BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

With a 25-year career dedicated to urban design excellence, I have consistently delivered outcomes that benefit stakeholders, communities, and the places we shape. Leading multi-disciplinary teams, I’ve successfully managed design and strategic planning programs that align with organizational values and achieve long-term goals. My approach focuses on uncovering the potential of each place, delivering solutions that are both practical and meaningful to all involved. 

A key strength lies in creating shared visions and providing clear, consistent narratives around complex placemaking processes—from initial concept to project development. As a strategic thinker, I effectively address project and management challenges.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

The ongoing recognition of urban design as a discrete, yet allied profession in Australia is a key aspect of the advancement of good design and planning in our towns and cities. 

The UDA has established cohesion of urban design as a profession, it has established a pathway and standard for registration. 

I can envisage the UDA growing into an organisation that provides members with a wide and sophisticated range of services similar to PIA and RAIA. I have the skill, motivation and time to contribute to UDA's continued growth as a pre-eminent professional organisation in NSW. 

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

Tanya brings a 30-year career in urban design, policy and management across all stages of planning, projects and delivery. She has worked in and appreciates the challenges in various forms of practice – large consultancies, small practices and government agencies. She is also a State Government Design Champion, Churchill Fellow, awarded communicator, and Masters tutor. She is proud to have been a co-founder of the UDA and inaugural President since 2023.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

Tanya offers organisational experience and leadership skills to continue building on our collective achievements – events, journal, awards, ABS recognition for the occupation, and the first Australian professional registration scheme. Future UDA: amplifying our advocacy impact, members’ contributions and professional learning.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

I gained a masters in Architecture Urbaine (urban design) in Paris in the 1980s. I prepared the first Urban Design Guidelines publication for an Australian city in Adelaide in 1990. I have worked as an urban designer in Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney since. I won (with two other consultants) two National Planning Awards for the City of Sydney Plan. My practice, Olsson Architecture and Urban Projects gained a Commendation in the national Urban Design Awards 2024 (with Hill Thalis AUP).

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

I want to serve the nascent and growing urban design community in NSW. Whilst it is important to have young urban designers on the committee, I would add experience in suggesting ways to focus on key issues. I am happy to help in any capacity - administrative, event set up, review of submissions etc.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

I am a registered urban designer with 12 years of experience. My career has taken me to the United Kingdom and Aotearoa New Zealand before finding my way home to Australia and to Sydney 3 years ago. I have worked on a variety of projects with a focus on transport and government-led urban regeneration. I am currently employed with Sydney Metro and tutor at the University of Sydney.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

I have a strong passion and commitment to the profession of urban design and would like to be on the UDA committee to continue the great work that has occurred over the last few years.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

I am an urban designer with over six years of experience across architecture, urban design, and graphic design. I currently work as an urban designer at DesignInc, teach design at the University of Sydney, and undertake freelance architecture projects. My work focuses on transport, place-based design, and integrating First Nations narratives. I actively contribute to research and have published on topics like identity, placemaking, and Connecting with Country. I have been part of the PIA Emerging Planners Committee for three years and currently lead its events subcommittee.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

I believe UDA should champion young professionals and students by amplifying youth voices in the industry. My experience as a tutor and Emerging Planners Committee member equips me to support this mission and foster meaningful opportunities for future collaborations and initiatives.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

Gabriela is an urban designer with 25 years of experience. She has played a key role in transformative city projects, including the master planning of the Green Square Urban Renewal area and major infrastructure initiatives like Parramatta Light Rail Stages 1 and 2.

Passionate about collaborative approaches that benefit communities and shape the future of our cities, Gabriela brings extensive experience working with local and state governments, as well as managing projects from the client side. Her professional experience has equipped her with the ability to navigate complex decision-making processes and adapt to shifting priorities.

Her expertise encompasses policy development, strategic precinct planning and design, strategic urban design, and infrastructure project design and delivery.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

I have been in the role of secretary of the UDA for the past 2 years. I have good organisational skills, a "can do" attitude and I am happy to help with any needed task to help run the association.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

I’m an urban designer with dual qualifications in Architecture and Urban Planning. I’m a founding director of Studio GL, a specialist urban design consultancy, and previously held leadership roles at Arup, Stockland and Architectus. I’m on the NSW State Design Review Panel and occasionally lecture at the University of NSW and the University of Sydney.

I have over 30 years professional experience including providing urban design services for town centres, major transport and precinct studies, commercial/ mixed use developments and masterplanning projects in the UK, NZ and Australia.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

Since its inception I have been actively involved in the formation and growth of the UDA. I would like to continue to grow the organisation, to advocate for the value of great urban design and to support and empower UDA members.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

I have been in the industry of urban design for approximately 20 years. I worked in Sydney Australia and overseas (Toronto, Hong Kong) as a practicing urban designer representing both private and public sector organisations. I currently work in Local Government at Central Coast Council in the directorate of Strategic Planning.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

After becoming a registered member in the Urban Design Association I have spoken with a few of the current committee members how else I could contribute to the advancement of the organisation. I can assist with regular activities by volunteering time and attending specific tasks as required.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

I am an urban design educator, researcher, and practitioner with over 25 years of experience across private practice, local and state government, and academia. Currently, I serve as Program Director for the Master of Urban Design and Sr Lecturer at the University of Sydney, where I am also undertaking doctoral research on participatory urban design with youth. As a founding member of UDA and an active committee contributor, I am deeply committed to advancing the profession and supporting the organisation’s mission. I am also very proud to be a RUDA.

WHY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE UDA COMMITTEE

I bring extensive insight and experience to support UDA’s continued growth, recognising the vital role of a focused professional body and voice within the NSW context. My diverse background enables me to contribute meaningfully to both the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the organisation. I am particularly passionate about shaping urban design education, mentoring emerging professionals, and strengthening the connections between practice and academia. I would be honoured to continue serving on the committee and contributing to UDA’s impact and evolution.