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
Strategic Governance Director
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
Director of Marketing + Strategic Operations
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
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 an Associate 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.
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.
Michele Edens
NSW Representative
Creative, artistic and with International experience, I have developed a varied and diverse portfolio over the years. My professional experience ranges from commercial work place Interiors, education, student accommodation, high-rise residential and seniors living, with prior experience in aviation, retail and hospitality. I began my career in South Africa which is where I established myself as a designer and developed my individual style and creativity. I have worked for a short time in the UK and moved to Australia in 2006. I believe that establishing and building solid relationships both internally with colleagues as well as externally with clients and consultants, is key to a successful project outcome.
Meiling Honson
NZ Representative
Meiling Honson is a Principal Architect and project leader with more than 20 years’ experience across Australia, China and Aotearoa New Zealand. She specialises in the design of education facilities and campus environments, leading large, multidisciplinary teams from concept through to completion. Since joining Jasmax in 2016, Meiling has delivered major education projects, including the award-winning redevelopment of Western Springs College Ngā Puna o Waiōrea. She is passionate about culturally responsive design and creating learning environments that reflect and support diverse communities. Meiling is a registered architect in both New South Wales and New Zealand.
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.
Belinda Taggart
WA Chapter Representative
Belinda Taggart is a Senior Project Director with the Department of Finance in Western Australia, leading the Buildings and Contracts – Education and Training team responsible for the delivery of public school and TAFE infrastructure across the state. An experienced project leader, Belinda oversees a significant portfolio of education projects and is involved in developing business cases, procurement strategies and the delivery of complex major projects, including Western Australia’s first vertical public primary school. With a background in Interior Architecture and Project Management, Belinda brings extensive experience across education and major government infrastructure. She is passionate about collaborative leadership and delivering high-quality learning environments that support students, educators and communities across Western Australia.
Charmaine Woods
WA Chapter Representative
Charmaine is an Associate Director at TRCB with more than 20 years’ experience in architecture across Australia and the UK. Combining studio practice management with leadership on education projects, she is passionate about creating inspiring learning environments that respond to the needs of students, educators and communities. Charmaine brings extensive experience managing complex projects, coordinating diverse stakeholder groups and leading large consultant teams from concept through to delivery. Her collaborative, client-focused approach supports high-quality outcomes delivered on time and on budget. Key projects include the Curtin University Engineering Higher Degree Research Facility, Wesley College Innovation Centre and the John XXIII College Masterplan.
Kevin Miles
QLD Chapter 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.
Jacque Allen
Chair, Diversity, Equity + Inclusion (DEI) SubCommittee
Jacque brings over thirty years of experience as an educational leader, university lecturer, and classroom practitioner across the primary and secondary sectors. As a Life Member and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair for Learning Environments Australasia (LEA), she leads an expert group exploring how learning environment design shapes effective pedagogy and the student experience. Jacque has worked internationally with education, business, and not-for-profit organisations, specialising in leadership development, learning design, and collaborative teaching practice. Her workshops and keynote sessions have taken her across NZ, Australia, the USA, and Asia, focusing on courageous leadership, curriculum development, and enabling effective pedagogy through intentional, responsive design. Jacque is passionate about placing people at the centre of research informed professional learning and organisational growth. In 2025 Jacque was honoured with LEA Life Membership.
Matt Dwyer, AIA ALEP
Chair, Sponsorship SubCommittee
Matt is a Director of Y2 Architecture, Architect and Accredited Learning Environment Planner with more than two decades of experience delivering education, community and civic projects. His work has provided opportunities to collaborate on projects both nationally and internationally, broadening his perspective on design excellence, stakeholder engagement and industry leadership. As Chair, Matt is committed to leading with integrity, passion and purpose. He is focused on strengthening industry connections, advocating for members, and fostering initiatives that support innovation, professional development and long-term growth. His collaborative leadership style is underpinned by a strong belief that the best outcomes are achieved when people work together toward a shared vision.
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 Masters is an architect, education advisor, researcher, and Studio Lead of Hayball's Canberra practice. From founding her own education design consultancy, Howff Design, to senior roles in local practices, she has delivered learning environments across government, independent and Catholic sectors, from early childhood settings to major school infrastructure projects. Ella's PhD at the University of Melbourne addresses a question at the heart of our sector: why does innovation in school design succeed in some projects and stall in others? Her research has produced a practical framework for engagement, procurement and policy development, giving schools and designers the tools to turn ambitious educational visions into built reality. 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.