2023 NSW Life Fellows
BRIDGET SMYTHE, LFRAIA
Bridget Smyth is a distinguished candidate for Life Fellowship in 2023 thanks to her incredible commitment to improving cities and places for people.
Over the past 30 years Bridget’s work has driven incredible improvements to the urban environment, which is solidified through her many awards, including the 1999 National Women in Construction Lend Lease, 2000 Innovation Awards, 2001 NSW Max Kelly Government Architecture Award, 2014 Marion Mahony Griffin Prize, and the 2016 AIA NSW President’s Award.
Bridget has been Design Director for the City of Sydney since 2001, providing strong leadership in the transformation of Sydney and the shaping of the city’s sustainable future. In particular, she has been one of the key drivers behind the promotion of public art as a major enhancement of the urban Environment Dean’s Industry Advisory Board. During her time, she has delivered innumerable high-profile projects such as the transformation of George Street in Sydney CBD. This is one project within Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050, a programme which she manages.
With a vision of improving cities as places for people, the successes of her work are deeply embedded throughout Sydney. Her collaborative approach has seen many triumphant outcomes, elevating public art within the public space.
Bridget’s service and contribution to the profession makes her a deserving recipient of an Australian Institute of Architects Life Fellowship.
LAURA COCKBURN, LFRAIA
Laura has made a major contribution to profession of architecture in NSW and to the built environment around Australia through involvement with the Institute of Architects, the Architects Registration Board, the AACA and through practice.
Since 2018 Laura has made significant contribution to the profession through appointments within the institute. She has served as both an elected councillor, Vice president of the NSW Chapter and more recently as NSW Chapter President. These appointments, occurring during a period of great advancement in construction regulation in NSW, have allowed Laura to have a significant role in shaping the profession in NSW.
Laura has shown a strong commitment to the next generation of architects through her work with the ARB as an examiner and board member, and her work with the AACA as an assessor for the accreditation process.
Laura was a director of Conrad Gargett, leading their Sydney Studio. She is now a principal of Architectus following the recent merger. In this role, Laura has contributed numerous significant projects around Australia with particular focus in the infrastructure and defence sectors. Her projects are characterised by deep attention to the needs of the client & user group and to the successful resolution of complexity with positive impact.
Laura’s service and contribution to the profession makes her a deserving recipient of an Australian Institute of Architects Life Fellowship.
DR DEO PRASAD, LFRAIA
Dr Deo Prasad has made outstanding contributions to the profession through his internationally recognised work in the field of sustainable building, cities, and the environment. Deo has served as an associate dean and professor at the University of New South Wales, while also contributing globally as a visiting professor at Tongji University and the National University of Malaysia. Deo’s influence extends far beyond aspiring architects, encompassing multiple fields, all sharing the common goal of creating a sustainable built environment.
As an educator, researcher, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deo has demonstrated international influence, participating in various boards and advanced panels. For example, his role as a board member at the United Nations Environment Program and a United Nations Consultant on developing the Green Universities Toolkit (2014).
As a CEO, Deo has led meaningful research projects that contribute to a sustainable built environment. For the Co-operative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, Deo provided an opportunity to achieve a low carbon future at a global scale.
Following his election as a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in 1991, Deo has received numerous accolades, including the Green Globe Award (2004) and the highest accolade in Australia; the Order of Australia (2014), awarded for his involvement in furthering sustainability and renewable energy through his research and for extensive international community work.
Deo’s continuous contribution to the discipline of architecture and to the profession deems him a worthy recipient of a Life Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Architects.
INGRID PEARSON, LFRAIA
For her generous and sustained contributions to the profession, Ingrid Pearson is a very deserving candidate for Life Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Architects for 2023.
Ingrid has been a long-time member of the NSW chapter council, and from this position became a major driving force behind the invaluable architect’s networks, Particularly the IWAN and GWAN. Through these groups Ingrid has linked architects across Sydney together to support each other in practice.
Ingrid has also been highly active in encouraging women to take up active posts in the institute, and a major force in the Construct Women Forum. Ingrid has also served as the architect member of the Architects Registration Board
In more recent times, Ingrid has become an exemplar regional practitioner.
Relocating to Bathurst in 2017, she has swiftly become indispensable locally, providing resources to Council Planning and Environment unit related to Heritage, and Urban Design, as well as advocating for the value of sustainable buildings and communities.
At the same time as all of this, Ingrid has maintained a successful architectural practice, producing numerous buildings for clients around Sydney and beyond.
Ingrid’s service and contribution to the profession makes her a deserving recipient of an Australian Institute of Architects Life Fellowship.
Prof Lindsay Johnston, LFRAIA
Lindsay has had a significant contribution to the profession through his unwavering dedication towards providing the highest quality of education at the University of Newcastle, his contribution to orchestrating the Murcutt International Master Class, and through a unique practice, developed in parallel with academic work has produced a body of rich architectural work.
Prior to Lindsay’s arrival in Australia, he ran his own architectural practice in Dublin for a period of ten years and received numerous commissions and awards for work including but not limited to housing, and commercial projects, for this body of work.
In his time at the University of Newcastle, Lindsay has held numerous major positions. Most notably, Senior lecturer, Deputy Dean, Dean, as well as holding a position as a visiting Professor, not just at The University of Newcastle, but also at The University of Sydney. His contribution extends to a temporary assignment as interim Head of the School of Architecture and Planning at The University of Auckland.
Lindsay is the founder of, and is now convener of, the Architecture Foundation Australia and principal organiser of the Glenn Murcutt International Architecture Master Class.
The breadth of Lindsay’s contribution to the discipline of architecture and to the profession in NSW makes him a worthy recipient of a Life Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Architects.
MARK JONES, LFRAIA
Mark Jones one of the few regionally based architects to serve as President of the Institute’s NSW Chapter and continues to advise members through the role of Senior Counsellor.
Since the establishment of Edimston Jones in 1980, Mark has led the longest continually operating architectural practice in the South Coast region. Founded upon a passionate commitment to local needs, his team have contributed significantly to the design of facilities for the Wollongong University campus, Wollongong Hospital, as well as several aged-care precincts and community spaces.
In 2014 Mark was appointed as an Honorary Fellow of the University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Building Research Centre, utilising this platform to host design workshops and mentor students.
Through a partnership with the Illawarra Retirement Trust Foundation, Mark established the Age Friendly Illawarra Alliance in 2014, which has since expanded to include councils and local organisations. The collective conducts research into the existing built environment, to advocate for age-friendly design practices and advise bodies such as NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing.
Mark’s long-standing commitment to the elevation of regional architecture, particularly within Illawarra and Shoalhaven has solidified him as a deserving recipient of an Australian Institute of Architects Life Fellowship.
2023 NSW Fellows
ANDREW DUFFIN FRAIA
With a career spanning almost 40 years, Andrew is a passionate advocate for designing for people and the environment as well as supporting wellbeing within the community. His broad experience in practice from small to large has developed his strong leadership in quality design and management of complex projects of all scales with an emphasis on sustainability and constructability.
As Director and Chief Design Officer at NBRS, Andrew has led the practice to succeed in design and practice awards, including the 2022 Best in Practice Prize. His stewardship has supported advocacy for students and graduates and more broadly the work of Architects Without Frontiers. Through his pro-bono work Andrew has been involved in projects supporting women and children in both Uganda and India, and he has personally supported worthy causes including mental wellbeing generously through his art.
Andrew sits on the Practice of Architecture Committee, is a juror and presenter for Learning Environments Australia, and a respected panellist, presenter and mentor.
We warmly congratulate Andrew on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Cherry Parsons
Cherry’s distinguished university career included scholarships and prizes, graduating with first class honours and the University Medal from the University of Newcastle in 2008. Since then, she has continued to influence the profession, establishing EmAGN in Newcastle in 2012, which has grown since its inception to a network of over 200 people.
A strong advocate for design and practice in regional NSW, Cherry has actively promoted public discourse on the sustainable future of the built environment as a member of organisations including The Property Council and The Architecture Foundation.
In practice, Cherry has actively sought out opportunities to collaborate on design-driven community development projects, reflected in her open and collaborative reputation across a range of public, residential and educational buildings.
Cherry sits on the AIA Regional Committee, Practice of Architecture Committee, has been a juror and chair for the NSW Awards, and is a respected industry panellist, tutor, mentor and guest critic, and has volunteered with Emergency Architects, and Design-Build PNG.
We warmly congratulate Cherry on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
BRENT DUNN
With qualifications in design and architecture, Brent Dunn has had a diverse career working across furniture, residential, public, and commercial projects. He worked with a few architecture practices prior to founding Takt Studio for Architecture with Katharina Hendel in 2008. Having previously run an awarded prefabrication design and construction company, Brent brings a unique combination of design, IT and business skills to his current practice.
Brent’s contribution to the profession crosses multiple sectors – from university teaching to creative direction of conferences, industry seminars and events. Based on the Illawarra Coast, Brent is a proud advocate for regional architecture. He was an active member of Country Division, is co-Founder of the Regional Architecture Association and is its current treasurer.
We warmly congratulate Brent on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Elisabeth Peet
Elisabeth’s career has spanned over 35 years, focusing on large scale urban design and transport projects over the last 13 years.
Her senior strategic roles within Department of Planning and Transport for NSW, working with numerous government agencies has influenced major city infrastructure projects over the past decade.
As an expert in the design excellence strategy and process Elisabeth is committed to elevating design review processes as a best practice method to elevate design quality across several significant world class projects, including the recent Sydney Metro.
In addition, Elisabeth has dedicated time for teaching and mentoring across a number of universities and industry bodies, including Design Excellence Review Panels and strategies.
The Fellowship award to Elisabeth recognises her advocacy for delivering high quality-built environment outcomes across NSW.
We warmly congratulate Elisabeth on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
DUNCAN SANBY
Duncan’s career has spanned the globe and over three decades and counting.
He grew up in the UK, and following Northampton University worked for Bennets Associates in London, Norman Foster in Hong Kong and Cox Richardson in Sydney before establishing Utz Sanby Architects with Kristin Utz 25 years ago.
He is passionate about making a difference to the architectural community and has supported many local high school students getting work experience, and many co-workers at Utz Sanby Architects Pass their NSW ARB exams.
He is an active and influential member of several industry organisations and programs, including RAIA’s NSW Chapter Council.
He has organised and presented on various AACA tours of Utz Sanby Architects completed houses over the years and has been a Jury Member for Heritage and Small Projects categories in the 2018 NSW Architecture Awards.
He is currently an active member of LOWAN the Lower North Shore Architects Network and has been on the NSW Institute of Architects Chapter Council in various roles since 2019. Particularly he is appreciated for his enormous efforts in creating and managing CPD activities and for tirelessly working to renovate and restore the Tusculum facilities.
We warmly congratulate Duncan on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
KRIstin Utz
Kristin is a registered Architect and co-founder of Utz Sanby Architects, established in Sydney over 25 years ago.
Kristin has supported many local high school students getting work experience at Utz Sanby Architect, and many coworkers to pass their NSW ARB exams, has worked as Design Tutor at University of Sydney from 2015-2019, was Chair of the University of Sydney Alumni Committee 2014-2019, and has organised and presented on various AACA tours of Utz Sanby Architects completed houses over the years.
She has worked on and helped deliver over 120 projects around NSW throughout her career so far, and with her life/business partner Duncan Sanby are another of the growing examples of true partnership in architecture.
Kristin is currently an active member of LOWAN the Lower North Shore Architects Network.
We warmly congratulate Kristin on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Jason Elsley
Over two decades, Jason’s contributions to architecture, specifically in Newcastle and the regions has seen him drive a wide variety of projects across a diverse range of typologies including cultural and tourism, education, heritage, masterplanning, hospitality and residential.
As director of Derive Architecture and Design, Jason has established a reputation for delivering responsive and engaging architecture in public and private realms and brings a focus on creating positive civic interactions with the public domain to each project.
His contribution throughout his career to the Institute’s Newcastle Division, the NSW Awards and Honours Committee and currently the Awards Working Group as well as involvement in sessional tutoring at the University of Newcastle, Industry Advisory Panels and events, demonstrates Jason’s depth of engagement and deep commitment as a mentor and promotor of architectural excellence within the Regions.
We warmly congratulate Jason on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
SOPHIE SOLOMON
Over the past 25 years, Sophie Solomon has contributed extensively to the built environment through architectural practice, advocacy, and research, with a strong focus on Sustainability and the role it should play in our cities and housing.
Through her work on the AIA NSW Built Environment Committee Sophie has represented the Institute on various industry workshops led by State Government which have resulted in the establishment of the Greater Sydney Commission, the Design and Place SEPP, the Circular Quay proposal, Sydney Modern, and the Renovate or Rebuild TV Show. Sophie has also provided multiple contributions to Acumen and appeared as guest editor for the Built Environment Committee Bulletin edition.
Beyond the institute Sophie has been awarded the Byera Hadley Scholarship for which she focused her research on improving the affordability, density and sustainability of housing in Sydney. This work led to further competition and publication contributions.
In practice, Sophie established SSD Studio in 2011 after gaining experience across Australia and England. Her built work is the culmination of her research and drive and has led to multiple shortlisting’s, awards and commendations in housing and sustainability.
We warmly congratulate Sophie on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
John De Manincor
John’s contribution to the life and knowledge of architecture in both NSW and nationally has been generous, creative and diverse. His practice has seen him undertake multiple roles, as practicing architect, curator, academic and writer.
His contributions to award winning architecture across a range of typologies has been diverse in scale, approach and context. His interest and engagement with the teaching and learning of architecture has seen him teach at UNSW, USYD, UTS and the University of Queensland and as guest critic at universities in Japan, the US and the UK.
Beyond teaching and practice, John’s contribution to architectural discourse in this country has been extensive. He has undertaken the roles of City Editor of Australian Architectural Review, Contributing Editor of Architecture Australia and convened numerous architectural lecture series, symposia, and panels, most notably as a Creative Director of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2013 National Conference. In addition, he has also served as a juror on awards programs in NSW and Queensland, most recently on the 2024 NSW Country Awards Jury.
We warmly congratulate John on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Gabrielle Pelletier
An inspiring advocate across a broad architectural landscape, Gabrielle is an integral member of the local architectural community, bringing energy and insightful perspective to initiatives across diversity, sustainability, and practice. In her role as Associate Director at Sam Crawford Architects, Gabrielle drives design and delivery, as well as practice initiatives and business growth, and is a Registered Design Practitioner.
Gabrielle has been a member of the Gender Equity Taskforce, and chairs the AIA NSW Sustainability Working Group, significantly driving the sustainability questionnaire for the architecture awards, now adopted nationally. She now sits on the National Climate Action & Sustainability Committee.
Through her design tutoring at the University of Sydney, guest lecturer at UTS, and being a juror for the NSW Awards, Gabrielle shares her expertise in thoughtful design and practice with strong sustainability and community impact. As a member of several Design Excellence Panels, her expertise across a broad range of projects and contexts is helping shape our communities.
We warmly congratulate Gabrielle on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Niall Macken
Niall Macken boasts an illustrious career spanning over three decades as a registered architect, during which he has assumed a pivotal role in championing heritage architecture across New South Wales. With a distinguished tenure as the head of heritage at the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority for over a decade, Niall has consistently left an enduring mark on the preservation and promotion of heritage architecture.
Niall has also lent his expertise to prestigious heritage award juries, notably serving on panels for the NSW AIA Awards and the coveted Marrickville Medal. Presently, Niall occupies key positions as a vital member of the heritage committee for both the NSW AIA Chapter and the NSW Heritage Council. His unwavering commitment to heritage conservation is further exemplified by his prior roles as a member of the National Trust Australia’s heritage listing committee and as an elected representative of Australia ICOMOS.
Noteworthy accolades and recognitions have also been bestowed upon Niall for his work in preserving and restoring heritage structures. His projects in The Rocks and along George Street Sydney have earned accolades in both the AIA and National Trust heritage awards, further solidifying his reputation as a guardian of architectural heritage.
Niall Macken’s steadfast commitment to the field of heritage architecture makes him a deserving fellow of the AIA, a testament to his enduring and impactful contributions to the architectural profession.
We warmly congratulate Niall on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Jacqueline Urford
Jacqueline’s career has spanned over three decades of practice working across a wide variety of building typologies and award winning buildings. She has held leadership roles within national architectural practices as well as maintaining a strong connection to the next generation of architects through tutoring of undergraduate and masters students in design and construction at University of Sydney, UTS and UNSW. These students now in turn taking their place as leaders in the profession.
Her passion for heritage has seen Jacqueline actively participate and chair the NSW Chapter Heritage Committee for over 10 years. Her advocacy included contributions to the Guidelines for Infill Development (NSW Heritage Office), significant additions to the Register of Significant Buildings as well as articles for newspapers and journals. More recently Jacqueline has authored and contributed to publications spanning the work of Bruce Richard and Peter Muller.
She has maintained her membership with the RAIA since 1979 and as an active and influential member of The Institute, she has held several positions on NSW Chapter Council, Chair of the Heritage Committee and Chair of the Marion Mahoney Griffin Award as a part of the NSW Awards Programme. Jacqueline’s ongoing commitment to the recognition of heritage works, documentation of the work of seminal influential Australian architects and mentorship and education of the next generation of architects is testament to her passion for the profession and its ability to shape our society and built environment through recognition of the past with a view to the future.
We warmly congratulate Jacqueline on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Phillip Arnold
The discourse of architecture locally, nationally and beyond is all the better thanks to Phillips contribution as a practicing architect and teacher. His work for a series of prominent architects, and with his own practice Plus Minus Design which he established in 2007 has delivered award winning projects with nuance, rigour and grace. As a teacher, he has been actively involved in an evolving pedagogy of architecture for more than 25 years as tutor, lecturer and studio leader at the University of NSW, UTS and the University of Western Sydney.
His work beyond the traditional boundaries of practice and teaching has seen him engage with tens of thousands of architects, architecture students and design enthusiasts both locally and internationally. Utilising the benefits of social media, lectures, symposia and forums of different guises, Phillip’s knowledge of architecture, his thirst to pursue the best of good design in places few would think to look, and his generosity in sharing and discussing his knowledge and findings has made a considered, delightful contribution to our architectural discourse and community.
We warmly congratulate Phillip on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
SANDRA STEWART
In a career spanning over 30 years, Sandra has gained experience in large commercial projects throughout Australia, leading large multi-disciplined teams to create numerous successful projects.
Her recent roles, combining both project and sector leadership, have concentrated on health projects across the State.
In the past ten years Sandra has taken on the role of an industry mentor, both informally amongst her colleagues across the Sector and more formally through the mentoring programme as a Member of the National Association of Women in Construction, (NAWIC).
Since 2020 she has been an APE Assessor for the NSW Board of Architects and devoted considerable time to the AIA Professional Advocacy Committee between 2021-2022.
This Fellow award recognises Sandra’s continued leadership and to her ongoing mentorship and advocacy for the profession.
We warmly congratulate Sandra on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Wesley Hindmarch
After a remarkable international study and working early career that included time at Bauhaus University and working for Alvaro Siza, Wesley Graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2000 and since that time has become a significant contributor to the profession of Architecture around Australia.
After founding Dock4 Architects in Tasmania and leading this practice to success for many years, Wesley has recently moved onto a new challenge. Establishing a new practice in the South Coast of NSW: Local Architect, South Coast. This practice has a strong regional focus, with a direct aim of supporting local builders and craftspeople in the south coast area.
Across these practices, Wesley has developed a reputation for thoughtful, considered architecture, sensitive to place and to client requirements. He has earned numerous awards for his work, including AIA and Timber Awards.
Wesley has a history of offering is services pro-bono in support of worthy endeavours – including overseas and to local councils in Australia. This act of extraordinary generosity confirms Wesley’s attributes as a thoughtful and considerate architect, sensitive to the needs of those around him.
Wesley has been active as a writer contributing to Architecture Australia and Sanctuary Magazine, as well as other publications and websites. He has also supported the institute with submissions to Infrastructure Australia, with CPD events and other important contributions.
We warmly congratulate Wesley on attaining Fellowship at the Australian Institute of Architects.
