, letting them know that I took every question seriously and worthy of an answer.

Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? A hurdle I have faced is being taken seriously as a female professional, and it isn’t just some men who don’t take you seriously; there are some women who take exception to the thought you want to succeed in a male-dominated field. The only way to be taken seriously is to prove that you are capable and you have the skills to do your work professionally. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? I have met some wonderful men in the years I have worked in male-dominated industries. I have felt supported by a male colleague when they saw potential in me and then found ways to stretch and challenge me, teach me, mentor me, listen to and believe in me, so I became better at my job and as a person. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Don’t underestimate your value or how your uniqueness can benefit your profession, employer, colleagues and your clients. Don’t let other people’s opinions define who you are and if you have a passion for something, go for it with all of your heart. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? I think a significant change is that as more and more women are coming into male-dominated industries, whether it be construction, mechanical, transport, mining or science. Men have seen that women are capable of the work, and we are not afraid to work as hard or harder than they do and the contribution women are making is actually improving the whole industry.

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? Going back to my days in a mechanical workshop, I employed a female motor mechanic on a sponsorship. She was a petite Japanese woman, but her technical training exceeded that of our male mechanics. When she needed to lift weights that were almost half her body weight, the male mechanics in the workshop were happy to assist. Her technical understanding was appreciated, and when she applied for her Permanent Residency Visa and needed to pass the English test, every lunch break became a language session, with the other mechanics in the lunchroom helping her understand and speak English better. There was a real celebration in our workplace when she passed her exam and received her PR Visa. None of us wanted her to go back to Japan when her bridging visa expired. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) When I did my Diploma of Building Design (2019-2020), some of the younger women who were born overseas underestimated their ability to make a change in the workplace. I told them their second language could bring in culturally diverse clients to their workplace, and they could help clients design homes with someone who understood their language and cultural needs; it would also benefit their employers’ business. When they realised they could offer more to an employer than just being a CAD operator, their eyes lit up.

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Linda Strahan is relatively new to the field, so a project that she feels proud of is running and growing a medium-sized mechanical trades business with up to 28 employees for 35 years. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? Back in the mid-’70s, when I considered a career in the construction industry, only the bravest and most passionate women dared enter a building site. I know young women who now work in the industry as Builders and other trades, and I am glad to see that their contributions are being recognised and appreciated. While full gender equality is not here yet, we are getting so much closer. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? People like me who have spent time in another field or industry who come to this industry bring many skills with us: being organised, problem-solving, dealing with people, marketing products, looking at and understanding the detail, managing time, quality and money and understanding regulations. I’ve found it’s the technical skills that I need help with now the others come naturally. I am being informally mentored by my former teacher now, and as my technical skills grow, I look forward to being an informal mentor to others in the future. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Your life will be far more fulfilling than you ever dreamed it would ever be. You will face a time in your life when you will be tested to your core, and you’ll wonder if you will make it, you will - press on, it’s worth it.

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Pip Smith Title Business Development Manager & Architect Company/Organisation CADDS Group

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? I would like to think that my most significant achievements are still ahead of me. What is interesting about my career path is that I have grown up through this business over the course of 14 years - from a junior draftie, I have progressed through a number of roles to now be part of CADDS Group’s leadership team. When I started in 2008, the business was much smaller and effectively familyrun. It was thanks to this structure that I was able to not only be part of the growing business but to grow in line with it. I have gone from working part-time while studying, onto full-time after graduating, into an Architect role after registration, then to managing the architectural department. When COVID hit in 2020, CADDS looked at succession planning and risk mitigation through the establishment of a leadership team. Seeing this as a chance to further grow and learn outside of Architecture, I put my hand up to be part of the leadership team, taking on business development for the whole Group. CADDS is an incredibly diverse business covering Engineering, Architecture, Surveying, Energy and Sustainability, Product Design and Fabrication, to name a few. So while the thought of being across so many services is daunting, it’s an amazing opportunity to evolve professionally, learn new skill sets, and continually grow. Each of my moves came with some uncertainty, and for each, I had something to learn. To think I have not only been part of the evolution of the business from 10 or so people to now an international team over 150, but to have the chance to really drive and diversify this growth as well as influence the culture as part of the leadership team, I think is quite special. My whole career has been a learning curve, and I hope it continues that way so I can keep pushing myself and discovering what is next. So, I don’t really know if I have had a single most significant career achievement. I’d like to think it hasn’t happened yet. I’ll let you know at the end of it.

Project: Otto the Blue Whale, WA Museum Boola Bardip Photographer: James Moody – CADDS Group

Who inspires you as a female professional and why? Without a doubt: Jacinda Ardern. I admire her socially democratic and progressive politics and respect her for how she has normalised being a woman in Parliament, one of the toughest boys’ clubs that exists in western society. Whereas a lot of her political predecessors (think Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel, Jennifer Shipley) have led their countries despite being female, Ardern is leading while being visibly and uncompromisingly female and embracing her other roles of being a partner and mother at the same time. I don’t think we have yet realised how much she is changing the game. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? I don’t know about inspire, but I always try to recognise and make space for whatever it is other professionals can bring to the table, especially within creative disciplines like Design. Everyone contributes differently both in content and methods; if you respect that, I find the best collaboration will soon follow. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? This hurdle isn’t exclusive to me at all, but imposter syndrome is a big one. I tend to over-apologise and under-sell myself and my capabilities due to self-doubt - I think a lot of women do this in our professional spheres. Due to industry ratios, there is often only one or two women in the room, which means the space - physical and conversational - is predominantly taken up by men. Even in the most progressive of workplaces, contributing less and constantly being surrounded by the actions and words of men due to these ratios can alienate and lead to self-doubt, and the belief that as a female, you are not only identifiably other, but less than. Overcoming this is something I’m constantly working on - it takes time and experience to build confidence and know that we are capable, what we have to contribute is worthwhile, and therefore professionally, we do deserve space at the table.

02 What’s In Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? Fortunately, my workplace (and colleagues, both male and female) have always been advocates for my career development. From assisting me while studying for registration exams, supporting various CPD and extracurricular design initiatives, attending BDAWA events when I was president, encouraging my step out of Architecture and into Group BD, to simple flexibility enabling me to maximise my contribution back into my work - I have been privileged to be supported every day. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? I’m going to go back to the imposter syndrome here. When I think of the number of times my highly qualified and capable female friends have doubted themselves, second-guessed, not gone for that interview or promotion because of a lack of confidence compared with the number of times my male friends have done the same thing: they are incomparable. If I could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female professionals specifically, it would be to ignore the ratio of men to women in whatever room you are in and ensure that you unapologetically contribute to the best of your professional ability. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? There have been so many shifts in the architecture and engineering industries over the last decade. One that has impacted my journey significantly is offshoring specifically, how we approach offshoring where I work. We established our offshore office in Manila (the Philippines) over ten years ago now, so we have been ahead of the curve in that respect. Pre-COVID, regular travel to Manila afforded me amazing

opportunities to train, learn, and fully integrate our offshore design teams, so they work as a true extension of our Perth teams rather than being an outsourced factor. The last few years have seen us shift these initiatives online, but I’m looking forward to getting back to Manila and spending some face time working with the incredible team of professionals we have over there. The shift to global landscapes in a professional capacity has opened up so many opportunities for people to individually grow and step out of their comfort zone. Being part of a team that is integrating a global and digital workspace has been a huge challenge that I am looking forward to seeing come to full fruition. Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? I am lucky enough to be able to witness and experience these types of interactions across all areas of the business from the leadership level. Being multidisciplinary, the nature of CADDS is highly diverse and therefore highly contingent on collaboration across divisions to work effectively. When individuals are empowered to contribute their best in whatever form that takes, project outcomes are often the main beneficiary; affability amongst the team when your project is succeeding is a welcome by-product. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) Intersecting forms of diversity with gender is perhaps where we have the most work to do in Australia. Women born internationally, women of colour and women with disabilities are still sorely underrepresented

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in the workplace. Add to this the social expectations of women considered “not old enough”, “not young enough”, or “not educated enough” to meaningfully contribute, and we are missing out on the impact significant portions of the population can make. We need to acknowledge and appreciate the economic value of a woman’s participation in a business based on their experience and qualifications, not on ticking some diversity box. Where women of varying intersectionality are underrepresented, there’s a good chance that as a society, industry or company, we’re not performing at our highest possible level. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I work in both the mining engineering and building construction industries, both of which are defined by the need for immediate solutions and clients who, quite literally, operate 24/7. These industries are incredibly demanding of support service businesses like ours, both in quality and in availability. Project deadlines, predetermined operational shut schedules and remote sites can mean that our teams need to be accessible almost at all times. The framework for success in these industries is designed to benefit individuals who can fulfil these inherently inflexible yet hyper-reactive requirements. Due to innumerable social and cultural reasons, traditionally speaking, this has always made it a heavily male-dominated space. The overall progress feels slow, but I believe that we are seeing that conventional framework to achieve corporate success get challenged as a result of some unprecedented groundwork laid out by the generations before and now by us. So, I feel like there is still a lot of work to be done on adapting not necessarily what the industry does but how we do it.

What are some of the benefits you’ve

experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? I come from a place of privilege in that the pathways that work for men in achieving leadership roles in business have also worked for me. Couple that with a workplace that has been inclusive by supporting me in being able to adjust those pathways so I can contribute effectively, and I would say that equality in my own personal journey has always been achievable. But those same pathways simply don’t work for many women to reach the same goals, particularly those who chose to start a family - the pathways haven’t been built that way, and unfortunately, a lot of employers don’t see the value in allowing that to change. There needs to be a more level playing field. Ultimately, flexibility and accessibility parameters in business need to change on a practical level so that all women might have a chance to contribute the way I have. Flexibility enables people who are good at their job to operate successfully regardless. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? To relax and enjoy the ride. We have a finite amount of energy, so don’t waste it on small things or small people. And maybe; leave your brows alone. Just trust me on that.

Project: Otto the Blue Whale and Surf Lifesaving Boats, WA Museum Boola Bardip Photographer: James Moody – CADDS Group

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Rebecca Steffanoni Title Territory Sales Manager Company/Organisation Big Ass Fans Australia

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? I started working at Big Ass Fans in 2014. In 2015 I was selected to go to our US headquarters along with two male colleagues to receive special training around working with Architects and Engineers in the early stages of project design. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? Janine Allis, the founder of Boost Juice, has journeyed from zero formal business training to leading a company with over 400 stores in 12 countries. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? I am always positive. Positivity helps inspire people and gives others the confidence to have a voice when working together on a project. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? I work in a male-dominated industry that can at times require a high level of technical knowledge. Developing a strong understanding of our client’s requirements and through experience, I’ve learnt that being confident in my own ability allows our clients to trust my expertise and look to me for advice regarding their specific project needs. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Be confident. Confident to have a voice and express opinions that add value.

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I have noticed the role of women in the workplace is discussed and considered now to a much greater extent than when I started working 15 years ago—topics such as the gender pay gap, maternity/ paternity leave, equal opportunities and sexual harassment. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? As workplaces look to diversify their workforce, I have found being a female is often seen as a positive, particularly as I work in a male-dominated industry. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? As per my advice to the next generation of female professionals, I would tell myself to be confident and not doubt my ability to display a high level of professionalism and competency.

What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? The cultural shift away from women being the primary childcarer at home led to an increase in stay at home dads. The shift has meant there is less of a disadvantage as a woman in my 20’s/30’s, competing amongst males in the job market. Project: Baggage collection area at Darwin International Airport. Photographer: Big Ass Fans Australia.

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Sarah Campbell Title Building Energy Assessor Company/Organisation Ecocert

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? I still feel like I have a lot I want to achieve but I do like to celebrate the small wins. Going from administration into a specialised field was one of the best small wins. While it may seem small to some, it was the small step I needed to open up to more opportunities. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? The amazing women at Ecocert, Approved and Buildcert. While Ecocert is a small team, I am able to meet a lot of amazing female professionals through collaboration. Approved and Buildcert are leading the way in female leadership roles, and it’s something I hope Ecocert will continue to do. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? Taking on board what a client or consultant wants from a project and adding my own touch. I find I’m able to inspire clients more if I’m involved with a project from the preliminary stages. It’s always easier to get a feel for a project when everyone else is in the “design stages.” Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? My biggest hurdle has probably been myself and being able to acknowledge how far I’ve grown. I forget that I am valued in the company and that I do have some experience. I don’t think I’ve completely overcome this hurdle, but the more I see other women forging ahead, a small part of me ignites. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? Five years ago, I was wanting a change in my career, and I saw a need for Thermal Performance Assessors in my area. I spoke with my Managing Director at the time, who encouraged me to pursue this pathway. He supported my decision and gave me all the tools I needed to become a TPA whilst still employed, even though this meant I would be leaving his services. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Try everything and ask lots of questions. If you are given the opportunity to try something new – take it, or if you’ve ever

Project: Catherine Hill Bay Photographer: Muse Photography

wondered what is involved in a specific career path, then ask industry leaders how they got there. You won’t know unless you try. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? The opportunity to grow. Working with two male leaders, I have been given immense opportunities within the workplace to grow. Not only have I been greeted with encouragement when I’ve asked to change direction in my career, but I’ve also been offered opportunities. When I first started in the workforce in my mid-teens, this wasn’t something I saw very often in senior female roles, especially with my mum and the era she worked through. Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? In the Construction Industry, it can be difficult to be heard when collaborating with male designers. But recently, I worked on a project with two male Construction Estimators. The client was wanting a 7-Star NatHERS rating for the project which requires a lot of preliminary input from me on their design. From the moment I was engaged, they respected and encouraged my input throughout their design which was a big milestone for me. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? I remember my first job out of school, I worked for a large Architectural firm in Sydney. The top female role was a Senior Architect, but above her, there were five male Directors, a male General Manager and four other male Senior Architects. I remember thinking, “Wow, she must be scared to be around all those men.” I never imagined 16 years later that I would be working in an industry where women help high ranking positions. I still feel like we have a little way to go, and I would love to see more Female TPAs or female lead Energy Assessors. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new career paths and see what fits. There is so much to learn in the construction industry.

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Simone Schenkel Title Certified Passive House Designer / Director Company/Organisation Gruen Eco Design

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? Obviously, the last few years have been challenging. But I’m very proud that we managed to get through it all, stronger and better than ever, and we have even been able to double our team since the start of 2020.

Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? I left my full-time job in mid-2013 with big dreams for my business. Only to find out that I was pregnant a week later. We had our first daughter in February 2014 and our second in October 2015.

Recently, one of our Passive Houses was selected to be featured on Channel 9’s Australia’s Best Houses Season 2. The filming took place in February and will air in September.

The first few years, I was working part-time with a few contractors.

However, I think the biggest achievement is finding the amazing and talented humans in our team. They are the ones that make it possible. They help make my vision and mission a reality. They are giving me the space and time to work on the bigger picture, Making energy-efficient and sustainable homes a staple in the Australian landscape. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? Oh, there are so many inspiring women out there. I think it is important to surround yourself with the right kind of people - with others who have done what you want to achieve. Observe, research, study, learn and grow. In 2017 I signed up with my amazing business coach and mentor, Paula Baily. Since then, I’ve been part of a female business group with many inspiring and aspiring business owners. We support each other, cheer each other on when things get tough and help each other to achieve our missions. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? Especially when starting a business, it can be hard to let go. Letting go of control and micromanaging everything. But, at one point, you must start to trust in your team. This starts with giving others your full attention and time, to share your knowledge. Get them involved and excited about your mission. Teach them all you can and give them the tools and the confidence to help them grow. It’s about giving others the opportunity to shine and bring in their expertise.

By mid-2017, I had reached a critical point. I was working a lot, but getting nowhere. And the question was whether to give it all up. Even though I didn’t have the money to pay for it all yet. I decided to get my first employee and an office space. At the same time, I signed up with my amazing business coach, believed in myself and started to work on, and not just in the business. In the beginning, I was good at my job but knew nothing about running a business. I completed lots of courses and read books about marketing, selling, leading teams, and anything business-related. There were lots of things that didn’t quite work. But as my amazing coach says. “There is no failure. Only feedback.” So, when something didn’t work, I kept fine-tuning it and showing up on social media, creating content. Progress rather than perfection. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? Back in 2007, when I came to Australia, my English was still quite bad. I didn’t know anything about the Australian building code or planning regulations when I started my first job. But I had the most amazing colleague. Adam was so patient and supportive. He was always there when I needed him, no matter how silly my questions were. But even more importantly, he believed in me. As a team, we did a lot of personal/professional development back then, and spoke a lot about what it means to be a leader. Back then, we had to do this exercise, where you write down all the things you like/appreciate in the other person and he wrote the most beautiful letter about how much he valued me, how much he believed in me and how impressed he was about my knowledge and passion for passion for sustainable design.

Project: Hempcrete Passive House in Viewbank Photographer: Simone Schenkel

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He thought that one day I would become this great inspirational leader. I still get a warm fuzzy feeling when I think about it. sustainable design. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Believe in yourself! There is nothing you can not achieve if you truly believe in yourself! What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? Back when my kids were little, time was of the essence. I was not able to attend meetings in person due to the travel time. So, I started doing interactive design review meetings with clients via Skype. What started as a necessity has now turned into a core element of our business. Most of our client meetings are run virtually. Same as most of our team meetings and catch-ups. All our projects and data are in the cloud, and all our team has their own laptop. Meaning we can work from anywhere, and there weren’t really any disruptions when Covid hit - giving myself and the team the flexibility to work effectively in a hybrid setting. Where some people live remotely and only come in every now and then, and others come in two to three times per week. This makes it so much easier, especially for the parents in our team. Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? I think I am pretty fortunate in the sense that I have never had a really bad experience in my career. I was always treated with respect in the workforce. Having said that, I have many friends that weren’t that lucky. In all the jobs I have had, there was always a great sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues. Back when I was still an employee, I usually had more male colleagues. Whereas now at Gruen Eco Design, things have turned. We are a team of 16, with three male and 13 female team members.

There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) Yes, there are more women in the workplace. But I still think the construction industry is very male-dominated. As a female, you often have to ‘prove’ your value. I think diversity in a team is so important. How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? When I started out, there was clearly a big difference in what I was earning compared to what my male colleagues were, even with the same experience. I think back then, I didn’t have the confidence to speak up about this. It’s come a long way since then. However, I think there is still a lot to do in terms of gender equality. Especially when it comes to salaries and helping women return to the workforce, particularly after having kids. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? The more diverse the team, the more diverse the knowledge, wisdom and input you can get. I just love our diverse team - we range from mid-20s to mid-60s, all coming from 10 different cultural backgrounds. I think this is what makes us so unique. It also attracts a diverse range of clients with different cultural backgrounds. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Ask for help! You cannot know it all, and you cannot do it all yourself. Be open and proactive and believe in yourself. Go for your dreams.

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02 What’s In

Helen Armstrong Title Owner & Founder Company/Organisation House of Stars

What has been one of the most significant achievements of your career? Havinging a successful career in the construction sector for 30 years is a significant achievement within itself. My nickname, ‘The Energy Lady,’ was given to me by my stakeholders. I hold this distinction in high regard since it properly expresses my spirit and devotion to sustainability. This year marks the 15th anniversary of my home-grown business, House of Stars. Early in my business venture, I was recognised as a multi-award winner in the building industry for my outstanding commitment to and achievements in sustainable developments. For the past 12 years, I’ve had the honour of serving as a Judge on Regional, State and National levels for the most prestigious annual Building & Construction Awards and Building Design Awards, including the NAWIC Crystal Vision Awards. Who inspires you as a female professional and why? Turia Pitt is, without a doubt, my greatest inspiration. She’s the Goddess of every Archetype! To me, she’s an Earth Angel, stoic, confident, and fearless. Turia is dynamic, an intelligent woman, a soul sister to many, a queen, humanitarian, athlete, philanthropist, author, mentor, mumpreneur, ambassador, and the list goes on. I admire and draw strength from these qualities and am inspired by Turia’s courage and adaptability in the face of adversity. How do you inspire others when you are collaborating on a project? To me, collaboration is at the heart of feminine leadership. To truly work with another is to know and understand their skills and attributes and leverage each other to achieve the desired result. My approach is inspirational since I am accustomed to a competitive strategy, where outcomes must empower both sides. Being a female professional, what has been a significant hurdle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? The sexual discrimination and harassment I faced in the early 1990s was exacerbated by the fact that women made up just around 1% of the construction sector at the time. Sexually objectified, nullified and labelled by employees at first as just a PR gimmick for the corporation were commonplace

Project: ‘Multi Award Winning’ Pavilion Lutzow Project Photographer: Real Property Photography.

throughout this tough period. I have overcome my own insecurities once I was able to see the truth behind the discriminatory labels that my peers had placed on me as being as a result of their own fear, ignorance, and cultural traditions. Can you describe a time in which you felt supported by a male colleague? I always feel supported. The most profound moment was during maternity leave with my son, Carter. Employment in whatever manner no longer supported my new goals of juggling work and single motherhood. My Board of Directors, businesses permitted me to use their database to start my own business. This partnership was fantastic since my start- up business strategy was complimentary to theirs and vice versa. What is the most important piece of advice you can give to the next generation of female professionals in your field? Know that you are enough. You deserve to have everything your heart desires. Choosing the road less travelled has its challenges. More difficult is staying on that road when you are constantly confronted with actions and views of individuals who are implicitly predisposed in favour of keeping things as they are now. What has been the most significant change in the last 10 years that has had a positive effect on your career journey? My son Carter, coming of adolescence has had the greatest positive impact on my professional life. I’m thrilled we’ve finally reached this milestone! Society holds heavy, unrealistic expectations of working mothers, and it is easy to take these on without much consideration. I speak honestly about the overwhelm I sometimes felt with running my own company and concurrently caring for a small child on my own. I’ve had to carve out time in my life to manage both roles. Carter has observed me running a successful company, which has instilled in him an especially positive regard for all women. He is a strong young man with great self-esteem, resilience and morality. Like me, he has unwavering values towards his connections with others.

Can you describe a moment in your career in which you felt a real sense of comradery between the male and female colleagues you worked with? The fact that my clients and I share the same goals ensures that we have a strong working relationship on every single engagement. Most recently, I’d conducted an extensive cost-benefit analysis identifying areas of great concern regarding the proposed changes to the NCC 2022 Energy Efficiency Requirements. My comprehensive review was shared with the Queensland Government, the NCC, and ABCB, including the most pro-active Queensland Building Industry Associations. We have been successful in obtaining a review and are awaiting further correspondence. Together, we achieve more. There are more women in the workplace than ever before. What are your thoughts on the degree of diverse representation of these women? (E.g. age, race, religion, economic status, education?) In my 12 years as a Judge, I’ve witnessed a compelling advancement of diverse representation of women in the industry, and it’s nothing shy of phenomenal. It’s refreshing to see that as women step into their power of creation, discrimination dissipates regardless of age, race, gender and economic status.

How far do you feel society has come with advocating gender equality in the workplace since you began your career? When I began working in the building industry in 1992, only 1% of the workforce was female. Statistics indicate a growth since that time to be in the vicinity of 10 – 12%. An increase of this degree over the course of my 30 years is clearly a step forward, yet far less than what I’d anticipated. While society has progressed towards gender equality it is still not far enough. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced of inclusive behaviours in your profession that would encourage others to adopt a more progressive mindset? An ‘inclusive approach to housing’ is simply a home where everyone’s invited! Inclusive Design takes into account the full range of human diversity in terms of ability, culture, and other forms of human difference. It’s also most responsive to the environment, climate, and the changing circumstances of its occupants at all stages of life with little or no need for expensive modifications in the future. Future-proofing our homes benefits the well-being and livelihoods of everyone, particularly our most vulnerable. Among these benefits, businesses have increased their revenue also growing their target markets by including clients currently vulnerable to exclusion.

A brighter future for everyone is supported by inclusive design. On the internet, to consumers who want an all-inclusive home, it’s an arduous task to search for rentals, or property investments that are expressly vital to these vulnerable clientele. THE CALL TO ACTION IS: ‘The advancement of inclusion in the property sector,’ where major real estate websites incorporate key liveable housing design and accessibility features, those of which are listed as refined search filters within their website. A progressive mindset is simply to have, live and work with the core value of inclusivity. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Your too-muchness is a gift; embrace it. Every encounter is an opportunity to grow, heal, and learn. It’s impossible to escape the influence of your ancestors, because you’re the product of their infinite love and wisdom. The exquisite energy you possess makes you beautifully amazing and capable of anything your heart desires.

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Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Sounding good: Acoustics in universal design By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

Each space has unique acoustic properties. Think of a concert hall, for instance. This is a space designed for one specific purpose, where every consideration is made to enhance the acoustic performance of the space. In this context, acoustics is an essential consideration as it affects how successfully the space can fulfil its purpose. The same goes for a cinema, an auditorium, a school hall, as well as many other spaces and their respective purposes. However, the acoustic properties of a space can also be seemingly unrelated to the space’s overall function. This is why acoustic design considerations may sometimes be viewed as optional additions, rather than integral to the way a space facilitates comfort and interaction among its users. Acoustic design can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing, communication and productivity. This has particular consequences in the wider context of universal design. Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible and usable to all people of different ages and abilities over time, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Good acoustic design allows the greatest possible number of people to communicate effectively, enabling them to experience the built environment in comfort.

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Opera House in Oslo. An early winter morning. Photo - Heidi Thon

Certain buildings and spaces require specific acoustic design and specialist advice when acoustic performance is integral to the function of the space. The acoustic performance of other buildings, however, is frequently not considered beyond the minimum statutory requirements. This does not make it any less of an important design consideration. The NCC and Australian Standards outline requirements for quantifiable values, including sound insulation ratings, noise levels and reverberation times, as well as for hearing augmentation systems. Appendix A to AS 2107, for example, includes information on the reverberation times of spaces that are considered to possess good acoustic qualities depending on their function and room volumes. Other considerations can further improve design quality and ensure the acoustics of a space are appropriate for the greatest number of people. Applying universal design to acoustic design involves first assessing the internal room layout, including the volume and shape of the room, and identifying sources of sound and noise according to the use of the space. The likelihood of background noise, for example, may depend on building services, equipment and other people.

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Certain buildings and spaces require specific acoustic design and specialist advice when acoustic performance is integral to the function of the space.

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Methods to isolate, separate and mask these noise sources include dividers, louvres, screening and insulation. It is important to consider, however, that sound insulation will also have inherent thermal insulation properties. Intelligible speech can be promoted by maintaining a direct line of sight from sound sources. Any announcements must be provided with an appropriate volume and pitch. Selecting materials and surface finishes with sound absorption or reflectivity qualities appropriate to the space will help achieve high-quality acoustic design. However, it is useful to remember that an overly absorptive space with reduced reverberation time may seem too quiet and uncomfortable. Similarly, the use of a space may preclude the selection of products with greater sound absorption properties, such as bathrooms, laundries and food preparation areas. Acoustic design choices are made in the context of the location, use and purpose of the space. NATSPEC TECHnote NTN DES 046 Universal Design: Acoustics provides helpful considerations for designers and specifiers. It is available for free online. Within the framework of universal design, appropriate acoustic design allows a space to fulfil its purpose and provide a positive experience to the greatest number of users by improving usability. It is a fundamental part of creating a usable space for everyone.

NATSPEC is a not-for-profit organisation owned by Government and industry. It maintains the National Building Specification and has been a valued part of the Australian construction industry for over 45 years. For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au.

Sydney Opera House reflects on the harbour.

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Design Matters National: So much more than an industry association SUPPORT : EDUCATE : ADVOCATE

WHY CHOOSE DMN? Be supported in your small business - we answer your emails and phone calls Never get left behind - we keep you ahead of the latest industry changes Belong to an active, supportive and innovative professional community - a safe, online chat forum just for Members Be prepared and ready - 7 Stars? Sustainability design techniques? DMN education has you covered

DESIGNMATTERS.ORG.AU

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Cutout: Telling a Story through Design Aiyda Khan, Operations Manager, Cutout

In 1971, Cutout’s Head Designer Graham Kenneday, had just graduated from Swinburne University with a four-year long Diploma of Graphic Design and that, was just the beginning. Now, 50 years later he works alongside his son, Ross Kenneday, to create laser-cut screens, signs and art commissions that focus on the design with an aim to go international. Rather than a repetitive pattern or generic house signs, Cutout aims to connect with owners keen to promote special natural aspects of their properties.

Above: Graham and Ross Kenneday, father and son duo changing how the laser cutting industry designs. Below: St. Francis Xavier Primary School’s feature Bird panels installed to block out the sun and educate the young minds.

A fresh graduate in the 70s, Graham’s first supervisor, a leading designer who handpicked him for a project, will always be one of his biggest inspirations to think fresh and delve deep, never just scratch at the surface. An ideology he prides in having passed on to his son at the right time, for the right reasons. Ross’ business journey began out of a need to assist with Graham’s business which lead to Ross obsessively reading. Graham believes his passion for design runs back to his school days and if he had to pin it to a single moment, it would be the day he was gifted a large print paper pack by a family friend. A few years later, it was his vocational teacher that discussed the difference in Graham’s plumbing and art grades with his father only to convey that he could be a teacher with his skills. In the not very distant future, he met his wife, who aided the process of his design journey while also playing a significant role in Ross’ journey. Graham’s training according to him, “labels me as a dinosaur”, a time of set squares and tee squares and paste up. Fortunate to have had training in areas of type design, illustration, and photography, by those who were the best in their fields, Graham’s ongoing passion for design has been nurtured alongside the appreciation of what can be accomplished with good design. Over the years, he has been fortunate to have worked with Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, and a host of local councils! After having spent several years in advertising, appreciating the power its influence has and just how well it could be used in the right hands, Graham opened a studio with the aim of working with organisations who are making a difference through their work, such as the Salvation Army, Foster Parents

Plan and then the Fitzroy Aboriginal community. His father’s vision was fulfilled, Graham finally taught the production process of newspapers and brochures, as well as educational photography seminars at Camp Jungai at Healesville. To now, Cutout’s Head Designer and Co-founder, Graham says, “it is a privilege to be part of the Cutout team and importantly realising my greatest passion, environmental design.” After many years in design, he began Gardens of Steel for Leah. Following his footsteps, after many years as a chef, Ross started Cutout. Both companies began out of a need to improve the quality of products and customer experiences. Ross’s inspiration has been impacted by business leaders such as Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, who at every stage have had the mindset of ‘We can do it, just need to decide How’ which he has implemented. The product design has been managed by the fatherson duo over the last decade and the focus more recently has shifted to educating people and improving the world with a story. At the start of Cutout, the aim was to create something different, not continue the cycle of mediocre design that lacks meaning and purpose. Cutout Environmental will provide the opportunity for Cutout to make an impact in more ways than just design. The ability to connect with owners that would eagerly promote special natural aspects of their properties, to revegetate, to grow the trees that are indigenous to specific regions and to give back to organisations that are working towards the same cause. Cutout Environmental will look at entire ecosystems, an approach deeply embedded in our work. Cutout Environmental and the upcoming projects will depict a host of invertebrate species through to mammals, birds and plants that often don’t often have their story told. A great interest in conservation on private land, wetlands, valuable wildlife corridors and particular plant and animal species present. The emotional connection and drive that Ross had towards Cutout is the reason behind Cutout’s growth and success so far which according to him is just the beginning. With the same drive and connection to nature is what he aims to do to propel Cutout Environmental.

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03 What’s On An inspiring series of our most recent and popular educational webinars available for download in the e:store. Go behind the scenes of the Dexamenes Seaside Hotel with K-Studio, learn about Nic Graham’s world renowned hotel interior design collection and watch Jeremy Spencer explain the secrets of detailing to ensure projects meet NatHERS requirements.

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Professional Development

An Introduction to National Residential Scorecard

Behind the Scenes With K-Studio

Description: An introduction to the National Residential Scorecard will include an overview; information on training and accreditation, and an introduction to the National Residential Scorecard tool.

Description: Developed by Athens architecture practice K-STUDIO, Dexamenes was named Ultimate Winner of the 2021 AHEAD Global awards. K-STUDIO is a design practice rooted in Architecture with a creative studio of 60 architects and interior designers based in central Athens.

Speaker: David Craven

Speaker: Dimitris Karampatakis

Bio: David is a senior policy officer with the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) where he is a member of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard team, with responsibility for market development nationally. A registered architect, David has worked with energy efficiency and sustainable buildings rating systems for the last two decades, in a range of rolls spanning the public, private and not-for-profit sector, including positions with Sustainability Victoria and the Green Building Councils of Australia and New Zealand.

Bio: Co-founder and director of Greek architecture and design firm K-Studio, Dimitris began his career while completing his studies at the Bartlett School of Architecture. These early works brought him back to Athens and over the following years, in partnership with his brother Konstantinos, the studio took shape and began to build a reputation for a totally context-based approach to design.

K-Studio is now an award-winning practice with projects across the globe, an international staff of architects, designers and administrators, and a halo of collaborators and consultants. As creative director, Dimitris believes that growth, especially in the current European climate, relies on flexibility, open-mindedness and above all, team spirit. Register: https://bit.ly/3tFihGV

03 What’s On Behind the Scenes with K-Studio: Dexamenes Kourouta, Greece. Photographer: Claus Brechenmacher & Reiner Baumann.

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Using Passive Solar Design Principles Now and in the Future

Design Narratives in Hotels: Enhancing Guest Experience

Description: Griff will share his extensive knowledge of Passive Solar Design (PSD) principles, understanding the interaction and interrelationship between the climate, building materials (lightweight and heavyweight materials), orientation of the building, insulation, air flow, glazing and shading.

Description: Join internationally renowned Interior Architect Nic Graham on a journey of discovering some of the most incredible hotel designs in the world. A once in a lifetime opportunity of inspiration and visual genius.

Speaker: Griff Morris

Bio: Creative director specializing in restaurants, hotels and high end residential projects in Australasia.

Bio: A strong believer in thinking globally and acting locally, Griff’s interest in the health and wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants is expressed through his leading-edge design principles and makes him one of the industry’s leading authorities on sustainable passive solar design. Griff has been designing smarter sustainable homes to suit every budget since 1991. Register: https://bit.ly/3Ct1Y3W

Speaker: Nic Graham

W Hotel Brisbane, by Nic Graham and Associates. Photographer: Justin Alexander.

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Decarbonising Design Description: Join Richard Haynes and Maryia Perthen from e-Tool Global to learn about construction sector emissions, carbon measurement standards, and available technology solutions as well as a demonstration on how to optimise the lifecycle impacts of a design using RapidLCA. Speakers: Richard Haynes & Maryia Perthen Richard Haynes Cofounder and CoCEO, Product Manager

Maryia Perthen, Business Development Manager, eTool

Richard is an engineer with over 20 years of experience in consulting, management and software design. His experience spans multiple sectors including mining, electricity utilities, renewable energy and construction. He is passionate about the environment and continuous improvement. His real journey towards co-founding eTool started back in 2008 on a week-long expedition across a remote Canadian icecap. He saw firsthand the damaging effects of climate change on the glaciers and made a personal promise to dedicate what talents he had to reduce global warming.

Maryia is an electrical engineer and business development manager at eTool - an Australian company whose aim is to help people design and build better buildings. During her studies in Germany, she chose the environmental path and has been working in the industries providing renewable energy and electric vehicles. After moving to Australia, she dedicated her work to make the construction industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Since then, Richard has been the driving force behind software development, bringing eToolLCD market and making sure it leads the construction sector towards a low carbon future. Outside of work Rich is a proud and active father of three boys who he is slowly introducing to the wilderness. He’s looking forward to them accompanying him more on his trekking, climbing, biking, and backcountry skiing adventures where he’s been most moved by nature.

03 What’s On Sustainable house model - Powerhouse Museum.

Off-Grid Living: Sustainable House Tour Description: I’ll help you go off-grid, or partly off-grid, too. We can all live a sustainable life. Cut your bills, reduce your pollution and get healthy with local food you grow or buy. See the energy, water, recycled water and food systems at Sydney’s Sustainable House that has operated since 1996. Speaker: Michael Mobbs - Michael Mobbs Sustainable Projects Michael Mobbs is a Sydney-based author and environmental consultant. He graduated from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Laws in 1975 and then worked as an environmental lawyer for 19 years. Through this work he developed an interest in sustainability. Mobbs served as an Independent Alderman on the City of Sydney Council from 1985–1987. In the 1990s Mobbs converted his Chippendale home into a more sustainable house by modifying the water, energy and waste systems. Register: https://bit.ly/3Ko93p3

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How to detail plans so the builder builds it to perform: Part 1

How to detail plans so the builder builds it to perform: Part 2

Description: The first webinar in a two-part series looking at what you need to put on your plans to achieve a performance outcome, by Jeremy Spencer of Positive Footprints sustainable design and construction.

Description: In this second part of the two-part series, ‘How to detail plans to ensure builders build it to perform’, builder, energy rater and director of Positive Footprints Sustainable Design and Construction Jeremy Spencer, look, at what to put on plans to achieve a performance outcome. It goes over the construction assumptions inherent in the NatHERS system and suggests details designers should add to plans so the building meets House Energy Rating report thermal requirements, and performs on the ground as it should.

Speaker: Jeremy Spencer For almost 20 years, Jeremy has been a registered builder, energy rater and director at the design and build company Positive Footprints. Positive Footprints has won multiple awards for sustainability from Design Matters National, MBAV, HIA, and the National Sustainability Awards for which he is now a judge. His company has worked to show that energy-efficient sustainable design and Net-Zero homes are a costeffective option and can be a mainstream reality. Jeremy is the founding member of Builders Declare, and group dedicated to raising the standard of building practice, and currently sits on the Design Matters National Board, the Sustainability TASC, and the NatHERS Stakeholder Consultative Group. Register: https://bit.ly/35zZowU

Speaker: Jeremy Spencer Register: https://bit.ly/3IRozJE

03 What’s On Create a Healthy Garden: Habitat For Local Wildlife and More Description: Learn how to create a healthy garden that not only creates habitat for local wildlife but also provides: • • • •

Food Tea Medicine Other resources for your household.

Learn how to recognise and encourage: Beneficial insects, with a range of flowering plants that will entice them in Best plants for insect attraction Plants for sun as well as shade Speaker: Karen Sutherland Bio: Karen Sutherland has 35 years of professional horticulture experience and is skilled in design, consulting, speaking, teaching and writing. She focuses on edible and useful plants in her business, Edible Eden Design. She has over ten years’ experience with growing and using native food plants; installing bush food gardens for schools and community groups; teaching workshops and writing on her favourite topic. She is a published award-winning co-author of ‘Tomato, Know, Sow, Grow, Feast’ and contributes regularly to ABC Organic Gardener magazine and Green magazine. She is also heard regularly on garden radio programs. Register: https://bit.ly/3sNujhZ

Introduction to Water Damage, Mould and Health Description: Avoid being sued, going bankrupt or having your business destroyed through common misunderstandings about mould. In this Introduction to Water Damage, Mould and Health, Lucinda shares insights from her training and many years in the field assessing buildings so that you can begin to integrate this understanding into your work. Speaker: Lucinda Curran Lucinda Curran is an experienced Indoor Environmental Health Consultant with a background in building biology, health sciences and education, specialising in the ways that buildings can adversely affect health and vitality. Lucinda has been an active committee member for ASBB, IAQA (Australian Chapter) and The LEAD Group. She has also presented training nationally for AIBS, lectured at ACES and hosted the Environmental Sensitivities Symposium. Lucinda was invited to speak at national and international conferences, including AIBS, BOINZ and A5M. She has created practical, empowering online courses that tackle the nexus where our built environments and our health merge. Register: https://bit.ly/3Ck60LK

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Q1:22

A packed calendar of events from April to June. Awareness of NCC requirements and condensation, how to manage and administer standard form building contracts, pathways to achieving carbon neutrality, a VBA pre-registration course for Building Designers, and more!

03 What’s On Hobart Tasmania.

13.04.22

07.05.22

Event Series: Professional Development Title: Awareness of NCC Requirements: Condensation Date: Wednesday 13 April 2022 Time: 10AM - 2PM AEST Location: Wrest Point Sandy Bay, Hobart, TAS Cost: $75.00 Register: https://bit.ly/35nb3z1 Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 6 Presenter: Mark Dewsbury, University of Tasmania, utas.edu.au

Event Series: Professional Development Title: Contract Administration Workshop Date: Saturday 7 May 2022 (07.05.22) Time: 8:30AM AEST / 6:30AM AWST Location: Online Cost: $500.00 Register: https://bit.ly/3KiGIAx Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 4 Presenter: Geoff Hoare, Graaph Design, graaph.com.au

Content: Join us as Mark Dewsbury, with over 30 years’ expertise, speaks about resolving the issue of condensation in the Tasmanian climate. This seminar will provide you with practical application, principles for new buildings, challenges for fixing existing buildings, ventilation; guidance on best practice methods to minimise design and construction based risk; sustainable product solutions; and more.

Content: Presented by Geoff Hoare for Building Designers who are interested in confidently offering Contract Administration as an add-on service. Learn to manage and administer standard form building contracts. Develop an administrative and reporting system to manage a building contract on behalf of a client.

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09.05.22

12.05.22

Event Series: Professional Development Title: Pathways to Achieving Carbon Neutrality Date: Monday 9 May 2022 (09.05.22) Time: 12PM AEST / 10PAM AWST Location: Online Cost: $88.00 Register: https://bit.ly/35s6sf8 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Danielle King, Green Moves Australia, http://www.greenmoves.com.au

Event Series: Professional Development Title: HERO Introductory Workshop Date: Thursday 12 May 2022 (12.05.22) Time: 10AM AEST / 8AM AWST Location: Online Cost: $400.00 Register: https://bit.ly/34ecPSq Duration: 5 hours CPD points: 9 Presenter: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy, graham.energy & Nick Bishop, HERO Software, blog.hero-software.com.au

Content: Join Danielle King from Green Moves Australia as she explores the options, costs and what’s involved with making your business carbon neutral or net zero.

Content: Join subject matter expert Matthew Graham and HERO developer Nick Bishop in an intensive workshop tailored for those using or considering using HERO. Learn how to use this software with proficiency through technical guidance.

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19.05.22

24.05.22

09.06.22

Event Series: Professional Development Title: FirstRate5 Introductory Workshop Date: Thursday 19 May 2022 (19.05.22) Time: 10AM AEST / 8AM AWST Location: Online Cost: $400.00 Register: https://bit.ly/3sJGWuE Duration: 5 hours CPD points: 9 Presenter: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy, graham.energy

Event Series: Professional Development Title: Building Practitioner Pre-Registration Course for VBA Date: Friday 24 May 2022 (24.05.22) Time: 6PM AEST / 4PM AWST Location: Online Cost: Register: https://bit.ly/3hEDn2j Duration: 2 hours CPD points: 2 Presenter: Geoff Hoare, Graaph Design, graaph.com.au

Event Series: Professional Development Title: FirstRate5 Intermediate Workshop Date: Thursday 9 June 2022 (09.06.22) Time: 10PM AEST / 8PM AWST Location: Online Cost: $320.00 Register: https://bit.ly/3KlBiEG Duration: 2.5 hours CPD points: 4 Presenter: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy, graham.energy

Content: Upskill and better understand how to use FirstRate5 v5.31 in conjunction with the NatHERS Technical Note (June 2019). This interactive session provides consolidation of the basics of the software.

Content: This course is aimed at those Building Designers who plan to seek registration with the Victorian Building Authority either now or in the near future. It covers a broad range of relevant matters, including the legislative requirements for registration under the Building Act, the role of the VBA, the current registration process, dispelling the myths of registration and why and when you need to be registered as a building practitioner, and more.

Content: This four-hour workshop is tailored for those using FirstRate5 v5.3. This follow-up to the introductory workshop covers additional modelling topics, including your next-door neighbour, how to work smarter, to zone or not to zone, analytics tab, and more.

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Welcome to the 2022 Building Design Awards VIC Building Design of the Year Wade Stephens, Rachcoff Vella Architecture Silver Linings

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‘Every year, I am excited to see the design excellence being produced by our Members, as they participate in our Annual Awards! I can’t wait for Members to be recognised for the quality of their projects, and for the difference their work makes to their communities, around the country.’ - Ingrid Hornung, President

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Why the Awards matter With resources often stretched, putting yourself forward for awards is not always the top of the agenda however, there are at least five key reasons why entering the Design Matters National Building Design Awards is good for your business:

The location of a project - not the Building Designer - determines which State Awards a project is entered into. For example, if a Victorian-based building designer enters a project located in NSW, the project will be judged as part of the NSW State Awards.

1 Entering the Awards acts as a third-party endorsement for your business and a sign of professional quality for your clients. It’s a great way of differentiating your company from your competitors. 2 Entering the Awards is an inexpensive way of getting national PR and marketing in every state and territory of Australia. 3 The Awards provide a platform for sharing your story. 4 The Awards enable you to benchmark your work against your competitors. 5 It’s not just the winning that counts! The Awards put all building designers on the map, and let the world know who Australia’s best building designers are. They also recognise the hard work and achievements of your employees, so winning can help boost your staff morale.

Special Awards 2022

Award winners receive recognition among their peers at the Awards ceremony (in person or online); local profile at the Melbourne and Perth Home Shows; and nation-wide profile via print, broadcast and social platforms as well as designmatters.org.au. Media coverage will be sought out by DMN, but no guarantees can be given. A media article will be prepared by DMN’s nominated media consultant for use by DMN and by the entrant in their own promotional activities. Editorial comments on, and photographic display of projects entered, will be at the discretion of media and DMN. Whilst DMN aims to feature entrant’s work accurately, no responsibility can be taken for a discrepancy error, omission or misrepresentation of any entry in any media report.

Eligibility • Entrants must be a Building Designer Member of Design Matters National. • Project(s) must have achieved occupancy permit by the closing date and within the last three years. • Projects have not been entered into the Awards previously.

People’s Choice Award Past Presidents’ Award Building Design of the Year

Residential Awards New House Up to $300K Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is up to $300K including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. New House $300,001 - $500K Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is between $300,001 - $500K including GST; and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. New House $500,001 - $750K Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is between $500,001 - $750K including GST; and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. New House $750,001 - $1M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is between $750,001 - $1M including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. New House $1,000,001 - $2M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is between $1,000,001 - $2M including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs.

King Albert. WA 2021 winner

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New House $2,000,001 - $3M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is between $2,000,001 - $3M including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. New House Over $3M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. Construction cost is over $3M including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. Dual Occupancy Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate considered design for the future; and demonstrate the benefits of urban consolidation. Entries must comprise 2 dwellings on a single lot. Multi-Residential up to $6M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate considered design for the future; and demonstrate the benefits of urban consolidation. Entries must be Class 1 or 2 buildings and consist of 3 or more dwellings to be eligible. Construction cost is up to $6M. Multi-Residential over $6M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate considered design for the future; and demonstrate the benefits of urban consolidation. Entries must be Class 1 or 2 buildings and consist of 3 or more dwellings to be eligible. Construction cost is over $6M. Alterations & Additions up to $350K Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. They must differentiate between the pre‐existing conditions and the alteration/addition. Construction cost is up to $350K including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. Alterations & Additions $350,001 - $800K Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. They must differentiate between the pre‐existing conditions and the alteration/addition. Construction cost is between $350,001 $800K including GST; and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs.

Residential Alterations & Additions over $800K Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. They must differentiate between the pre‐existing conditions and the alteration/addition. Construction cost is over $800K including GST and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping costs. Small Home 150sqm Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate considered design for the future. Entries must be a single dwelling less than 150sqm on a single lot; 150 sqm is excluding the area of any garage, deck, etc. A dwelling on a multi‐residential development is not permissible. Heritage Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence; and must involve an existing dwelling that is either: included in the Register of the National Estate; and/or registered with Heritage Victoria/Western Australia or equivalent; and/or listed with the National Trust; and/or subject to a planning scheme heritage overlay. Interior Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence and innovation in the design of the interiors. Bathroom Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence and innovation in the design of the bathroom. Kitchen Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence and innovation in the design of the kitchen. Small Works Project Entries must demonstrate design excellence; and must be small structures which, when viewed as stand‐alone elements, exhibit originality, inventiveness, and design skill. Such structures may include garages/carports, pergolas, decks, fences, letterboxes, cubby houses, pool facilities, woodsheds, dog kennels and other pet houses, etc.

Montgomery House Vic winner

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Environmentally Sustainable Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate a considered design for the future. In addition, entries in this category must demonstrate that various aspects of sustainability have been combined in a cohesive and innovative fashion to achieve a low environmental impact; the entry must be supported by relevant technical information: • Energy rating by an accredited assessor • Greenhouse gas assessment (if using BERS Pro) • BESS/STEPS report (including STORM WSUD), or equivalent Specify the building area • Passive solar design/thermal modelling • Successful re‐use of second‐hand materials • Successful re‐use of recycled materials • Successful use of build waste management Embodied energy • Operational energy indoor air quality • Summary of site‐specific climate conditions • Schedule of materials – to identify recycled materials, materials sources, low WOC board products, coatings, etc. • Summary of energy efficiency systems employed (e.g. energy-saving appliances, lighting, power generation)

West Carr & Harvey Alla DeLion Studiomint, Victoria, Photography: Spacecraft Media

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Non-Residential Awards New Commercial up to $2M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate considered design for the future. Entries must be a Class 3-9 building to be eligible. Construction cost is up to $2M including GST; and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping cost. New Commercial over $2M Entries must demonstrate design excellence, and demonstrate considered design for the future. Entries must be a Class 3-9 building to be eligible. Construction cost is greater than $2M including GST; and should portray a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. This should exclude landscaping cost. Commercial Interior Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence and innovation in the design of the interiors. Entries must be a Class 3-9 building to be eligible. Commercial Heritage Design Entries must demonstrate design excellence; and must be an existing Class 3-9 building that is either: included in the Register of the National Estate; and/or registered with Heritage Victoria/Western Australia or equivalent; and/or listed with the National Trust; and/or subject to a planning scheme heritage overlay.

Excellence use of Steel Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of steel in the design solution.

How does this building enhance human health and connection, biodiversity, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions?

Excellence use of Glass Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of glass in the design solution.

For example: • Orientation and solar control • Durable and low-embodied energy materials • Minimisation of waste to landfill • Small building footprint • Water conservation/stormwater abatement • Onsite or local renewable energy • Contribution/connection to neighbourhood

Excellence use of Bricks Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of bricks in the design solution. Excellence use of Timber Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of timber in the design solution. Excellence use of Concrete Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of concrete in the design solution. Excellence use of Lightweight Materials Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of lightweight materials in the design solution. Excellence use of Recycled Materials Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of recycled materials in the design solution. Excellence in Documentation Entries must recognise an individual’s excellence in documentation of the building scope for the purpose of costing, construction, and permit requirements through the preparation of outstanding documentation for the nominated project.

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Materials Excellence Awards

How do building occupants experience the building now, and how might it accommodate them in the future? For example: • Quality and functionality of design elements • Surprises and delights for the client • Thermal comfort • Energy and water bills • Climate safe spaces • Liveability/ adaptability across the lifespan

Key Dates Entries Open: Monday 21 March Entries Close: Thursday 30 June

Judging Criteria Judges will critique each entry on how well it satisfies each criterion. What is the story behind your design solution? For example: • Inspirations • Opportunities and constraints arising from the brief and the site context • The evolution of the brief – in your own mind and your client’s • Challenges, and how did you meet them

How to Enter Members must submit their entry via the online portal: https://designmattersnational.awardsplatform.com/ No other method of lodgement will be accepted. Each project entered will attract a fee of $500.00 (ex. GST).

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Name: Alex Willis Title: Design Manager Company: Willis Design Group P/L Name: Jim Woolcock Title: Director Business: SUHO Name: Keira Nicholson Title: Building Designer & LHA Assessor Company: Collective Design Agency Name: Ross MacKinnon Title: Director & Principal Company: MacKinnon Design Name: Wen-Chi Tseng Title: Director Company: Arc T-Lab

Spend five minutes with five Members from around Australia. Gain some insight on the projects that they are working on, the challenges they have overcome, and why they became a Design Matters National Member.

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01 Project Matters Izabela Katafoni, Creative Director, Studio Origami Architects, Darlington, WA. studioorigamiarchitects.com Marco Zicarelli, Building Design Graduate, Projeto Design Solutions, Melbourne, Vic. The Port mzicarelli.myportfolio.com Authority Building (Dutch: Havenhuis), or the Port House, is a government building located in Antwerp, Gracinda Belgium, Gomes-Franklin, built between 2009 and 2016. It is located Managing near the Director area of & Owner, Eilandje, in the Port of Antwerp, Speedy and acts Gomez as the Design, new headquarters of the Antwerp Cairns, Port Authority, QLD. housing various departments. Designed speedygomez.com.au by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, the building opened in 2016, the year of her death. Nicole McBain, McBain Design, Kyneton, Vic. mcbaindesign.com.au

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What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project? A split level house on a sloping block adjoining a State forest, to BAL 40 requirements on a P class site and applying lightweight framing construction, using the topography of the site.

South Fremantle, South Street project – Commercial, value $1million. This was a derelict building. Having seen better days, this one hundred years old consisting of shops and an adjoining house, it was in a terrible run-down and dilapidated condition. There was graffiti on all the walls, squatters and it was uninsurable. On behalf of the owners, my task was to bring this What is/are your favourite project/s you building to today’s standards, better still to have worked on and why? be in use. I was the heritage expert, There were two: managing all the assessments and writing of reports. I also successfully processed this The Mount Lawley three storey mixed through the local authority heritage and use development; value $5million. planning departments in a very quick time. A highly complex building design project that Now the build is complete, the outcome is had everything. Not only was it a heritage remarkable. Better still, the owner and project but also including a liquor shop, builder faithfully followed my directions not restaurant, two offices and eight only through the documentation but also apartments. There were eighteen from site meetings. consultants from lift specialists, acoustic, civil, fire aside from the usual structural, mechanical; and electrical. In addition to all the design, documentation 3D, I was the heritage specialist. I would go to the site almost every week addressing any questions. Often I would witness anything up to fifty trades on site; it was a fast build time of eleven months. Construction included: tilt-up, masonry brick, lightweight wall and floor, suspended concrete, lightweight roof; all apartments included a mezzanine floor. It was an exciting project.

Name: Alex Willis Title: Design Manager Company: Willis Design Group P/L

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Above: The Pantheon, Rome. Right: Library and Learning Centre, Zaha Hadid Architects.

Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? 1. Passion 2) Be prepared to move sideways in your career 3) Always learn something new 4) Get out and about – look at buildings not only their materiality but also form. 5) Travel heaps – understand how buildings and urban spaces work together or not. 6) Understand your opinion will change over time. Why did you join Design Matters National? I joined because it is a nationwide group of people, the Professional Development activities and seminars, and the ideas and comments on the Facebook group.

In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about? Other member practices, such as type of work, where and experiences. What is your favourite finish or feature? Recycled brick

04 Who’s Who

To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it? This was a project located in the sand dunes. However, we had no idea how we were to obtain views of the ocean, the dunes, trees obscured much. To resolve this, I used a drone, not easy on a sloping, sandy, deeply wooded site. Together with the surveyor and drone specialist, I was able to photograph at different levels. From there, I was able to set my floors, allowing for eye-level observation. The outcome, a beachcomber style, lightweight framed house, is set high upon steel posts. I was able to verify the floor heights using the drone on a subsequent visit; after all, a $1 million house was at stake!

What is your favourite architectural style? Heritage complimented by the contemporary What is your favourite Australian building? St Georges Cathedral, Cadogan Song School, Church House, City of Perth designed by Palssis Architects. An absolute beautiful looking building – sheer artistry. What is your favourite international building? The Pantheon, Rome, simply because it has an un-reinforced dome, where the aggregate mix diminishes in size as it reaches the artistic ocular - truly remarkable engineering Which designer currently inspires your work? There are many out there, such as: Kerry Hill Architects; Zaha Hadid – extraordinary places; Glen Murcutt and Robin Boyd – too vast a topic of conversation.

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Name: Jim Woolcock Title: Director Business: SUHO

Why did you join Design Matters National? Design Matters National is the best NatHERS Assessor Accrediting Organisation (AAO). I have been a member of the technical committee for a number of years and have been impressed with the DMN management as they have focused on supporting and improving the skills of thermal performance assessors. SUHO joined Design Matters National as a designing member to take advantage of the proforma documentation when we started our in-house studio. To date, what has been your biggest business challenge and how did you overcome it? Getting the building industry to recognise the benefits of assessor accreditation is an ongoing problem. Currently, anyone can use the software and start assessing buildings, even without accreditation. As with many technical professions, it takes time and effort to build up the needed skills to assess buildings correctly. This is an ongoing challenge. Why did you become a thermal performance assessor (TPA)? Modelling buildings enables issues to be fixed before they are set in concrete (quite literally)... I believe all buildings should be energy positive and comfortable to live and work in. This is the goal of Thermal Performance Assessor’s - we model buildings to identify and address issues and use that knowledge to inform our clients of ways they can improve the performance of their buildings.

What is your favourite software tool? AccuRate - it is the most flexible tool because it has all the possible variables available. Pity it has such a terrible user interface... I’m looking at you CSIRO. How has thermal performance assessing (Energy Rating) and energy efficiency changed over the years? Overall, it has become a lot more structured. This is because assessor procedures are set for all TPA’s rather than being open for the interpretation of individual assessors. There has also been some stringency creep with changes to the software engine increasing the stringency of the star rating requirements. You have been on the TAC for TPAs for a few years now, why did you join? I am interested in advancing our profession and people’s understanding of what we do. There is lots to be done in order to get recognised in the building industry. It would be great for us to be registered building practitioners. Do you have any words of wisdom for students wanting to be part of or who is currently working in your profession? Firstly, get a good understanding of building physics. You need an understanding of physics in order to know what to look for when you want to improve a building. I recommend Introduction to Architectural Science by Steven Szokolay, a good introduction to building physics for TPA’s.

What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project? Hubble launched in 2020 as a start-up in Adelaide’s Technical Hub, Lot 14. The aim of Hubble is to allow anyone to understand the thermal performance of a building and how it relates to cost, energy efficiency and comfort. I am providing my years of experience in building modelling, and the Hubble team is feeding that into an AI engine to create the new tool.

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Right: Bosco Verticale, Milan designed by Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca and Giovanni La Varra

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What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project? We currently have a few residential renovations and commercial developments underway. I work closely with clients guiding the design with communication, codes interpretation and honest responses. I like to assist clients in understanding any limits to their building to create their designs together. Allowing their input from initial design concepts with renovations, we work closely with Builders who have clear and open communication for the owners to have a close working team to help them achieve budget and improved liveability. What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why? I have enjoyed projects that push my comfort zone, multiple code interpretation and problem-solving, medical fit-outs, renovations for existing commercial buildings, social housing, and projects focusing on access solutions. To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest business challenge was realising it all started with me. I had to look after myself both physically and mentally; otherwise, how could I excel at creating unique spaces for others. Learning to back myself first, see the skills and abilities I have, and rediscover why I love this industry.

Name: Keira Nicholson Title: Building Designer & LHA Assessor Company: Collective Design Agency

Trusting my skills knowledge and realising we are unique exactly as we are and how we do what we do. Understanding some of my biggest hills to climb were there to help level me up to new versions of myself. With the design, the biggest challenge is following my instincts and redirecting clients to someone they align with if we do not click. Some clients challenge my communication skills and have unrealistic budgets and expectations. Also, trust my interpretation for initial concepts and not second guess myself. Because when I do and spend too much time re-changing the design, clients often change plans back to the initial concept.

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Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? Go out on-site to see the construction process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there are no stupid questions, just bad teachers. Don’t be afraid of failure. Dust yourself off and take a step. Create a network, don’t be afraid to connect with others in this industry. Celebrate and learn from the wealth of knowledge in this industry. Why did you join Design Matters National? I enjoy seeing and supporting other designers. There are some insanely talented people in this community. In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about? It would be great to learn more about updates in Codes and regulations, programs and legal support. What is your favourite finish or feature? The use of wood in a design. Wood adds depth, warmth and is versatile both as a dominant and architectural feature. What is your favourite architectural style? I have fallen for the Scandinavian inspired designs for residential. And for commercials, my favourite buildings intrigue, challenge or inspire me either by form, internal environment, or materials regardless of style. What is your favourite Australian building? WA Museum Boola Bardip. Bold clean lines direct focus to the existing red brick heritage building retained. What is your favourite international building? Antoni Gaudi House of bones. Strong dominating external façade and fluid whimsical curves of the interior, it is art in structure. Which designer currently inspires your work? I don’t have any one designer who inspires my work. When I attend places or see works that call out to me, I must investigate. If it inspires or intrigues me, I research the building elements or spend time touching, staring, and taking photos.

Right: Casa Batlló in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí.

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Name: Ross MacKinnon Title: Director & Principal Company: MacKinnon Design

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What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project? We are currently working on a project called ‘Rivercabin’ on the banks of the Delatite River and at the foothills of both Mt Buller and Mt Timbertop in the Victorian High Country. We are bringing to the project a sensitivity of the landscape, being on the Delatite River. Our design response encapsulates a butterfly roof form which is reflective of the deep gorge chasm land profile. The project is extending on an existing 2-storey attic style tiny house and is contrasted with a modern cantilevered concrete room additional encased in glass and galvanised corrugated steel walls and roof.

What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why? Our favourite project is the Eastern Innovation Business Centre (EIBC) Small Business Incubator and Innovation Hub located in Mulgrave and completed for the City of Monash in 2015. The project entailed writing the RDAF grant creating the vision, feasibility study, design response, project management, steering group committee and incorporated science-led innovation technologies alongside Monash University. The project included integrated water cycle management ‘IWCM’ innovative vertical biofilter garden system to treat greywater and stormwater from the EIBC building and surrounding landscape.

Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? To harness and master their creativity and visions through the use of freehand drawings before applying them to their computer modelling. Why did you join Design Matters National? To be a part of the building design community for direct contribution and professional development through the Design Matters network.

What is your favourite finish or feature? Galvanised corrugated steel sheet for roof and wall cladding. What is your favourite architectural style? The wool shed vernacular in the Australian landscape.

04 Who’s Who

To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it? A client’s brief expressed the requirement to select and detail the project with non-toxic, chemical-free environmental building materials in a house renovation project in Euroa. This project also required the use of low embodied energy considering the life cycle analysis of the building materials.

What is your favourite Australian building? The Opera House for its complexity in detail, its beauty and its engineering prowess. What is your favourite international building? Basilica de la Sagranda Familia by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona. Which designer currently inspires your work? Glenn Murcutt

In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about? A focus on renewables, energy systems and environmental products applied to contemporary building design. Below: Sydney Opera House, designed by Jørn Utzon.

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What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project? I am working on a mix-use building, four-unit ground dwellings, seven-unit terrace houses, two restaurants renovations, a nail salon fit-out, and a few renovation residential projects. What is/are your favourite project/s you have worked on and why? My favourite project is mix-use building in the practice. I think it is interesting to design a complex building, and it is challenge too.

To date, what has been your biggest business/design challenge and how did you overcome it? The biggest business challenge is to manage the projects according to the project schedule. We do project stages to track each project’s working time. Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? Keep working hard and ask if unsure. Be confident and do your best. Be humble to learn from a leader.

Name: Wen-Chi Tseng Title: Director Company: Arc T-Lab

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Above: The double-helix staircase is made with slick concrete.

What is your favourite architectural style? Deconstructivism favourite architectural style.

In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about? Critical thinking, workplace management skills

What is your favourite Australian building? Sydney Opera house.

What is your favourite finish or feature? My favourite floor finish is raw concrete, external wall feature is timber cladding corporate with steel frame.

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Why did you join Design Matters National? To expend the networking in the industry and explore the design ideas.

What is your favourite international building? La Sagrada Familia Which designer currently inspires your work? Tadao Ando architect

Keep working hard and ask if unsure. Be confident and do your best. Be humble to learn from a leader.

Above: Concrete helical staircases that twist around the centre of the He Art Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando.

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true zero carbon challenge Design a custom three bedroom plus study home that produces more power than it uses over a year, calculates the embodied carbon in materials and, the home must repay its entire carbon debt by 2050, the year of net-zero housing.

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The home will be a minimum of 7 stars and projects will be judged on aesthetics, functionality, passive solar design elements, material choices, and minimisation of broader sustainability objectives. This competition is like no other and will give participants a tremendous advantage when the 7 star Whole of Home energy efficiency rating is introduced under the new National Construction Code 2022. The True Zero Challenge will pave the way for building designers and energy assessors to be publicly recognised, in particular by consumers, industry, government, and home builders, for their incredible skillsets to design homes of the future.

The Footprint Company The Footprint Company is an Australian business providing streamlined, easy to use, designer specific tools to help Architects and Designers lower the embodied carbon in their designs. Their products enable you to research, benchmark and compare embodied carbon for building materials. The GreenBook is a product research tool listing over 3,000 building materials along with proprietary generic assemblies and benchmarks. The Footprint Calculator is a Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to help you set embodied carbon targets from project inception and quickly analyse, amend and summarise results. These platforms are web accessible 24/7 or can even integrate directly into 3D modelling. All entrants will receive a complimentary licence to use The Footprint Company’s online Calculator for the period of the competition.

Sustainability Victoria Sustainability Victoria (SV) is a statutory authority of the Victorian Government. In addition to administering the FirstRate5 house energy rating software and Pilot Whole-of-Home tool, SV delivers a range of waste and emissions reduction programs targeted at accelerating Victoria’s transition to a circular, climate-resilient economy. IN COLLABORATION with

Exclusive benefits for members of Design Matters National. As a member of Design Matters National, signing up to an Officeworks 30 Day Business Account entitles you to exclusive member benefits, including business pricing on our huge range of eligible office essentials. With a 30 Day Business Account, you’ll also enjoy:

30 30 days interest free and 30 days to pay.

Multiple cards linked to the one account.

Access to a Business Specialist.

Free Click & Collect service on stocked items.

Easy online ordering and flexible delivery options.

Safe shopping in our Australia-wide store network.

officeworks.com.au/designmattersnational

INTERSECT Q1.22

Articles inside

Five by Five

Welcome to the 2022 Building Design Awards

Upcoming Events

Professional Development

Sounding good: Acoustics in universal design by Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

by Green Sheep Collective

by Aiyda Khan, Operations Manager, Cutout

Planning Tid Bits by Clause1

From the President & CEO