Honouring our 2025 Life Members
26 Nov 2025
Group Image left - right: Jacque Allen, Laurence Robinson, Deb O'Riley, Ros Marsland (LEA Chair), Daniel Smith
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting on Friday 21 November, Learning Environments Australasia proudly announced four new Life Members, the highest honour our organisation can bestow. This prestigious recognition celebrates those whose outstanding and sustained contributions have made a profound impact on LEA, shaping its direction, culture, and reach across Australasia.
Life Membership recognises individuals whose long standing service, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment have strengthened our community, driven innovation in learning environments, and fostered meaningful connections across Chapters, the Regional Council, and the broader sector.
These remarkable individuals have devoted years, often decades, to supporting LEA’s mission, guiding its growth, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Their dedication is lifelong…..and thankfully, they get to keep it, trophy included!
This year, all four recipients were present in the room in Sydney | Gadigal Country, allowing the LEA community to come together to celebrate their extraordinary achievements.
The AGM was filled with energy, gratitude, and admiration as colleagues, peers, and emerging professionals acknowledged the profound influence these leaders have had on both our organisation and the wider education and design community.
Their leadership, insight, and generosity have left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape LEA for years to come. Our Life Members will be presented with their certificate and trophy at the 2026 Unleash Annual Regional Conference in May in Perth.
Our Life Members will be formally presented with their trophies at the 2026 Annual Regional Conference, Unleash, in Perth from 13 - 15 May 2026.
As a founding member of the Learning Environments New Zealand Chapter (LENZ), Jacque Allen has played a pivotal role in shaping its identity and growth. Over twelve years of continuous service, Jacque has contributed at Chapter, National, and Regional levels, providing strategic leadership, fostering connection, and championing innovation in learning environments.
Her tenure as Chapter Chair (2019–2021) navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity and engagement through online events and strategic initiatives. As Convenor of the Christchurch 2023 Regional Conference, planned twice due to pandemic disruptions, Jacque delivered a highly successful, impactful event that strengthened learning and collaboration across the region.
Jacque’s work in establishing a culturally grounded Māori identity for the Chapter demonstrates her lasting influence on LENZ’s purpose and values. Her dedication, vision, and tireless service make her a truly deserving recipient of Life Membership.
Deb O’Riley has shaped LEA for nearly two decades, influencing Chapter, Regional, Executive, and International levels. Her leadership within the South Australian Department for Education advanced learner-centred, adaptable, and wellbeing-focused school design, embedding innovation and evidence-based practice across the system.
Within LEA, Deb strengthened membership, expanded engagement, and enhanced the organisation’s profile. As Chapter Chair, Regional Chair, and International Director, she forged global partnerships, represented Australasia internationally, and led structural reforms including the development of Chapter Honours.
Her collaborative, courageous, and mentoring leadership has left a lasting impact on LEA, educational environments, and professional practice. Life Membership recognises her extraordinary contribution and enduring legacy.
Laurence Robinson has contributed over sixteen years of dedicated leadership to LEA, shaping Chapter and Regional governance and strengthening financial stewardship. His long tenure as Victorian Chapter Treasurer and Regional Treasurer ensured organisational stability, growth, and the successful delivery of major initiatives including conferences, events, and awards.
Laurence’s professional expertise in educational architecture, championing inclusive, sustainable, and pedagogically aligned learning environments, complements his strategic leadership within LEA. His calm, steady guidance has strengthened both the organisation and the broader education design community, making him a highly deserving Life Member.
Beyond governance and finance, Laurence has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging professionals, sharing his expertise, and advocating for evidence-based and innovative school design. His thought leadership has influenced policy, practice, and design conversations across Victoria and nationally. His commitment to fostering collaboration between educators, designers, and policymakers has left a lasting imprint on the learning environments sector.
Daniel Smith has served LEA for over a decade, contributing to the NSW Chapter, Regional Council, and key organisational initiatives. As NSW Chapter Chair, 2018 Regional Conference Co-Convenor, Regional Chair, and 2025 RDO Convenor, Daniel has strengthened member engagement, championed governance reforms, and supported equitable structures for volunteers and leaders.
His collaborative leadership, strategic insight, and dedication to building sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments have left a lasting impact on LEA. Daniel’s commitment and vision are recognised with Life Membership.
Daniel has also been instrumental in fostering mentorship and leadership pathways for emerging professionals, ensuring a strong and capable future for the organisation. His advocacy for equitable volunteer support and well-structured Chapter initiatives has influenced the way LEA operates and engages its members. Through his consistent service and thoughtful approach, Daniel has strengthened both the community and the professional practice of learning environment design.
