Design Institute of Australia
The DIA is the national organisation that enables Australian designers by providing knowledge, thought leadership, access and inclusivity. Scroll down to find out more about the organisation and its leadership.
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As Australia’s peak industry body for professional designers, the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) represents Australian design and designers both domestically and internationally.
The DIA advocates for designer issues and lead stakeholder initiatives that leverage designers’ voices and elevate their contributions. It helps Australia’s professional designers to succeed in business and to enjoy their working lives, while collectively growing Australia’s reputation as a Design Nation.
The DIA brings together design practitioners with people and organisations who employ, commission, support and promote designers.
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Our professional members typically hold (or are studying for) a 3 to 4-year tertiary design qualification. They are experts in design thinking, creative problem solving and innovation. Collectively, our professional members represent a broad gamut of disciplines in both established and emerging fields of design. They include (but are not limited to) spatial designers, communications designers, industrial designers, design educators, systems designers and design managers.
Our other members include individuals and organisations who understand the importance of design to Australia’s cultural identity and economy. They include manufacturers, people who commission and employ designers, and non-design professionals relevant to design practice.
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The DIA believes designers and their contributions shape the world around us. Our vision is to help the design profession become one of the most valuable professions in Australia.
We value socially distributed cognition, inclusive group decision making, community building activities and cultivate cutting-edge experiences for designers to learn and be together.
The DIA respects ideas, creativity, diversity, processes and contributions. It’s the driving force spearheading new governance in-group decision-making that promotes trust, thoughtfulness, understanding, competency and responsiveness.
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We attract designers of all levels and experience, from students and established designers to industry leaders who want to grow their design skills. Membership benefits include professional development, regulatory guidance, design discipline advocacy and networking. The DIA champions designer excellence through its influential Hall of Fame, Designers Australia Awards, and Graduate of the Year programs. It hosts DIA – Design Days, Talks, Community and bespoke designer programs.
The DIA demonstrates the Value of Design through its in-house advocacy team advocating for designers, government and industry. Learning courses, a CPD network, mentoring resources, practice notes, and regular news, industry, and trend reports inspire people to value design.
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DIA was established in 1939 and is Australia’s only institution governed by a constitution representing an associated member body. The DIA has six branches that represent each state and territory. Its National Advisory Council (NAC) provides advice and input to the Board of Directors and is a communication channel between DIA Members, Branches and Branch Councils.
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Code of Conduct
Preamble
The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) is the professional body for Australian designers. The DIA’s purpose as outlined in the first of the thirteen objects of the DIA Constitution is to promote, support and protect the character, status and interests of persons engaged in Design and Associated Professions.
Application
This Code of Conduct (the Code) is issued by the DIA for the compliance of all its members participating in whatever capacity they work or practise as designers.
DIA members agree to be bound by the Code. To behave ethically and honestly, with integrity in their dealings as a professional designer with clients, the community and their colleagues. Members who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be expelled from the DIA under the DIA Constitution.
The Code is based on the Model Code of Professional Conduct for Designers which has been accepted by members of the following bodies World Design Organisation (WDO), International Federation of Interior Designers (IFI), International Council of Design (IcoD).
The Code:
1. Responsibility to the Community
1.1 Accept a professional obligation to uphold design industry standards and aspire at all times to deliver design excellence.
1.2 Act in keeping with the honour and dignity of the profession and uphold the good reputation of the DIA.
1.3 State design qualifications and experience accurately.
1.4 Do not take a position in which personal interests’ conflict with professional duty.
1.5 Do not engage in any false, misleading, or deceptive conduct or make any false, misleading or deceptive statements and do not take credit for others’ work.
1.6 Consider the effect of the work produced and endeavour, that it may cause as little harm as possible either directly or indirectly to the ecology or environment. Wherever possible integrate and or encourage the conservation of energy and water and principals of circulatory.
1.7 Be familiar with and follow the Practice Notes and Policies of the DIA, including appropriate conduct concerning free-pitching, consulting for a client and a project and false claims and other relevant issues for the design professions which are published and updated by the DIA from time to time.
2. Responsibility to the Client
2.1 Act in the client’s interests in keeping with the designer’s professional duties.
2.2 State clearly to the client the scope of the work to be carried out and the fees and/or charges to be paid or the basis on which they will be calculated including any terms and conditions before accepting and commencing an assignment.
2.Be transparent and ethical with a client in advance about a) any personal or professional benefit to the designer which may arise from their recommendations and b) a connection to any business which may benefit from the designer’s recommendations.
2.4 Maintain confidentiality of a client’s intentions, production methods and business organisation and do not divulge that information and any other confidential information without the consent of the client, except where it is required to complete the brief, is public knowledge or on public record or can reasonably be expected to already be public knowledge. Accept responsibility for ensuring that all members of staff are similarly bound to confidentiality.
2.5 Do not work simultaneously on assignments which are in direct competition without informing the clients or employers concerned, except in specific cases where it is already known and customary for the designer to work at the same time for various competitors.
2.6 Do not accept payment, directly or indirectly or in any form, for a referral or recommendation of a designer to a client or potential client.
3. Responsibility to other Designers
3.1 Do not knowingly copy the work of another designer nor accept instructions from a client which knowingly involve plagiarism.
3.2 Do not attempt, directly or indirectly, to cause another designer who has a firm commitment with a client in relation to a particular project to lose that firm commitment.
3.3 Be fair in criticism and do not act maliciously to denigrate the work or reputation of another designer.
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In November 2017, the DIA commenced a number of constitutional changes designed to provide the organisation with greater flexibility and transparency. A Transition Board was appointed to oversee this process, before a new Board was appointed at the AGM in Oct 2018.
Key changes include:
Establishment of a National Advisory Council
Reduction in Board size from 15 to 8 Directors (DIA National President, 4 DIA members and 3 skills-based independent members)
Shorter and less prescriptive constitution to work in conjunction with a DIA Charter.
DIA - Board of Directors
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Ryan is a registered architect with more than 20 years of industry experience.
Ryan’s experience as a designer has crossed the fields of architecture and interior design, industrial design, theatre and exhibition design. He has worked on projects as small as the design of a door handle up to the size of skyscrapers, across five continents.
In 2007, he won the National Interior Design Award for Emerging Practice, and in 2010 he merged his business with Byron George, creating Russell & George.
He is most well known for his interior designs, with notable works for Aésop, Ishizuka, Medibank, Society, Yakimono and also for himself with the creation of his on studio space the transformational, “Space & Time,” a design that questions the fundamental use of a space throughout the course of a 24hr period and through its lifetime.
Described as a strategist, futurist and entrepreneur in the industry, he now ventures into the fields of information technology, augmented and virtual reality and software development.
Ryan’s key strengths lie in the rapid assessment and development of innovative design solutions, and a sound understanding of the essential interface between design and commercial viability. He is a registered architect, Member of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Design Institute of Australia.
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Jo-Ann is the Chief Executive Officer of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and a leading voice of Australian design. Since 2015, Jo-Ann has overseen new initiatives to enhance the value and competitive success of Australian designers. She is currently in the midst of leading an extensive organisational restructure and governance reform of the DIA.
Boasting extensive experience working in leadership roles, Jo-Ann most recently brought her skills to the Australian Design Alliance and the Standards Australia CS92 Clothing Sizes Committee. She is also the immediate past Executive Director and CEO of the Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA). With a career spanning business, education, and the not-for-profit sector, Jo-Ann is equipped with a 360 degree understanding of design through practice, education, and good business sense.
A vocal advocate for design for more than twenty years, Jo-Ann received an Honorary Fellowship in 2014 from the Design Institute of Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry.
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Kathy Joyce is a distinguished designer, entrepreneur, and strategic specialist with a passion for social impact and authentic design. With extensive experience in start-ups, digital innovation, and systems thinking, Kathy is known for her intellectual honesty and enquiring mind. She holds an Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and has achieved an Executive MBA specialising in Entrepreneurial Management, where she was included on the Dean's List. Kathy's commitment to sustainability is evident through her work in developing and leading progress against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the circular economy, greenhouse gas reduction, and women's economic empowerment. She has been a proud member of the Design Institute of Australia for over 14 years and has served as a DIA NSW Branch Councillor for the last two years. Additionally, Kathy is the founder and managing director of Good 4 Business, a B Corp Certified business that specialises in B Corp Certification and helps SMEs measure their social and environmental impact to make positive change.
Kathy is actively involved in community service and volunteer work. She has recently stepped down from her role as an Advisory Board Member for the Greatest Good Group, a for-profit social enterprise. She has also been a member of the Executive Committee (Secretary) at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum, is an active member of the Manly Business Chamber, and holds membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Her dedication to design excellence and sustainability makes her a valuable addition to the Design Institute of Australia.
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Louise brings over twenty years’ experience in the design industry, specialising in brand strategy and digital product innovation, combined with strong management skills gained through the delivery of many complex enterprise level projects. She holds a Bachelor of Design, worked for a top ten creative agency in London and founded Spinifex design consultancy working with clients including; NSW Treasury Corporation, Qantas and Westfield.
Louise served as DIA NSW President and DIA Director (2007-2013), was appointed Graphics Principal at Minale Bryce Design Strategy and Global Brand Manager for engineering services firm Aurecon. In 2015 Louise consulted at National Australia Bank’s wealth division, leading the design team in marketing services and various business transformation projects.
Louise is active within the Sydney start up community cofounding Urban Data Design, a digital product innovation studio focussed on creating smarter, sustainable cities. Selected by City of Sydney Council, she won a place in the Tech Ready Women Accelerator program to develop a digital product that encourages active, engaged and healthy communities.
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Michael has a background in corporate governance, board advisory services, and national risk and compliance. He is currently CEO at Quartomuro, providing fit-outs to retail, commercial, and industrial clients.
With over 30 years business experience, including 23 years in accounting, 5 years in specialist boutique advisory, and running a small family construction business, Michael’s experiences extend across construction, industrial markets, retail, FMCG, financial services, government, private sector, and PE-backed enterprises.
Michael has also worked with many non-profit corporates and is on the board of a leading Australian theatre company. Having led a number of large governance and board reform projects, Michael brings indispensable experience to the DIA Board.
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Dr Natalie Wright is an experienced commercial Interior Designer, Academic, Design Advocate and Facilitator. She commenced teaching design in 1993, and for 17 years was employed by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) School of Architecture and Built Environment. In 2018 she was awarded a PhD for the design and delivery of a place-based informal design immersion program in six regional/rural Queensland high schools, to develop a Design-led Educational Innovation Framework. Prior to this, for 20 years she practiced design in Australia, Japan and the UK, and has served as a Member, Fellow, National Director & Queensland Branch Co-President of the Design Institute of Australia since 2003. She has represented Australia at the 2009 and 2011 International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) General Assemblies and in 2014 undertook a two-year secondment to the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) as the Manager of the Asia Pacific Design Library.
Natalie’s research and engagement explores design-led innovation approaches in K-12, tertiary and professional education contexts for both students and educators, as a framework for inclusion and adaptivity in the 21st century. In 2018 and 2021 respectively, she won Good Design Australia Awards for her involvement in state government collaborations facilitating the development of design thinking expertise and design research for education and health sector transformation. In 2022, she championed the formation of a DIA National Working Group to explore National Accreditation and licencing for interior designers. She endeavours to foster and amplify the public understanding of the value of design and advocate for the evolving and critical role and skills of design professionals to collaboratively tackle ongoing transdisciplinary challenges.
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Ms. O'Hare brings over 25 years of experience in public relations, communications, and marketing within the design, architecture, and lifestyle sectors. As the founder and director of Whispr Communications, she has a proven track record of elevating brands and crafting impactful narratives for a diverse portfolio of clients, including Brickworks Building Products, Laminex, and Gaggenau. Her expertise lies in combining commercial acumen with a design-centric approach, creating campaigns that resonate with targeted audiences and media alike.
Ms. O'Hare's deep appreciation for design goes beyond her professional accomplishments. Her commitment to sustainability and innovative growth aligns seamlessly with the Design Institute of Australia's mission. As a DIA board member, she is eager to contribute her expertise to drive meaningful initiatives and forge stronger connections within the design community and beyond.
DIA - Branches & Councils
The DIA has six branches that represent each state and territory. Each branch runs events and programs for members to help you in your professional life. A branch council (usually of between five to seven councillors) is elected by local branch members. Each state council organises for the needs and interests of their local design constituency.
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The ACT branch of the Design Institute of Australia is the voice of professional design in the ACT.
We are actively working with community, government, business, industry and education sectors within the industries of manufacturing, product, fashion, built environment, communications, business and many more.
Our vision is to raise awareness and increase the profile of the design profession within the community. We want to establish the ACT as an epicentre of design innovation and creativity - where the contribution of leading ACT designers is recognised.
Our aim is to equip designers with skills to enhance their professional lives, support designers with services and advice throughout their careers, connect designers with each other and with clients, customers and business, celebrate and promote Australian design excellence, inspire people to value design and designers to do their best work, advocate on behalf of designers to government, industry and the community.
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The NSW Branch of the Design Institute of Australia is the voice of professional design in New South Wales.
Our vision is to raise awareness and increase the profile of the design profession within the local community. We work together to enjoy our working lives, succeed in business and advance Australia’s reputation as a Design Nation.
Throughout the year we offer a full and dynamic program to the NSW design community, which includes a wide range of professional development events, seminars, social catch-ups and inspirational exclusives. We specifically design and organise this stream of activities to:
Equip designers with skills to enhance their professional lives;
Support designers with services and advice throughout their careers;
Connect designers with each other and with clients, customers and business;
Celebrate and promote Australian design excellence;
Inspire people to value design and designers to do their best work;
Advocate on behalf of designers to government, industry and the community
The DIA NSW State also has a thriving DIA Student Council, known as DIAS. The DIAS aims to promote and facilitate design passion between students, educators and practitoners of all design disciplines as well as providing students with events and resources to develop their knowledge and understanding of the design profession. DIAS events will facilitate opportunities for students and recent graduates to network with students from other disciplines and institutions and practising designers. The highlight events run by the DIAS throughout the year include an Interiors Event and Portfolio Reviews.
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The Queensland Branch of the Design Institute of Australia is the voice of professional design in Queensland.
We are actively working with community, government, business, industry and education sectors within the industries of manufacturing, product, fashion, built environment, communications, business and many more.
The Queensland branch is also highly active in the areas of education and socially responsible design. Education programs in Queensland are supported by preparing graduates to launch their careers and forge important networks and relationships with local and international design leaders.
Our vision is to raise awareness and increase the profile of the design profession within the community. We want to establish Queensland as an epicentre of design innovation and creativity - where the contribution of leading Queensland designers is recognised.
We believe in the power and potential of design and encourage everyone to share our vision.
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The SA/NT Branch of the Design Institute of Australia is the voice of professional design in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
We are actively working with community, government, business, industry and education sectors within the industries of manufacturing, product, fashion, built environment, communications, business and many more. The SA/NT branch aims to support our members, connecting them with important networks to cultivate beneficial business relationships. We also aim to equip and inspire our designers, both new and established, to help promote design excellence in our region.
Our vision is to raise awareness and increase the profile of the design profession within the community. We want to promote South Australian and the Northern Territory as a leading centre of design innovation and creativity - where the contribution of our local designers is celebrated.
We believe in the power and potential of design and encourage everyone to share our vision.
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Getting involved with the Victoria Tasmania Branch is a great way to cultivate community spirit, with the added benefit of meeting and networking with other local designers and design educators.
Victoria and Tasmania have a rich and diverse design culture. From large practices with expertise across design disciplines to medium size and boutique studios, our aim is to create events that foster strong links with our broad membership and provide opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD), connection with industry peers and the design education sector.
We actively work to raise the profile of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and our dynamic community of design professionals and emerging designers. Through the many events we champion and our links with state government, we continually strive to increase awareness of the economic advantages of good design from the individual client to the corporate client and beyond.
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The WA Branch of the Design Institute of Australia is the voice of professional design in Western Australia.
Our vision is to raise awareness and strengthen the profile of the design profession within the broader community.
We aim to establish WA as an epicentre of design innovation and creativity and to this end we actively work with community, government, business, industry and education sectors.
Our education programs include a Student Mixer, helping students forge essential relationships with leading WA design practitioners, along with a Student Portfolio Review, assisting emerging designers launch their careers.
The annual DIA WA Awards program, now in its fourteenth year encourages leadership and innovation in imaginative and sustainable design practice and has become an integral part of the Western Australian design landscape.
We believe in the power and potential of design and encourage all Western Australians to share in our vision.
DIA - National Advisory Council
The National Advisory Council comprises of two representatives from all DIA Branch Councils and is the representative body for the DIA membership. It provides strategic guidance, input and advice to the DIA Board.
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Ryan is a registered architect with more than 20 years of industry experience.
Ryan’s experience as a designer has crossed the fields of architecture and interior design, industrial design, theatre and exhibition design. He has worked on projects as small as the design of a door handle up to the size of skyscrapers, across five continents.
In 2007, he won the National Interior Design Award for Emerging Practice, and in 2010 he merged his business with Byron George, creating Russell & George.
He is most well known for his interior designs, with notable works for Aésop, Ishizuka, Medibank, Society, Yakimono and also for himself with the creation of his on studio space the transformational, “Space & Time,” a design that questions the fundamental use of a space throughout the course of a 24hr period and through its lifetime.
Described as a strategist, futurist and entrepreneur in the industry, he now ventures into the fields of information technology, augmented and virtual reality and software development.
Ryan’s key strengths lie in the rapid assessment and development of innovative design solutions, and a sound understanding of the essential interface between design and commercial viability. He is a registered architect, Member of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Design Institute of Australia.
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Jo-Ann is the Chief Executive Officer of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and a leading voice of Australian design. Since 2015, Jo-Ann has overseen new initiatives to enhance the value and competitive success of Australian designers. She is currently in the midst of leading an extensive organisational restructure and governance reform of the DIA.
Boasting extensive experience working in leadership roles, Jo-Ann most recently brought her skills to the Australian Design Alliance and the Standards Australia CS92 Clothing Sizes Committee. She is also the immediate past Executive Director and CEO of the Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA). With a career spanning business, education, and the not-for-profit sector, Jo-Ann is equipped with a 360 degree understanding of design through practice, education, and good business sense.
A vocal advocate for design for more than twenty years, Jo-Ann received an Honorary Fellowship in 2014 from the Design Institute of Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry.
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Nila is a Sydney based designer focused on developing systems, products and objects that are delightful and intuitive to use. She has worked on a wide range of projects from award-winning consumer goods to internationally recognized public art installations, from design research and ideation through to prototyping, iterative refinement, testing and implementation. At the forefront of her practice she always focuses on a question: "Living in a world where people make thousands of product decisions per day and skim over millions of objects and platforms, How do we (designers) create products that are not only satisfying functional and aesthetic requirements, but uncover a meaningful experience. I believe by placing the honest human need at the core reasoning of a product we can create simple but more sustainable outcomes that last for a very long time; we design future proof solutions."
Nila has graduated from UNSW Art & Design, with a first class honours degree in object design. She has worked as a designer at one of Sydney’s leading product design consultancies, Vert Design Studio, with Clients ranging from entrepreneurs, start-ups, boutique brands and multinational organisations. After years of working at Australia’s best design consultancy, Nila has moved to the Australian micro-mobility start up, ZOOMO, as a Design Lead, to pursue her passion for sustainability in our urban environments, and to define and create mobility systems and solutions that are necessary for how we move in future. Nila is also currently lecturing at an undergraduate and postgraduate level at UNSW Art and Design, following her passion for sharing knowledge and fostering future designers.
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Eloise embarked on her industrial design journey after graduating from the University of Technology Sydney with Honours in Product Design in 2018. Her journey was marked by winning the Design Institute Australia’s Product Design NSW/ACT Graduate of the Year in 2019. Eloise’s Honours thesis revealed a passion for inclusive design practices within a product context. Through her collaboration with marginalised groups, Eloise realised the transformative power of design in improving accessibility for all.
As a DIA NSW council member since 2021, Eloise collaborates with interdisciplinary design leaders to drive initiatives promoting sustainable design practices and educational workshops. Eloise’s commitment to education extends to tutoring students from first year to honours at UTS, as well as serving as a guest lecturer and member of an external advisory board for Western Sydney Uni.
Presently at Vert Design, Eloise champions tailored design processes, guiding clients from project conception to completion while advocating for design outcomes that foster positive societal and environmental impacts.
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Liam Georgeson is an Industrial Designer at the Herston Biofabrication Institute, where he utilises advanced 3D printing technologies to develop innovative products that enhance healthcare delivery within Queensland Hospitals. With a passion for impactful design, Liam combines technical expertise and creativity to address complex challenges in the healthcare sector. As a member of the Design Institute of Australia’s Queensland Council, Liam is committed to fostering a vibrant design community, championing innovation, and advocating for design professionals across Queensland and Australia.
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Paul entered the design industry three years ago with a passion and drive for achieving client satisfaction. He is passionate about design education and mentoring the next generation of designers.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Microbiology & Biochemistry), a Master of Social Science (Political Economy), and a Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Commercial/Interior Design) from Torrens University (Billy Blue College of Design).
With a background in medical research, Paul embraces a multidisciplinary approach to design thinking, and values the combination of scientific and creative approaches to projects.
He currently works as an interior design academic with Griffith University and as an interior designer and design communicator. He has served on the DIA Queensland Branch Council since 2017.
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Dr Nathan James Crane is a design thinker who is passionate about elevating the impact design can have for people both within and outside of the design profession.
An award-winning writer and editor, Nathan has been published in titles including Artichoke, The Adelaide Review, FORM Journal, LUXURY, Educate and Marmalade, and is a regular judge for design industry awards programs. Initially trained as an interior designer, during this time he was a sessional tutor and lecturer at the University of South Australia, where he completed his PhD.
Driven by an informed curiosity, Nathan offers commentary on emerging themes, practices and celebrated studios within the Australian design community. As a recognised voice, Nathan utilises his design education to authentically communicate the complexity of projects to audiences with resonance.
Nathan has also worked as a design educator and academic for 10 years, where his teaching practice is grounded in fostering students’ understanding of the role design plays in shaping our experience of the world
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JMJ Interiors is a full-service interior design studio in Darwin led by Jan-marie Jaillei. Specialising in residential interiors. Jan-Marie’s clients today benefit from over 20 years of international design insights she acquired while living, working, and studying in many of the world’s capitals. She gained invaluable perspectives on cultures, design styles and trends whilst working in residential design in London, New York, and the Middle East. Jan-Marie has studied Interior Architecture at the prestigious London Inchbald School of Design, Interior Decoration at Chelsea’s KLC School of Design and holds a Diploma of Architectural Feng Shui from the renowned New York Institute of Art. Having spent a total of 27 years abroad, in 2015 Jan-Marie returned to Darwin where she spent her childhood.
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Karen Webster loves to make a difference! She is the Dean and Principal of the Melbourne campus of internationally acclaimed Design Institute ‘LCI’. Karen has been a design advocate and leading academic in Australian’s creative industries for over four decades. Before starting with the LCI network she held senior positions at RMIT University for over twenty years. Karen returned to an industry role as Design Director of globally awarded design company Buzz Products in 2017 before returning to her true love of fostering innovative and progressive design education at LCI Melbourne in June 2019. From 2005 to 2010 she was the Festival Director of the Melbourne Fashion Festival. She has served on numerous government and industry advisory boards across the creative industries including appointed as the first female Board Director of the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia in its 70 year history and was Chair of the Australian Fashion Council. In 2012 Karen was inducted into the Fashion Hall of Fame in Melbourne.
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Kathryn Alexander is an experienced interior design professional with an extensive career spanning over three decades. Her academic and professional journey is marked by significant achievements and ongoing commitment to the design industry. She has been a Member of the DIA for 36 years.
Kathryn is a founding Director of JAM Architects Pty. Ltd. With over 30 years as a professional Interior Designer Kathryn’s project experience encompasses private commissions, residential, commercial, hospitality, educational and public works projects.
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Catriona Gregg is a recognised Australian designer-maker specialising in contemporary bespoke furniture, interiors and limited edition products. She has a BA in Design, with further furniture studies at John Makepeace School for Craftsmen in Wood, Dorset, UK. Whilst working in London at the David Linley Furniture Co., in addition to significant exemplary furniture projects for private clients, her work included the 16.5m-long English Oak boardroom table for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. During her six years in London, whilst with Andrew Winch Designs and Dubois Naval Architects, she designed the interior fitouts of luxury yachts in New Zealand, Turkey and the UK. More recently, for Australia’s Oceanfast, her work included the fit out of Greg Norman’s 69.5m superyacht ‘MY Aussie Rules’. Recent projects have included luxury interiors, both architectural and superyacht, for Silverling UK, marine interior design management for Austal Shipbuilding and design coordination for GHDWoodhead.
Catriona’s bespoke furniture work is represented in public and private furniture collections and exhibitions in Australia and the UK. The ‘Chaise Longue’, was purchased in 1992 for the permanent collection by the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The pursuit of excellence, inherent in the ethos of the Makepeace School, continues to be the guiding principle of Catriona’s work as a designer/maker and mentor.
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Founder and co-captain of IN-TERIA, Karryn is obsessed with materials, how things are put together and management systems. Her approach to projects fuses her learning and experience across both architecture and interior design.
With 30 years of experience in New South Wales and Tasmania, Karryn has completed a diverse portfolio of work, including single and multi-residential, interpretation and tourism projects, corporate office fit outs, retail stores, and public and education projects.
Ironically, Karryn is now most well-known for what started as a side project for the studio ~ an initiative to allow for pure creative exploration ~ a range of architectural hardware known as IN-TERIA.Goods.
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Lisa is a seasoned interior designer based in Western Australia with nearly 20 years industry experience. With a steadfast commitment to best practice contemporary design principles and profound project knowledge, Lisa expertise shines especially in health, mental health and aged care design.
A Director and owner in SPH architecture + interiors, Lisa is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and enjoys developing professional by way of her understanding of advocacy, strategy and governance.
Characterised by a fervent blend of passion, creativity and meticulous attention to detail, Lisa’s collaborative spirit shines through with a ‘listen first and then respond’ mentality, fostering dynamic partnerships with the SPH design teams, clients and stakeholders to deliver innovative and functional design solutions.
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Jane Valentine has over 28 years of experience in the design industry. She takes a multidisciplinary approach and has a background in graphic design, interior design and teaching.
Jane founded Valentine Interiors & Design in 2015 with a team specialising in Hospitality and Home. She works hard to support the design community through the studio judging national awards, mentoring students, and ensuring she contributes to something more significant than her practice. Jane has taught the Swinburne University of Technology associate degree for commercial and residential Interior Design.
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Skeehan Studio is the design firm headed by founder Tom Skeehan, based in Canberra. It produces commercial furniture, light and product design, adopting a uniquely considered, material-minded process. Skeehan designs have been awarded and exhibited internationally. Tom is committed to education, his own learning and also activating knowledge of just how great good design can be. He regularly presents talks and events encouraging community participation, sharing of ideas and most of all enjoyment.
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Alisa brings a great deal of experience and passion to her role as a Director and owner in the national design practice, DJAS Architecture. Alisa delivers custom fit solutions through a focus on relationships; working closely with clients in a co-design and collaborative platform that enables the sharing of ideas and knowledge.
As a strong advocate for improving the design, quality and sustainability of indoor workplaces, Alisa was awarded a AV Jennings Churchill Fellowship. The Fellowship enabled her to research and continue her professional development in the design aspects related to indoor environment quality and healthy buildings. Alisa was awarded a second international fellowship through ISS Institute
Alisa’s practice is committed to encouraging the participation of women in the construction industry. She is an advocate for establishing flexible community friendly working arrangements within the industry and she supports a number of organisations in facilitating the development of positive, diverse and supportive work environments as a workplace designer and workplace change manager.
Alisa is also a Director of the Alastair Swayn Foundation and The Swayn, Gallery of Australian Design. Both organisations support and celebrate design through collaborations and national and international research grants.
Affiliations
As the peak body representing design in Australia, the DIA is a member of and participant in key Australasian and International bodies devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the design community.
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The Australian Design Alliance (ADA) is the alliance of peak professional organisations that represent designers across all aspects of Australia’s design industry. The DIA was a founding member of the ADA in 2010 and an active participant in its objectives.
The ADA’s goal is to promote the use of design as strategy to boost Australia’s productivity, sustainability and innovation. Key objectives of the ADA are to develop a National Design Policy linked to Australia’s innovation agenda: to advance education in design skills; and to develop case studies demonstrating how good design can contribute to improved economic growth.
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Established in 2004, CHASS promotes and provides advocacy services for the humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS) in Australia. Supporting more than 75 member organisations in their relationships with policy makers and the broader community, CHASS is an important network for knowledge and skills, and serves as a coordinating forum for teachers, researchers, professionals, practitioners and policy makers in the sector.
It provides a strong voice to the sector and helps members to contribute to public debate through programs for knowledge exchange and media awareness. The DIA is a member of CHASS.
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The Asia Pacific Space Designer’s Alliance [APSDA] is a collective of design associations throughout the East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania regions. The DIA represents Australian spatial designers in the Asia Pacific region through APSDA. The DIA is the current chair of APSDA and is hosting the biannual APSDA conference in Adelaide in September 2016.
APSDA objectives include:
To socialize and better understand and different cultures of its members
To exchange information and knowledge between members through networking
To enable us to work close and better to achieve a better solution for our design community in facing the free trade zone to come
APSDA was founded by the Chinese Society of Interior Designer [CSID], the Japanese Society of Commercial Designers [JCD] and Korean Society of Interior Designers [KOSID] in 1989 in Taipei, Taiwan.
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The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) was established in 2002 to develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions.
The Key Objectives of the GBCA are to drive the transition of the Australian property industry towards:
Sustainability by promoting green building programs, technologies, design practices and operations.
Integration of green building initiatives into mainstream design, construction and operation of buildings. The DIA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the GBCA.
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The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers is the global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects/Designers.
IFI is the sole international federating body for Interior Architecture/Design organisations, and acts as a global forum for the exchange and development of knowledge and experience, in worldwide education, research and practice.
Often considered as the “United Nations” of the Interior Architecture/Design field, IFI connects the international community in order to further the impact, influence and application of the design of interiors, promote global social responsibility, and raise the status of the profession worldwide. The DIA represents Australian Interior Designers and Interior Architects globally through IFI.
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Previously The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, The World Design Organization [WDO] is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. The DIA represents Australian industrial designers globally through WDO
Founded in 1957, WDO serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, WDO has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community.
Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress.
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Item descriptionico-D is a non-profit, non-partisan, member-based network that leads creatively by facilitating dialogue between design platforms including professional, educational and promotional categories. ico-D was founded in 1963 as Icograda - the International Council of Graphic Design Associations.
As an interface between the community of professional designers and the wider public, ico-D promotes design excellence, and upholds the importance of design as a key medium for social change.
The DIA represents Australian graphic designers and the broader design community globally through ico-D.
DIA - National Office
The DIA also maintains a small, part time staff headed by the Chief Executive Officer.
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CEO & Company Secretary
Jo-Ann is the Chief Executive Officer of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and a leading voice of Australian design. Since 2015, Jo-Ann has overseen new initiatives to enhance the value and competitive success of Australian designers. She is currently in the midst of leading an extensive organisational restructure and governance reform of the DIA.
Boasting extensive experience working in leadership roles, Jo-Ann most recently brought her skills to the Australian Design Alliance and the Standards Australia CS92 Clothing Sizes Committee. She is also the immediate past Executive Director and CEO of the Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA). With a career spanning business, education, and the not-for-profit sector, Jo-Ann is equipped with a 360 degree understanding of design through practice, education, and good business sense.
A vocal advocate for design for more than twenty years, Jo-Ann received an Honorary Fellowship in 2014 from the Design Institute of Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry.
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As the Executive Assistant to the CEO, Karen is a highly organised professional with exemplary communication and interpersonal skills. She has had the opportunity to support MD’s, CEO’s, boards and teams to support and drive a culture of creativity, flexibility and success. Karen’s diverse range of experience spanning over 20 years, across array of industries has provided her with the insight into giving leaders the support they need.
Karen thrives on challenges, is an independent thinker for positive problem solving and prides herself on always pursuing her best by supporting others to chase theirs.
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Denise develops policy positions for the DIA on issues that matter to Australian designers. She has written submissions on the contribution of design to the economy, petitioned for IP legislation reform and highlighted the pandemic experiences of designers to government. She has two decades of experience in senior national roles covering the arts, disability and social policy and provides strategic advice through a boutique consultancy.
Denise was previously the Senior Advisor to the federal Minister for the Arts, design team lead in the taskforce that created the National Disability Insurance Scheme and director of research and evaluation policy for the Department of Social Services. She has a Masters degree in Public Policy from the Australian National University and is currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne.
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community@design.org.au
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How the DIA can help
The DIA’s activities are focussed to help members succeed in business and enjoy their working lives, while also growing Australia’s reputation as a Design Nation. Our six pillars are:
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Member Events
Continuing Professional Development program
Business Practice Notes
Design Industry information
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Insurances
Legal assistance
Fee and Salary information
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Find a Designer employment services
Design jobs
Affiliations with national and international design organisations
Member events
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Promotion of member achievements
Accredited Designer program
Graduate and practitioner awards
Member events
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Hall of Fame
Graduate and practitioner awards
Spark newsletter
Member events
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Policy positions
Promotion of member achievements