Callantha’s research into Designers in Local Government contributes to a little-known field of knowledge and public practice which punches above its weight in terms of social, cultural, economic and environmental impact. Councils employing in-house designers can harness both the unique technical and spatial skills that designers bring, and the power of design thinking to cut though complex overlapping issues to deliver high quality community outcomes. Targeted to a broad audience, the research has generated recommendations for universities, peak bodies, professionals, Government leaders, and designers. While it focuses on the NSW, learnings also provide considerations for other contexts.

About the Speaker

Callantha Brigham is an architect and urban designer with over 25 years’ experience in State and Local Government. Over this time her practice has shifted from being a project architect designing public buildings to leading city-scale projects and design leadership of multi-disciplinary teams. Callantha is passionate about expanding the practice and impact of designers and advocating for improved public outcomes. She has pursued this through various roles at NSW Government Architects Office, City of Parramatta, City of Sydney, university teaching, publications and involvement in the NSW Chapter of the Institute of Architects where she led Gender Equity, Reconciliation and Design in Government initiatives. In 2022-2023 Callantha was the Rothwell Resident in Urban Design with a teaching and research focus on Design in Government. She continues to co-chair the Designers in Government group, is currently completing an MBAX (Social Impact) and is Director Strategy, Design and Delivery at Greater Sydney Parklands. 

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