MC: Lisa King
Lisa King is the Executive Director of the New South Wales Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architecture, having previously held the position of Policy and Advocacy Manager, New South Wales. 

With extensive experience in small, medium and large architectural practice, Lisa has utilised this practical working knowledge in recent years to engage with government and key industry stakeholders on behalf of the architectural profession as the New South Wales Building reforms have come into effect.  

Having previous research experience for the University of Sydney and the Henry Halloran Trust, Lisa advocates for policy outcomes which support consumer protection and equitable, sustainable built environments. 

Panel Includes:


James Fitzpatrick (Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects)

James Fitzpatrick is the founding partner at fitzpatrick+partners architects.
James studied architecture in Tasmania before moving to Sydney to study theatre and film design at NIDA.  After completing his studies, he undertook periods of work experience in the USA and Japan.
He founded fitzpatrick+partners in 2000.  F+P is an award-winning design studio, with current and complete commissions across most states of Australia.  
Their work encompasses urban planning, hospitals, commercial, hotel, mixed use and residential tower buildings, boutique office buildings and private homes.
Key to the studio is their continuing research into products and construction systems to help address the societal and environmental issues we face today.  This research has primarily been focusses around developing environmental technologies, engineered timber systems and prefabricated assembly typographies for large scale commercial and residential applications.


Cate Cowlishaw (Managing Principal for HDR Architecture Australia)

As Regional Managing Principal for HDR’s Australian architecture practice, Cate has over two decades of experience serving in leadership roles with global, national and boutique architectural practices. With this deep industry knowledge and an extensive client networks across numerous markets, not only has Cate forged a career focused on business development, architectural operations and practice leadership but she is passionate about advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. Based in the Sydney office, Cate is a registered architect in New South Wales and a Fellow at the Australian Institute of Architects where she is the NSW Chapter Chair for the Gender Equity Taskforce and a NSW Architecture Bulletin Editorial Committee member. Cate is also passionate about mentoring and coaching both within the studio and across industry-wide mentoring programs for aspiring architects and graduates.


Kate Holmes
(Senior Development Manager, Infrastructure NSW)

Kate Holmes is an experienced client-side design and construct project manager, currently working as a Senior Development Manager for Infrastructure NSW.
With a background in architecture, Kate has worked in the project and development management industry for over 15 years.
Kate has a wealth of experience working on design and construct contracts with projects ranging from construction values of $2m to $300m, from inception to operations.
She is currently the client project lead on three design and construct projects at Barangaroo and is passionate about achieving the right outcome for each project without adversely impacting the original design intent.

Felicity Dixon (Senior Risk Manager at Informed by Planned Cover)


Anthony Duarte
(Regional Director Multiplex)

Regional Director of the NSW and ACT business, Anthony Duarte’s ‘front end’ knowledge of the design and construction process enables him to develop solutions that align with client key drivers. With over 30 years’ industry experience and a decade in new business and bid conversion, Anthony has successfully negotiated and secured over $8 billion in projects.
 
He has notably helped convert Multiplex’s substantial Health Infrastructure projects (from hospitals and commercial buildings to Covid-19 emergency spaces); the University of NSW’s portfolio projects; the iconic skyscraper at Quay Quarter Tower, and the current delivery of the New Sydney Fish Markets and the Commonwealth’s Western Sydney International Airport.


Ashleigh Vumbaca
(Partner (Building and Construction Law, Bradbury Legal)   

Ashleigh has advised principals, contractors and subcontractors on their contractual and statutory rights across Australia. Ashleigh has developed significant experience providing contract preparation, contract administration and pre-dispute assistance to clients, as well as advising and representing clients strategically, procedurally and on the merits in all forms of dispute resolution including adjudication, mediation, expert determination, litigation, arbitration and dispute boards.

Ashleigh has recently completed her Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. Her studies have focussed on her interests in construction law and forms of alternate dispute resolution, particularly negotiation, dispute boards and international mediation.