Jacqui Pearce – Chair
Heritage Architecture Solutions
Jacqui is a Senior Associate at Extent Heritage and is a registered architect with over 15 years of experience in heritage building conservation and assessment, adaptive reuse, conservation management plans and master planning of complex heritage sites. Providing architectural heritage advice to identify important built elements for protection and prioritising building fabric conservation works according to the principles of the Burra Charter are a key specialty.
Ben Parker – Secretary
Ben Parker Architecture
Ben has been creating exceptional buildings for homes and organisations for over 20 years. He is a passionate advocate for the value of contemporary design and delights in seeing his clients’ lives transformed by the buildings he creates. Ben has worked both nationally and internationally and spent 8 years as a tutor in Architecture years 1 through 4 and the Architecture Master Studio at QUT. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects and an A+ Practice Member. Ben says that Open House provides a unique opportunity for the public to experience, and engage with, important contemporary buildings.
Stephan Kryvoviaza – Treasurer
Dimension 3 Architects
Being inspired by exceptional architecture and good design, every morning Steve decides what’s the ‘one thing’ he can do today to bring him closer to a better tomorrow. Steve is passionate about producing bespoke one off ‘low carbon-low impact’ contemporary modern homes that are designed to not only meet his clients’ briefs but are ‘gentle on the earth’. Steve believes it’s all about good design, and, by taking that initial key role in establishing the design brief, from ‘Conception to Resurrection’, and meeting his clients’ dreams, he is able to give back to our planet, ensuring a better future for our kids.
Philip Follent – Executive Member
Philip Follent Architects
Philip Follent was Gold Coast City Council’s first City Architect (2003 -2008), later appointed Queensland Government Architect (2008-2011). Philip became the inaugural chair of the Queensland Board for Urban Places and inaugural member of the Queensland Design Council. He became the founding Head of the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University in 2011. Philip’s architectural practice has won numerous awards, and he has been declared Lecturer of the Year at Queensland University of Technology across all campuses. He also received the Excellence in Teaching Award in the School of Sustainable Development and Architecture at Bond University. Philip is Chair of the Swell Sculpture Festival, executive member of Friends of Currumbin and Tugun Progress Association and a tireless advocate for sustainable city shaping and environmental stewardship.
Leah Lang – Affiliate Member
City of Gold Coast
Leah is a goal oriented, registered architect with 20 years’ experience, nationally and internationally, in architecture, urban design and project management of residential, commercial, healthcare, retail and industrial projects. Skilled in driving multi-disciplined teams to deliver diverse projects in the construction industry and local government, Leah has proven ability in building strong relationships with key client groups and consultants to achieve best practice outcomes. Leah has a commitment to advocating and facilitating excellent design and heritage outcomes in our City. She is a member of the Queensland Government Urban Design and Places Panel and for 3 years has been chair / member of the Gold Coast Northern Rivers Awards jury. Leah believes Open House is a great event to foster passion, equity and understanding of important buildings and spaces within our city.
Katherine Rickard – Affiliate Member
City of Gold Coast
Katherine Rickard is a registered architect (Qld) and has worked with respected architecture firms in Australia and overseas. A passionate advocate for the important role of Architects in the built environment and society, Katherine has contributed to the activities of the Australian Institute of Architects in a number of capacities and is currently the Gold Coast Region Secretary. Her research has been published in the Proceedings of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand, and GC30+: Documenting the Gold Coast Architecture Awards 1984-2013.
Jane Austen – Affiliate Member
City of Gold Coast
Jane Austen, not to be confused with the celebrated English author, holds qualifications in Archaeology and Paleoanthropology from the University of New England. Following graduation, Jane embarked on a career as a contract Archaeologist working on development and infrastructure projects in New South Wales and Western Queensland. Upon discovering the joys of endless green ant bites, searing heat, soil fungus and the proliferation of deadly snakes that awaited her at every site, Jane developed an interest in heritage management and air-conditioning. She has worked in the Heritage Unit at City of Gold Coast for the past eight years and is currently the Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Development. Archaeology remains her first love.
Andrew Brewer – Ordinary Member
Burling Brown Architects
As an inaugural Graduate of Architecture from Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Andrew provides a holistic and careful approach to architecture in the region. Andrew has delivered a number of delightful small, medium and large-scale projects in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, predominately within the educational discipline. As an Associate Director at Burling Brown Architects, Andrew is poised to continue to foster and enhance the built environment within the region, through his engagement in mentoring students of Architecture whilst continuing to deliver contemporary works.
Melissa Reid – Ordinary Member
MRI Design
Melissa is an accomplished Senior Interior Designer with over 24 years’ experience successfully leading, designing and delivering high-profile projects locally, nationally and internationally. She is Principal of the design studio MRI Design, specialising in design strategy, placemaking and interior design. In her former role as Principal of Queensland for the multi-award winning architectural firm GroupGSA, she established the Brisbane and Gold Coast offices. As Project leader of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Headquarters workplace project, the team was awarded the city’s first 4 Star Green Star – Interiors PILOT rating in 2017 for innovation and sustainability. Melissa is also the founding chair of the DIA Queensland Gold Coast Chapter and was awarded a Fellowship to the DIA for her significant impact to design and advancement of the professional design industry.
Amy McDonald – Ordinary Member
Amy and her family have lived on the Northern Gold Coast for over 20 years. As a radio broadcaster and former presenter at ABC Gold Coast, Amy has had the privilege of interviewing a dynamic array of Gold Coasters who contribute to the evolution of this city every day. Amy has a passion for the arts and the vibrant Gold Coast theatre scene in all its forms. She recently started her own garden landscaping business.