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Kerstin Thompson AM
An Australian architect and leader in design. In 2023, Kerstin was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal the highest honour in Australian architecture becoming only the fourth woman in the 63-year history of the award to receive this distinction.
Founder and Design Director of Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA), Kerstin’s work is celebrated for its deep connection to place, community and sustainable design. Her portfolio spans striking public buildings and beautifully resolved residential work, including the Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge, Melbourne Holocaust Museum and Broadmeadows Town Hall.
Marion Mahony Griffin
1871–1961 one of the world’s first licensed female architects and a foundational figure in modern urban design. An extraordinary architect, artist and drafter, Marion broke barriers at a time when the field was overwhelmingly male.
In 1911, when an international competition was held to design Australia’s new capital, Canberra, Marion and her husband Walter Burley Griffin entered the contest. Although only Walter’s name appeared on the entry, Marion’s visionary perspective drawings and design work were pivotal in winning first prize and shaping the plan for Canberra Australia’s purpose-built capital city.
Marion is now widely recognised for her contribution to the city’s design.
Virginia Kerridge
An influential Australian architect whose work has helped shape some of Australia’s most refined and culturally responsive built environments.
Beyond her project work, Virginia represents a generation of women currently leading significant architectural practices in Australia.
A graduate of the University of New South Wales with First Class Honours, Kerridge has received numerous accolades from the Australian Institute of Architects and the Houses Awards, including Australia’s House of the Year in 2011 for House in Country NSW.
BFDA students are asked to research Virginia’s projects as part of the Cert IV in Residential Drafting, including the contemplation house as seen in the images below
Teresa Serrao
A leader in architecture and building design education guiding the next generation of designers.
Teresa studied Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney and has spent more than two decades working across the built environment. Her experience spans bespoke residential homes, multi-storey commercial projects, institutional buildings, and medium to high-density housing through her own architectural practice Teresa Serrao Architects. Her work reflects a clear set of values thoughtful design, sustainability, accessibility, and spaces that genuinely support the people who use them.
One example is her Newtown Residence, a compact corner-block home designed to maximise light, space, and connection between living areas and outdoor spaces as shown in images.
In addition to this Teresa stepped into teaching. Having taught in universities and TAFE Teresa established her own college Built Form Design Academy providing students with the practical skills and knowledge required to move confidently into industry.
