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
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)
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
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.
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.
Daniel Smith
Past 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.
Nicola Payne
Communications & Marketing
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, designed key websites, developed & implemented organisational/business strategic plans and has been instrumental in leading a range of other major projects. Her career spans over 28 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 | Meanjin, Queensland.
Jennifer Herrera
Administration
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.
Ella Masters
The Mayfield Project Chair
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 is the immediate past Chair and current Secretary of the ACT Chapter and the current chair of The Mayfield Project.
Erik Innes
ACT Representative on Council + Chair LEA 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. Erik has been an active member of the Australian Institute of Architects, and is currently a member of the ACT Design Review Panel and Chair for the ACT Chapter of LEA.
Matt Bilsborough
TAS Representative
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.
Rossi Kourounis
NT Representative
Rossi Kourounis is a registered architect and Principal of Rossi Architects, proudly based in the Northern Territory. With over 15 years’ experience across residential, commercial, and educational projects, Rossi is known for his functional, detail-driven approach and creative flair. Awarded the NT Emerging Architect Prize in 2014, he remains a passionate advocate for better design outcomes across the Territory. Rossi brings a warm, collaborative leadership style to his practice, empowering his team and ensuring each project reflects the needs of the community. His work is grounded in a commitment to quality, innovation, and local impact.
Georgi Fairley
VIC Representative
Georgi has been practising architecture in Victoria since 2011 and joined LEA in 2016. Keenly interested in engaging with the LEA community, Georgi became events sub-committee chair in 2020. Her enthusiasm for connecting people and ideas has led to an active role in seeking opportunities to engage with the broader design, planning and education communities, as well as running alternative and collaborative events. Georgi also sits on the board of the Fairley Foundation, a place-based philanthropic organisation with a mission to drive momentous social and cultural change in Shepparton. The combination of these two positions has fostered Georgi’s interest in both extending the work and content of LEA to regional and rural areas and in developing a better understanding of the nature and impact of culturally safe spaces within learning settings.
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.
Kristine Piggford
NSW Representative
Kristine is an Interior Designer and Associate Director at Webber Architects. With more than 20 years’ professional experience her areas of responsibility have encompassed projects, practice, and people. Kristine has a proven track record in designing, developing, and delivering significant projects from concept to handover in multi-stakeholder environments. Creative, organised and an excellent communicator her design experience has spanned a variety of sectors with extensive, specialist experience in education design and space planning. Kristine's education projects have included early learning centres, primary, secondary, tertiary and trade training facilities for both private and government agencies across NSW and Victoria. She has also been involved in education delivery for organisations including TAFE NSW and SLSA.
Holly De Jong
NSW Representative
Holly has been working in the industry since 2007 and is a registered architect in New South Wales. She returned to Mayoh Architects as a project leader, bringing not only her extensive experience but also her exceptional communication skills. Holly's ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with clients and consultants is one of her core strengths. Her attentive listening skills enable her to extract valuable information from stakeholders, ensuring that project requirements are fully understood and met. In addition, her keen eye for detail and proficiency in architectural processes, ranging from feasibility studies to contract administration, further enhance her ability to communicate and coordinate effectively. Holly's passion and enthusiasm for architectural excellence in educational projects make her a valuable asset 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 NZ for over 8 years and is current Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Chapter.
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.
Nicole Dent
SA Representative
Nicole is a Senior Project Architect with extensive experience across education, heritage, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects. Since joining Grieve Gillett Architects in 2018, she has progressed to Associate Director, leading complex education projects and providing expert heritage advice. Nicole is known for her collaborative approach, strong stakeholder engagement, and commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective outcomes. Her career spans London, Queensland, and Adelaide, with contributions to national and international projects. As Secretary of the SA Chapter of Learning Environments Australasia, Nicole remains dedicated to professional development and advancing contemporary learning space design.
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.
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.
Matt Dwyer, AIA ALEP
Chair LEA 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.
Marino Rossi
Chair LEA Partnerships + Advocacy SubCommittee
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
