As a child I had a passion for design and construction. I would spend hours building LEGO, modifying designs from the planned instructions, to make the designs unique. I was never happy to just build things the way everyone else did.

Fast forward to high school and my passion gained focus. I remember the day my mother brought home a career wheel, for me to choose my future career. It was here that studying architecture became my goal.

In 1994, I undertook work experience with BHI Architects. It was here that I knew this was the career path I wanted to undertake, however, I was told this was difficult and not for everyone. I finished High School and studied drafting at TAFE, whilst working in the building design industry.

From here I completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney. I learnt the importance of listening to my design tutors (my clients) to ensure I best met the brief. I developed a keen interest in environmentally sustainable design, something I work hard to implement into all my design projects. As a designer, we are producing art, hopefully a master piece, however, we must still strongly consider insulation, orientation, shading, ground coupling and solar heat gain coefficient. These are factors that are often overlooked when little thought is put into the design process. As a building designer, these factors are what drive great design, they are what spark ideas, creativity and unique concepts.

Having completed my studies at UTS, I made the big move to central Queensland and discovered a new world. Bigger eaves and raised buildings to access wind where possible, were a must in this warmer climate. Here I gained greater access to commercial projects including; aged care, hospitals, high rise residential/commercial, education, interior fit outs and multi-unit residential. I developed a wealth of knowledge that would foster my career in building design.

I was grateful for my Queensland journey, but with my siblings having children, I returned to the Illawarra to be with my family.

I returned to a previous employer, where I put my new found experience to work on an addition to a day surgery in Wollongong. I spent the majority of the next 2 years getting this project designed, approved and detailing working drawings. This project started construction 5 years after approval. I also worked closely with other designers on a multitude of high rise developments, during my time at this design firm.

From here I moved into residential design and construction, working as Head Designer for a local building company. This role gave me more access to the client and here I began fine tuning my ability to problem solve for clients, builders and developers. Most projects that I worked on were not straight forward. I designed custom homes and developments for those difficult sites that others rarely wanted to touch.

My vast experiences have taught me the importance of listening to the client and the site. All aspects of a site, such as location, orientation, view, solar access, prevailing winds, topography, adaptability and future proofing, must be considered when meeting the clients brief. The design process is far from simple, it is an amalgamation of designer and client ideas, budget, everything the site has to offer and the council regulations, to produce a work of art that will last a lifetime.

Now with a family of my own, I have begun my own company, Designs on South Coast. As a building designer, I am always thinking about my next project, everywhere I go I am constantly looking up and out, taking in visual imagery that others often miss. My goal is to help you think differently and not just meet, but exceed your dreams.

I will work with you to achieve your development goals. Don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your next building design project.