Kavita Gonsalves
Dr Kavita Gonsalves is Head of Sustainability, APAC at Populous, where she leads sustainability strategy across major sports, civic and precinct projects throughout the Asia–Pacific. Her work spans complex, high-profile developments including Penrith Stadium, the UTAS Stadium Redevelopment and the Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Redevelopment, applying research-led approaches that balance environmental performance, social impact and long-term value. With over 15 years’ industry experience across architecture, research and design strategy, Kavita holds a PhD in Radical Placemaking and is deeply committed to bridging research and practice. She drives academic–industry collaboration through initiatives such as the Building 4.0 CRC- #48 Circular Economy Project, Climate Forum 2024, and Populous-QUT Circulate Studio. She also contributes to the profession as a RAIA Queensland Chapter Councillor (2025-27), member of the RAIA QLD Climate Action & Sustainability Committee, co-host of the RAIA Living Design Series, and juror for the RAIA 2025 National Architecture Awards.
One of her key hustles is balancing the scales in architectural practice leadership. She is currently co-creating the Parlour PoOL Leadership Program Working Group to open up alternative leadership pathways grounded in equity, collaboration and long-term cultural change, by bringing diverse voices and ways of knowing to the table.
Belinda Allwood
Belinda Allwood is managing director of People Oriented Design, founded in Gimuy/Cairns in 2014. As an architect and landscape architect, she has a deep appreciation for the people, Country, and landscapes of Northern Australia. Belinda has worked closely with First Nations organisations and communities for more than twenty years and is committed to working with First Nations leaders and traditional knowledge holders to co-design spaces that respond meaningfully to Country and culture.
Belinda served on the Queensland state jury for the Australian Institute of Architects awards in 2023, then as co-chair 2024, where she was pleased to champion the inaugural Queensland Social Impact Prize. She served on the Queensland Chapter Council between 2020-2025 and is an adjunct industry fellow at Griffith University. Belinda continues to provide advocacy and leadership in equity, diversity, and spatial justice through everyday practice.
Karen Ognibene
Karen Ognibene is an architect and director of KO&Co Architecture, a Brisbane practice with a keen focus on socially responsible architecture and a belief that architects can, and should, make a difference to the way people live through good design. Karen studied architecture in Brisbane and Milan before graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) in 2002, completing her undergraduate thesis on architecture and homelessness.
Throughout her career, Karen has contributed to architectural education through tutoring and guest critiques at four universities in South East Queensland and holds a position on the Board of Architects Queensland examination panel. She has participated in many panel discussions relating to social and affordable housing, mental health respite accommodation and specialist disability housing. Karen is a design review panel member for Economic Development Queensland, a member of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel and an advisor to Brisbane City Council’s Independent Design Review Panel.