Regional Council
We would like to introduce you to the current Regional Council. The Regional Council is made up of the Executive and representatives from each of the Chapter Committees.
Members are encouraged to discuss ideas and provide feedback on local issues to their Chapter Committee at Chapter events and meetings 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.
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.
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.
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.
Nicola Payne
Communications & Marketing Director
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.
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
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 dynamic force at the forefront of shaping educational spaces in Tasmania. As the Chair of the latest Chapter of Learning Environments Australasia - Tasmania, he brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to the advancement of innovative learning environments. With a solid foundation in architecture, Matt currently serves as a project manager within the Department for Education Children and Young People in Tasmania. His extensive experience in education architecture positions him as a visionary leader in crafting spaces that inspire and facilitate effective learning experiences. Matt's approach is rooted in the belief of collaborative design, where stakeholders come together to create environments that transcend traditional boundaries. He envisions learning spaces that not only nurture academic growth but also foster a sense of community and engagement. Passionate about the transformative power of design in education, Matt is driven by the potential these environments offer to both students and the wider community. He is deeply committed to ensuring that every space he influences contributes positively to the holistic development of individuals and society at large. As Chair of our Tasmania Chapter, Matt is poised to shape the future of educational spaces, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and advocating for spaces that truly embody the essence of collaborative and transformative learning.
Rossi Kourounis
NT Representative
Rossi Kourounis is a home-grown registered Architect of the Northern Territory and the Principal of Rossi Architects. He has over 15 years’ experience working with various local architectural practices, construction companies & running his own practice. Rossi has covered a broad spectrum of residential, commercial and educational projects and prides himself on a functional design and detailed approach to architecture. Rossi is constantly pushing the boundaries on his creative style and in 2014 was awarded the NT Emerging Architects prize by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Northern Territory Chapter. He is known for his warm, approachable manner and passionately represents the interests of all Territorians in being an outspoken advocate across a wide range of public and private forums for better design outcomes in the Northern Territory. Rossi is the owner / operator and principal architect at Rossi Architects and has worked on a broad spectrum of projects across the built environment offering a robust foundation for the studio. Rossi being a proactive leader, always instils a collaborative approach, providing all team members a sense of ownership on each project, while facilitating and managing the studio outputs in order to meet the project program and milestones.
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.
Rachel Drayton
NSW Representative
Rachael is an Associate at PMDL Architecture & Design – an international cross-disciplinary practice with considerable experience in delivering educational facilities, master planning and refurbishments. Rachael is committed to designing places for people, and their specific needs. Rachael leads projects through working collaboratively within the team environment and establishing close working relationships with clients, prioritising client consolation and design intent. Key experience includes the creation of educational facilities throughout all project stages. This has seen her establish an in-depth understanding of education typologies and opportunities to align spatial planning with pedagogy.
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.
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 been involved in projects across a range of sectors, particularly in commercial, education and retail. Dedicated to client service throughout all project phases, Kevin holds his relationships in high regard – deeming the importance of communication to provide high quality outcomes. Kevin believes each project should be delivered to suit the unique needs of the client as well as contribute to the surrounding community. His range of experience has given Kevin a holistic skill set; “retail taught me the process, workspace taught me the importance of interior designer influencing the architecture of commercial buildings, and now, education is teaching me that we all learn differently and that the built environment can assist with this”. As a passionate mentor, Kevin provides an important platform for emerging designers to access advice from the practice’s experienced design practitioners through knowledge sharing and support. He leads the Brisbane office with the philosophy that a team approach will deliver successful and rewarding projects.
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, a Senior Project Architect, boasts extensive team management experience across diverse sectors, such as education, heritage, commercial, sports & leisure facilities, and adaptive reuse projects. She joined Grieve Gillett Architects as an Associate in 2018 and swiftly rose to Associate Director in 2019. Nicole excels in leading education projects and providing heritage advisory services, emphasising close collaboration with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to achieve high-quality, cost-effective results while upholding design integrity. Proficient in consultation and stakeholder engagement, she adeptly navigates project frameworks and communication channels. Furthermore, Nicole serves as the Secretary of the SA Chapter of Learning Environments Australia and prioritizes continuous professional development to stay updated on modern learning space trends. Her extensive professional background spans across London, Queensland, and Adelaide, contributing to projects on both national and international scales.
Freya Kuchel
SA Representative
Freya, a seasoned Interior Designer, channels her deep-rooted belief in the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature into her craft. With a rich tapestry of seven years in the field across various sectors, Freya is renowned for her professionalism in spearheading large-scale projects. Central to her ethos is the conviction that design is a collaborative journey. She champions a process where stakeholders are integral partners, shaping spaces that not only meet practical needs but resonate with a profound sense of purpose. Freya's passion finds a poignant expression in her affinity for educational environments. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in each project, where she meticulously weaves together elements that not only elevate aesthetic appeal but also align seamlessly with the pedagogical vision. In Freya's vision, the essence of nature isn't merely a decorative motif but a fundamental element in enhancing user well-being. She integrates natural materials, harnesses natural light, and blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating environments that breathe life and vitality. With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to creating bespoke experiences, Freya continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of interior design, one transformative project at a time.
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.
