Professor Helen Lochhead

My Expertise

Urban renewal, architecture, urban housing, public spaces, parks, Sydney Harbour, sustainable regeneration

Biography

Professor Helen Lochhead is an Australian architect and urbanist.

She is an Emeritus Professor of Architecture and Urbanism and formerly the Pro Vice-chancellor, Precincts providing strategic oversight and direction for all UNSW precincts and Dean, UNSW Built Environment from 2015-2020. She has held a number of influential positions in the NSW Government and the City of Sydney including Executive Director roles at Sydney Olympic Park...view more

Professor Helen Lochhead is an Australian architect and urbanist.

Her career has focused on the inception, planning, design and delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects and public works ranging from a 5-year city improvements program for the City of Sydney leading up to the 2000 Olympics to major urban renewal and waterfront projects. She has been instrumental in shaping more major precincts around Sydney Harbour than most, including the transformation of Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay from a sports precinct into a mixed-use community and parklands with environmental credentials that set new benchmarks. More recently she led the development of 30-year plan for the transformation of Sydney Cove, the gateway to Sydney’s CBD and was instrumental in setting a new strategic vision for Sydney Harbour.

Professor Lochhead maintains a high profile in the profession and her professional contribution has been recognized through many industry awards including AIA and AILA Urban Design and Sustainability Awards, the AIA Marion Mahony Griffin Prize, the NAWIC Vision Award for leadership in the construction industry and the AIA NSW President’s Prize and the American Institute of Architects Presidents Medal. In 2019 she was named one of the AFR 100 most influential women in Australia.

High level appointments include the National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, the Independent Planning Commission, the Australian Heritage Council and competition juries and Design Review Panels across Australia and internationally. All are a testament to her standing in the profession.

A graduate of both the University of Sydney and Columbia University in New York, Professor Lochhead’s career has combined professional practice and teaching both in Australia and the United States, as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney and also as visiting academic at Harvard, MIT and Columbia Universities. She has been awarded numerous Fellowships including Fulbright, Bogliasco and the Harvard Lincoln/Loeb Fellowship at the Graduate School of Design and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

My Qualifications

M. Sc (Architecture & Urban Design), B. Sc. Arch (Honours 1), B. Arch (Honours 1), Dip Horticulture (Honours)

My Awards

Bogliasco Fellowship, The Bogliasco Foundation, Italy, April 2015
AIA Presidents Prize for contribution to the design of the built environment of Sydney, design education and the profession
Harvard University Graduate School of Design 2013-14
Loeb Fellowship, Harvard University Graduate School of Design 2013-14
Lincoln Fellowship, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Cambridge, 2013-14
AIA Marion Mahony-Griffin Prize 2013- for a distinctive body of work & contribution of a female architect to the profession
AILA National Award for leadership in adaptation to climate change and promotion of sustainable Australian
settlements (with OEH) 2011
Winston Churchill Fellowship 2010
National Association of Women Vision Award 2009 for leadership in the construction industry
Landcom Design competition winner 1996
Australian Postgraduate Award, 1995
RAIA Merit Award for Urban Design 1993
The Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, Board of Architects 1991
William Kinne Fellows Travelling Scholarship, Columbia University, New York, 1986
Fulbright Fellowship, 1985
University of Sydney Hezlet Bequest Travelling Scholarship, 1985
Stephenson Turner Scholarship & Medal, 1985
NSW Board of Architects Medallion, 1984
The Marten Bequest, a travelling scholarship, 1982

Public lectures/conferences

2014 Lincoln Loeb lecture, Boston
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Harvard Law School
Forum for Climate Resilient Coasts- RPA/Lincoln Institute, Washington DC
SeaChange conference, Boston, keynote speaker
MIT Sustainability Summit, Boston: keynote speaker
Bruner Cott lecture, Boston
Boston Society of Architects, Boston

Expert Panels

MIT Sustainability Summit
Harvard Law School Program for Negotiation

Significant projects under my direction

Circular Quay Master Plan (SHFA)
Bays Precinct Strategic Framework (SHFA)
Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Master Plan (Arts NSW)
Sydney Fish Markets redevelopment and feasibility study (SPA)
Wentworth Point Master Plan (RMS)

My Research Activities

Examined the value of design-led processes in delivering innovative solutions to complex problems. Using the Rebuild by Design competition as a case study, this research evaluated the potential of such a process to drive innovation and deliver resiliency projects and strategies that can be implemented and leveraged to have a catalytic impact on a broader scale.

Loeb Fellowship 2013-4

Harvard Graduate School of Design and Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Fellowship research focused on innovative strategies and solutions, policies and governance models, to better design and deliver more sustainable, climate resilient and liveable waterfront cities.

This included primary research, interviews, field trips, conferences and symposia and classes Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), Kennedy School of Government (HKS), Harvard Business School (HBS) and Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

Courses included:

Leadership

Public Narrative- understanding authenticity, connecting with audience- Marshall Ganz (HKS)
Effective implementation: Learning from Effective Implementers- Francis Hartmann (HKS)
Innovating in the Public Sector- Mark Moore (HKS)

Design thinking/new technologies

Media Politics and Power in the Digital Age understanding social media- Nicco Mele (HKS)-
The innovative Practice- understanding Human Centred Design- Beth Altringer (SEAS/GSD)-
Design thinking and innovation- Srikant Datar (HBS)

Risk and Resilience

Cities and Environmental change (GSD)- Joyce Rosenthal issues, considerations and challenges
Design for Urban Disaster - disaster planning (GSD) David Sanderson

Enterprise Risk Management

Enterprise Risk Management: Strategy and Leadership in the Face of Large-Scale Uncertainties (HBS)- Dutch Leonard

Contemporary urbanism

Cities by Design (GSD)-, Rahul Mehrotra and others
Theories of Landscape as urbanism, Landscape as Infrastructure (GSD): Pierre Belanger
History of Landscape (GSD) Sonia Dumpelman

My Engagement

Membership

Boards & committees

National Council Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) 2013-2015
Australian Institute of Architects Foundation Board 2016-
Central Sydney Planning Committee (CSPC)- 2009-13
Heritage Council, NSW 2011- 13
City of Sydney City Plan Review Committee 2010-11
NSW Architects Registration Board (Deputy) 2009-
Metropolitan Strategy Review: 2009-
National Trust of Australia (NSW) Board Member 1997-2011

Conservation Committee
Properties Committee

North Sydney Design Excellence Panel 2010-
Parramatta Design Excellence Panel 2011-
Sutherland Council Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP) 2004-2011
Premier’s Inter-departmental committee on Affordable Housing 2005: SOPA delegate
ACT Planning and Land Council 2003-2006
South Sydney Development Corporation Design Panel 2001-2004
NPWS Sydney Harbour National Park Advisory Council 2000-2004
Gungahlin Development Authority Board Member 1996-2003

Residential land release sub-committee
Commercial land release sub-committee

Australian Institute of Architects NSW (AIA)

Environment Board 1994-1996
Chair, Urban Design Committee 1994-1996

AIA/ National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Mentor Program

Design review

Sydney International Convention Exhibition & Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP): Design Review Panel (2012- Perth Waterfront Design Advisory Panel 2011-2012
Design Assessment Panel for the South Morang Rail Extension Project, Victoria, 2011-15
North Sydney Design Excellence Panel 2011-2013
City of Parramatta Design Excellence Panel 2011-2013
NSW Transport Construction Authority Design and Sustainability Review Panel 2009-
University of NSW Campus Design Advisory Panel 2009-
Port Adelaide Waterfront Design Review Panel 2007-9
University of Western Australia Arts precinct design workshop 2008
Sullivan’s Cove Authority, Hobart Rail yards Master Plan review 2008
Alkimos: new planned community in WA Design workshop & peer review 2007
Northbridge Link: Perth Design workshop 2007
Mounts Bay Peer Design Review Panel, Perth 2007
Sydney Harbour Design Review Panel 1998-2008
Festival Development Corporation Design Review Panel 2001-2007
Sydney Olympic Park Authority Design Review Panel 2003-2006

Design competition & awards juries

Future Cities workshop; New Museum New York 2014
Australian Institute of Architects Awards Jury 2013, Chair (Public Buildings and Urban Design)
RTA (Department of Transport) Design Awards 2009-2010
Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards Jury NSW 2010 (Multi-Unit Housing)
Australian Cement and Concrete Association (ACCA) Design Awards
Powerhouse Museum extension competition 2010
Woollahra Heritage Awards 2011
Mosman Design Awards 2010
Canterbury Design Awards 2009
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards juries, 2008, 2009
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Design Awards 2008
University of NSW: various major project competitions 2009-11
East Darling Harbour International Design Competition (Baranagaroo) Melbourne ZooGiba Park, Darling Island Pyrmont Point: multiple projects
Mt Penang Parklands

Practice

Executive Director, Place Development, (2012–2013)
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA)

Responsibilities

Reporting to the CEO and Board responsible for leadership of a multi disciplinary team of professionals (including development managers, project managers, architects, heritage specialists, urban designers, landscape architects, asset planning and support staff)
Lead of interagency government taskforces, high-level negotiation and stakeholder engagement, working with Government Ministers, Boards and Government Executive
Responsible for direction, inception and delivery of strategic planning and urban renewal of key foreshore precincts and sites around Sydney Foreshores. Responsible for conservation and adaptive re-use of significant heritage buildings and design and delivery of capital program including infrastructure and public domain
Member of the SHFA Executive team, contributing to strategic direction and planning, business development and management

Major projects

Circular Quay Strategic Framework (leadership and facilitation of inter-agency projects)
Bays Precinct Strategic Framework (leadership and facilitation of inter-agency projects)
White Bay Power Station adaptive re-use
Rozelle Rail Yards Master Plan
Sydney International Convention Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP): project review and advice

Deputy Government Architect, Government Architect’s Office (GAO) 2007-2015

Responsibilities

Management of a multi disciplinary team of 170+ design professionals and support staff (including architects, heritage specialists, urban designers, landscape architects) providing consultancy services to Government agencies on a full commercial basis. Annual revenue $24million
Responsible for Architecture &Specialist Design strategic direction, financial planning, business development, marketing and promotion
Provided leadership within GAO to promote high quality, sustainable design projects & services
Provided strategic design advice to the Government Architect and Government clients
Provided high-level advice to Government Ministers
Member of the GAO Executive and deputy to Government Architect

Major Achievements

Gained over 30 new Federal, State &Local Government clients for GAO in NSW and interstate
Expanded services in urban renewal projects, housing, urban design, sustainability & climate change adaptation, risk and resilience
Providing independent expert advice to 5 interstate agencies on large scale strategic projects and Internationally to Christchurch redevelopment agencies post-Earthquake and Taiwan on planning sustainably in world heritage places.
Project Director on all significant strategic projects.
Introduced in-house various professional development programs for staff including Architectural Registration program, Young Professionals Development program, Mentoring program, Gender Equity Strategy-job sharing to enhance professional development
Public Works product development: sustainability and climate change
Raised profile of GAO through participation in conferences, panels, professional development series, competition juries for design awards, AIA/NAWIC mentoring program, Sydney Architecture Festival, University teaching, Churchill Fellowship 06
Professional and industry recognition for achievements through numerous industry awards

Significant projects under my direction

Circular Quay Master Plan (SHFA)
Bays Precinct Strategic Framework (SHFA)
Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Master Plan (Arts NSW)
Sydney Fish Markets redevelopment and feasibility study (SPA)
Wentworth Point Master Plan (RMS)
Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan review (SMDA)
Parliament House Ministerial accommodation (SPA)
NSW State Library Master Plan and refurbishment (SLNSW)
Newtown Station upgrade (Railcorp)
Sydney Harbour Bridge and Windsor Bridges urban design (RTA)
Orange Integrated Cultural Centre, Museum, Library and Art Gallery (Orange City Council)
Wollongong Town Hall refurbishment and Civic Precinct Master Plan (Wollongong Council)
Harold Park Master Plan (City of Sydney)
North Parramatta Government Precinct Master Plan (Landcom)
Immigration Museum feasibility (DPC/SPA)
Parramatta Educational Precinct (DET)
Oran Park Town Centre Schools Strategy (Landcom/DET)
Westmead Health Education Precinct: uplift potential due to Metro station
Large Residential Centres Strategic Alignment: 3 Master plans (ADHC)
Greencover Demonstration project (DECC)

Executive Director, Sustainability, Sydney Olympic Park Authority 2004-2006

Responsibilities

Member of the SOPA Executive team reporting to CEO and Board
Management of a multi disciplinary team of professional and support staff (including architects, planners, urban designers, public art manager, landscape architects, building surveyors, engineers, quantity surveyors, environmental scientists and project managers)
Management of the Business Unit including budget development and management, resourcing, training, OH& S etc
Management of consultants: Briefing, budgets, time management
Leadership and management of inter-divisional teams and multidisciplinary projects
Inception, planning, design, stakeholder management and contract management of all SOPA development, parkland and capital projects
Development of planning, urban design policy & design standards
Formulation of master plan and development controls
Ongoing planning and design advice with regard to proposals put to SOPA
Planning and building assessment and approvals
Delivery of $25 million Parkland capital works program
Developer negotiation: various projects
Government Agency liaison: Ministerial briefings, high-level negotiations with Department of Planning, RTA,
Parramatta and Auburn Council, Waterways

Major Achievements

Master Plan 2025, developed new vision and Master Plan for Sydney Olympic Park including Stakeholder consultation, transport /traffic strategy, development feasibility, public domain strategy, implementation strategies, Infrastructure Funding Plan, SREP amendment etc: Project Director
Inception and delivery of parklands capital works program including Brick pit Ring Walk, Blaxland Common, Wentworth Common, The Eventful Path and other projects. Numerous AILA and AIA awards for these projects
Policy development: energy and waste management and affordable housing strategy

Director, Helen Lochhead Urban Projects Pty Ltd 1996-2006

Responsibilities

Design direction, business development and client management
Co-ordination and management of multidisciplinary teams and projects on time and budget
Architecture, urban design, landscape design, strategies, master planning, guidelines, DCPs, advisor, stakeholder consultation and management

Achievements

Multiple Master plans, DCPs including Rozelle Hospital & Gladesville Hospital Master Plans, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Mascot Station Precinct, public domain & multi unit housing projects

Clients

State Government: Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Department of Planning / Urban Design Advisory Service (UDAS),
City West Development Corporation, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Landcom, ACT Land Development Agency
Local Government: City of Sydney, Willoughby, Canterbury, Manly, Woollahra Kogarah Council
Private sector: Multiplex, Pongrass Industries, Australia Designer Homes

Manager, Urban Design, 1992-5
Director, Special Projects, 1995-96, City of Sydney

Responsibilities

Management of a multi disciplinary team of professional and support staff
Management of consultants: Briefing, budgets, time management
Co-ordination and management of interdepartmental teams (Engineering, Parks, Properties, Planning) and multi-disciplinary projects
Inception, planning, design, stakeholder management and contract management of all projects in the public domain, Open Museum and public art program
Development of Urban Design policy, Controls & Design Standards, Public Art Policy
Ongoing urban design advice with regard to proposals put to council

Major Achievements

City Improvements Program: inception, development, programming and budgeting of five-year capital works program in preparation for the Sydney Olympics ($250 million)
Sydney Spaces: 29 concepts for the city’s streets, squares and parks: project director, exhibition curator & managing editor of publication, canvassing over 50 designers’ ideas for Sydney’s public realm. Distributed internationally.

Consultant, Architecture, Urban & Landscape Design 1988-91

Sydney Cove Authority, Sydney:

Various award winning public domain projects in The Rocks, Sydney

Jackson Teece Chesterman & Willis, Sydney:

University of NSW Master Plan, Richmond TAFE Master Plan

EEK Architects, New York:

Downtown Honolulu waterfront redevelopment: urban design framework & water use plan

EEK Architects (now Perkins Eastman) New York, 1983-88

Major Achievements

Kips Bay housing: design guidelines, New York (2.5 ha in Manhattan, 2000 apartments $324 million development)
Newport City, New Jersey: Master plan, open space design & development guidelines for mixed-use development on the Hudson River (160ha $10 billion development)
La Guardia Airport, New York: Urban design guidelines ($30 million redevelopment)
Fells Point, Baltimore: Master plan & development guidelines for a mixed-use waterfront development (10 acres, $120 million development)
The Pike, Long Beach, California: Master plan for mixed-use development (5.2 ha $1.2 billion)
Festival Marketplace, Birmingham, England: Schematic design for a mixed commercial waterfront development

My Teaching

Lectures

Paul Reid and Utzon lectures 2016 : UNSW Reimagining the Harbour City
Harvard Graduate School of Design: Regenerating urban waterfronts: various lectures, 2013-4
Harvard University Law School, Program on Negotiation: Negotiation and Planning: various lectures, 2013-4
MIT Sustainability Summit 2014: guest speaker and panelist
Sea Change Boston 2014: Guest speaker and panelist
Lincoln Institute: Lincoln Loeb lecture 2014: The Design Dividend in Building Resilience
BSA lecture 2014: Resilience in waterfront cities
Boston University, Sydney campus Sustainable Sydney lecture series 2013
NZIA/Christchurch Civic Trust Public Lecture in Christchurch: Lesson from Sustainable Cities: to inform the future planning of Christchurch post Earthquake. Christchurch, NZ 2012
NCCARF National Adaptation Conference, Melbourne: keynote speaker 2012
Smart Cities conference, Sydney: keynote speaker 2012
Architecture Australia Roundtable: public forum on Risk, UTS, 2011
University of Sydney public lecture series 2011: Facilitating sustainability and design excellence
Sydney Architecture Festival, Pecha Kucha talk, 2011
Planning in Sydney: public lecture and debate, Woollahra Festival 2011
Green roofs: City of Sydney 2011
UNSW Lectures in Urban Design & Professional Practice 2009-2010
Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference, keynote speaker 2010
NSW Land and Environment Court Annual Conference, keynote speaker 2009
Conversations in the Cove Keynote Speaker Hobart 2008
Museum of Sydney (MoS) Panel discussion 2007
ICTC (International Cities and Towns Conference), keynote speaker 2006
Department of Planning Greater Western Sydney Parklands Forum 2005
PIA NSW Conference, keynote speaker 2005
Inaugural Green Building Conference, keynote speaker 2003
Museum of Sydney, Private vs Public symposium, keynote speaker 2001
Shaping the Future of Place, RAIA conference, keynote speaker 2000
City Edge Conference, Melbourne, keynote speaker 1999

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Location

Arts, Design & Architecture

Red Centre, Room 5017

Contact

+61 2 9385 4768

+61 2 9385 6264

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ORCID as entered in ROS

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8638-736X