Regional Council
Our Regional Council includes our Executive Team, representatives from each Chapter Committee and the Chairs of our SubCommittee’s.
Members are encouraged to discuss ideas and provide feedback to their Chapter Committee for discussion with the Regional Council at regular meetings.
Ros Marsland
Chair (2024-2026)
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.
Derek Bartels
Chair-Elect (2026-2028)
Derek Bartels, our new Regional Chair-Elect (2026), is renowned for his innovative approach to contemporary learning and innovative environments across several Australian states. With leadership experience across states and nationally, Derek has drawn from cutting-edge research to shape learning practices within Lutheran schools and beyond. His leadership extends globally, inspiring educational communities to adopt contemporary pedagogical practices, innovative learning environments and whole school transformation. Derek’s passion for future-focused learning environments positions him as a visionary for LEA’s continued evolution and collaboration. He will assume the role of Regional Chair in November 2026, providing us with a guiding light for innovation and progress.
Felicity Lewis
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.
Dani Martin, FRAIA
Secretary
With over 20 years’ experience designing and delivering educational architecture for private and government clients across Queensland and Western Australia, Dani has developed deep expertise in creating impactful learning environments. Her leadership is recognised through her Fellowship with the Australian Institute of Architects and Life Membership with LEA. Dani’s commitment to the sector is further demonstrated through her Directorship with LEA and her leadership of The Mayfield Project, an international research program for emerging professionals. She is passionate about strong stakeholder collaboration, ensuring outcomes that are both inspirational and truly transformative. In 2023 Dani was honoured with LEA Life Membership.
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. In 2025 Deb was honoured with LEA Life Membership.
Daniel Smith
Past Chair
Daniel is the Managing Director of Leaf Architecture, a practice grounded in human centred, research driven design. With deep expertise in pedagogy and learning environments, he is committed to creating spaces that improve educational outcomes and support future focused learning. Daniel founded Leaf Architecture in 2015 to advance innovative, evidence based design that strengthens communities and inspires lifelong learners. A long standing leader within LEA, he has served as NSW Chair, Regional Chair, and Convenor of 3 major Regional events, contributing significantly to the evolution of learning environments across Australasia and shaping best practice nationally. In 2025 Daniel was honoured with LEA Life Membership.
Nicola Payne
Marketing + Communications Director
BPsychSc(Hons), BBus(Marketing)/BProfComm, Dip. Events Mgmt. Nicola has an eclectic range of skills in events, marketing, communication, social media, mentoring and leadership. She has conceptualised and implemented end to end events, led major organisational rebranding projects, developed & implemented organisational/business strategic plans and has been instrumental in leading major projects. Her career spans over 29 years and she has worked within educational, government, non-government, not for profit and private sectors. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a valuable asset LEA and the education community at large. Nicola’s office is located in Brisbane, on Yugarabul Country.
Jennifer Herrera
Senior Operations Officer
Driven by a passion for learning, innovation, and helping solve problems, Jen brings a thoughtful and solutions focused approach to her role. With a strong foundation in administrative operations, Jen is known for her versatility, attention to detail, and ability to quickly master and improve systems and processes. She thrives on creating tailored, effective solutions that support both people and performance, ensuring the smooth delivery of LEA’s programs, communications, and events. Jen is committed to continuous learning and is always exploring new tools and methods to enhance the value she provides to the LEA community. Her work is grounded in integrity, quality, and a deep appreciation for work life balance and team collaboration. Jen is located in Tasmania, Lutruwita Country.
Matt Bilsborough
TAS Representative (2023-2026)
Matt is a passionate advocate for innovative educational spaces and currently serves as Chair of Learning Environments Australasia’s Tasmania Chapter. With a background in architecture and a role as a project manager with Tasmania’s Department for Education, Children and Young People, Matt brings extensive experience in designing learning environments that inspire and engage. He champions a collaborative design process, ensuring spaces support both academic and community growth. Matt is committed to the transformative potential of educational design and continues to lead with vision and purpose, shaping spaces that foster connection, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Emily Flint
VIC Representative
Emily Flint is a senior architect at ClarkeHopkinsClarke in Melbourne. She has been actively involved in the Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Vic/Tas Chapter since 2014 and joined the Committee in 2020. Emily is passionate about fostering a productive dialogue between designers and educators to create learning environments that best suit the needs of students. She has a particular interest in inclusive design and believes that every child should have access to supportive, safe, and learner-centered environments. Emily's career has been focused solely on education design, and she is committed to helping create innovative and effective spaces for learning.
Nicole Kirby
VIC Representative
Nicole has been working in educational architecture at Law Architects since 2015. As a registered architect, she brings extensive experience in school projects, from master planning through to contract administration. Nicole excels at navigating government project processes, reporting systems, and area schedule analysis. Her expertise focuses on designing inclusive learning spaces that prioritise student wellbeing. Recent projects have strengthened her skills in supporting neurodiverse learners, equitable placemaking, and wellbeing hubs, across typologies including shared learning spaces, library hubs, specialist facilities, and outdoor learning. Nicole also serves on LEA’s Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Committee and was part of the 2024–2025 Mayfield Project cohort.
Kristine Piggford
NSW Representative
Kristine is an Interior Designer and Associate Director at Webber Architects, bringing over 20 years of professional experience across projects, practice, and people. She has a proven track record in designing, developing, and delivering significant projects from concept to handover within multi-stakeholder environments. Creative, organised, and an excellent communicator, Kristine has worked across diverse sectors, with extensive specialist experience in education design and space planning. Her education projects include early learning centres, primary, secondary, tertiary, and trade training facilities for both private and government clients across NSW and Victoria.
Holly De Jong
NSW Representative
Holly has worked in the industry since 2007 and is a registered architect in New South Wales. Returning to Mayoh Architects as a project leader, she brings extensive experience and exceptional communication skills. Holly excels at collaborating with clients and consultants, with strong listening skills that help her draw out key information and ensure project requirements are clearly understood. Her attention to detail and proficiency across all architectural stages—from feasibility studies to contract administration, strengthen her ability to coordinate effectively. Passionate about educational design, Holly is a dedicated and valued contributor to the team.
Di Cavallo
NZ Representative
Di is a Deputy Principal in the ILE and first PPP school in NZ, Hobsonville Point Secondary School, in Auckland. She leads innovative curriculum and collaborative pedagogy, and currently the school expansion build project. With over two decades’ experience leading learning in a range of settings in NZ and the UK, Di regular contributor to Ministry of Education reference and advisory groups. She enjoys the learning and discussion from the intersection of architecture, education and learning design that LEA affords and is interested in how we develop belonging, creativity and connection through learning environments. She has been involved in Learning Environments Aotearoa NZ since 2013.
Kevin Miles
QLD Representative
With 28 years of architectural experience, Kevin has led projects across commercial, education, and retail sectors. He values strong client relationships and clear communication to deliver tailored, high quality outcomes that serve both clients and communities. Kevin’s diverse experience shapes his holistic approach, drawing process from retail, spatial integration from workplace design, and a deep understanding of learning diversity from education. As a passionate mentor, he supports emerging designers through knowledge sharing and guidance. Now leading the Brisbane office, Kevin champions a collaborative team approach to create successful, meaningful spaces.
Terry Deen
QLD Representative
Terry Deen is Head of Learning at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Starting as a secondary art and design teacher, he moved into gallery education after a 2014 fellowship at the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Design Museum. In his current role, Terry connects with diverse communities and fields, focusing on arts, cultural, accessibility, and digital learning. Passionate about creativity and wellbeing, he is leading efforts to establish an All-Ages Learning Centre at the gallery. Terry also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Queensland, where he developed a Learning and Outreach course for Master of Museum Studies students.
Freya Kuchel
SA Representative
Freya is an experienced Interior Designer with over seven years in the field, known for leading large-scale projects with professionalism and care. Passionate about educational environments, she approaches design as a collaborative process, ensuring all stakeholders help shape purposeful and functional spaces. Freya integrates natural materials, daylight, and indoor-outdoor connections to enhance well-being and bring learning spaces to life. Her work is defined by attention to detail, a strong design ethos rooted in nature, and a commitment to creating spaces that inspire and support the people who use them.
Rua Hashlamoun
SA Representative
Rua Hashlamoun is a Principal at Brown Falconer with over 20 years of architectural experience across Australia and overseas. Her portfolio spans education, retail, workplace, arts, and community projects, with a particular passion for learning environments and retail design. Rua has held senior roles at Das Studio, Hames Sharley, Webber Australia, and Fitzpatrick + Partners, earning a strong reputation for leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects. Her work is grounded in design quality, cultural understanding, and creating spaces that support communities. With qualifications from the University of Jordan and the University of Technology Sydney, she brings an international, people centred perspective to her practice.
Chloe Summers
WA Representative
Chloe Summers, is a Studio Leader at EIW Architects in WA. She is a design architect, focusing on all things design and “dreaming big!’ and was a part of The 2012 Mayfield Project: Schools as Sanctuaries of Hope. In 2013 she visited Tanzania, as a part of the HOPE project and helped design and build the Trade Training Centre for the Matipwili Community. Through the inspiration work of Learning Environments, the drive of the members and mentors within Learning Environments Chloe Joined the WA Chapter Committee to help give back to the Learning environments community. Chloe is the Chair of the WA Chapter and Co-Chair of the Chapters' Events Committee. In 2025 she was nominated for the "40under40 Awards" in the People's Choice Category.
Paul Edwards
WA Representative
Paul leads the design philosophy of the practice through creative, yet strategic project planning, client & community engagement, site specific design and a tailored approach to project management. He believes deep understanding from the beginning is the key to project success – establishing clear briefs informed by thorough stakeholder engagement. Clients value his fresh approach and his ability to assemble and motivate teams to navigate complex design and delivery programs. He loves integrating architecture with sites and the landscape to create meaningful places with enduring social impact. This is evident through his project involvement in the Ningaloo Centre, Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence and Scarborough Primary School Development.
Jacque Allen
Chair, Diversity, Equity + Inclusion (DEI) SubCommittee
Jacque is an education consultant with Cognition Education, specialising in innovative learning and local curriculum leadership. She works with schools across Australasia to develop and enhance both new and existing learning spaces. With teaching experience in primary and secondary settings, Jacque supports all curriculum areas and year levels. She is passionate about guiding schools through change management to strengthen pedagogy and improve student outcomes. For more than nine years, she has focused on helping schools effectively use flexible learning environments. Jacque employs a co-constructivist approach, empowering leaders and teachers to build learner agency, collaborative practice, and transformed learning spaces. In 2025 Jacque was honoured with LEA Life Membership.
Matt Dwyer, AIA ALEP
Chair, Sponsorship SubCommittee
Matt Dwyer is an award-winning architect and Director of Y2Architecture, based in Victoria. With nearly 20 years of experience, he specialises in educational, community, and sustainable design. Matt is known for his collaborative approach, client-focused outcomes, and commitment to design innovation. He brings strategic insight and leadership to his role as Chair of LEA’s Sponsorship SubCommittee. A long standing member of Learning Environments Australasia, Matt actively mentors emerging professionals and facilitates design workshops. His work reflects a passion for community, environmental stewardship, and the transformative potential of learning environments.
Erik Innes
Chair, Awards SubCommittee
Erik is a Director of Munns Sly Moore Architects, a practice focused on the delivery of social infrastructure and the creation of contemporary learning environments that respond to people, pedagogy, and place. In over 20 years of practice Erik has designed and delivered numerous award winning educational architecture projects. Erik enjoys working closely with clients and stakeholders from project inception to explore opportunities for the incorporation of informed, contemporary, responsive and engaging learning environments.
Ella Masters
Chair, The Mayfield Project SubCommittee
Ella is an education architect, researcher and the Canberra Studio Lead for Hayball Architects. Through her work she aims to materially improve the experience of architects and school communities engaging in the design process. Ella is also undertaking a PhD through the University of Melbourne, focusing on the interface between innovation, policy and the procurement processes in the design of innovative learning environments. Following her participation as a researcher in the 2020 Mayfield Project, she held several ACT Chapter Office Bearer roles, and is the current Chair of the Mayfield Project SubCommittee and The Mayfield Project.
