Meet Our New Board Members: Expanding Our Expertise
The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) is pleased to announce new appointments to its board, Selena O'Hare as an independent director, and Dr Natalie Wright and Kathy Joyce as member directors.
Selena O'Hare
Independent Director
The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Selena O'Hare as an independent director to its board, effective Thursday, November 14, 2024.
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.
We are thrilled to welcome Selena to the DIA Board," said Ryan Russell, DIA President. "Her deep understanding of the design landscape and her strategic communication skills will be invaluable as we continue to champion Australian design excellence and innovation."
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.
"It is a privilege to join the board of the Design Institute of Australia, an organisation dedicated to championing the brilliance, innovation, and enduring influence of Australian design. I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of design to inspire, connect, and elevate our world. Through strategic communication, I look forward to working with the talented DIA team to amplify the voice of Australian design, showcasing its pivotal role in shaping a more thoughtful and innovative future," said Ms. O’Hare.
Kathy Joyce
Member Director
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.
Dr Natalie Wright
Member Director
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.