Executive
We would like to introduce you to the current Executive. The LEA Executive manage the finances, risk and strategic direction of LEA.
Daniel Smith
Chair
Daniel is the Managing Director of Leaf Architecture, an architectural practice that creates Human centred, research driven designs. Daniel strongly believes in the power of design to help facilitate greater education outcomes. He is passionate about the impact of space in learning and is building his career based on an in-depth understanding of pedagogy, learning and space. Previous LEA Roles: - NSW Chapter Chair 2018 – 2019 - LEA Sydney Conference Co-Convenor 2018.
Laurence Robinson
Treasurer
Laurence Robinson has been a member of LEA since 2007. He has close to twenty five years experience in Architectural practice and is a director of Brand Architects in East Melbourne. He has worked in the education field for most of his career, with projects in three Australian States and the UK. Laurence has taught Masters design, Sustainability, and Building Services at the University of Melbourne. He has been passionate about school environments since winning a Federal Government "Saving Energy in Schools" competition in 1981! He is also currently a School Council President, and was involved with running a Community based Early childhood centre for almost 10 years.
Ros Marsland
Chair-Elect (2024)
Ros Marsland is a dedicated professional, serving as the Manager of the Strategic Projects Department of Education in Western Australia. Her unwavering passion for enhancing school design was ignited during her pivotal role in coordinating the redevelopment of a prominent high school in Perth. With a steadfast commitment to her field, Ros's 16-year membership with Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) has been an invaluable source of support and reward. Her influential leadership was evident as she chaired the WA Events committee from 2007 to 2009 and assumed the role of Chair Elect/Chair for LEA WA from 2012 to 2016. Furthermore, Ros's impact extended to the Regional Council, where she served as a member from 2012 to 2016. Her steadfast involvement with Learning Environments Australasia since 2006 underscores her unwavering dedication to improving educational spaces and advancing the field of school design.
Deb O’Riley
International Director
Deb O’Riley is an Education Consultant for Learning Space Design - previously Director, New Schools, for the Department for Education, South Australia. Deb is an enthusiastic and passionate educator with a real commitment to improving outcomes for all learners. She has held teaching, principal and other leadership roles in a variety of schools and education settings in South Australia. Deb has previously held the position of Chair for Learning Environments Australasia (LEA). Deb’s focus has been to understand elements critical to the successful delivery of contemporary learning environments. Deb believes that learning environments need to encourage and promote multiple modalities of learning and support contemporary pedagogy. International Director October 2022 - October 2025.
Dani Martin
Secretary
Dani is a Senior Associate at Gray Puksand in Brisbane and has been an LEA member since 2010. She was one of the founders of The Mayfield Project in 2009 and continues her commitment to making learning more accessible for young professionals through her advisory role in supporting the current Chair of The Mayfield Project. Working as Communications Chair in two different Chapters and now sitting on the Regional Executive, Dani has a passion for celebrating and sharing the work and activities of the LEA community and the positive experiences learning environments can create.
Marino Rossi
Past Chair
Marino's interest and involvement in Learning Environments stems from a strong belief in the value of education and the process of life-long learning. Applying this belief to built environments for learning adds a new level of enthusiasm for innovative ideas, concepts and engagement. With post graduate research qualifications, Marino enjoys bringing a thorough and creative approach to the learning facilitation process. Collaborating with other diverse professionals is essential and he particularly enjoys the enthusiastic forum of like-minded thinking within the LEA network. Regional Chair 2020-2022 SA Chapter Chair 2015-2017
Felicity Lewis
Assistant Treasurer
Felicity is the Director-Architecture of Studio GL, a boutique Architecture-Urban Design practice whose focus is the creation of places for people. For the past 10 years, Felicity's experience has shifted to Urban Design, focusing on town Centres and Strategic planning and city-shaping. Prior to establishing Studio GL, Felicity worked in educational design on a wide range of projects within the Catholic school system and for TAFE NSW. Her emphasis was on functional designs that supported the educational goals and enhanced the school community. Felicity was the Chair LE NSW Chapter for 2020 and 2021 and is the current Assistant Treasurer for LEA.
Deb Zabenko
Administration Manager
Deb Zabenko is an accomplished professional with a proven track record in administration and management As the Administration Manager for Learning Environments Australasia, Deb brings her expertise in streamlining operations and enhancing organisational efficiency. A proactive problem-solver and a collaborative team player, adeptness in resource allocation, budget management, and process optimisation leads to smooth execution of projects and initiatives under her purview. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a valuable asset to the organisation. Deb’s office is located in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.
