Congratulations Kirsteen Mackay – South Australia’s next Government Architect.

Kirsteen Mackay, centre, with the expanded design review panel.

Kirsteen Mackay with the expanded SA design review panel.

Kirsteen Mackay has been announced as the next SA Government Architect by Acting Premier John Rau, who comments that:

“Ms Mackay has played a pivotal role in shaping Adelaide’s design review program over a number of years, and will bring her strong design expertise to the forefront of major projects in the city and across the state.

Ms Mackay was previously the SA Associate Government Architect. She moved to Adelaide after heading design review at the UK’s Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. She was also director of award-winning firm Springett Mackay Architecture, delivering a diverse range of educational, cultural and residential projects. In addition, she has held visiting lecturer positions at the Royal College of Art, and Bartlett School of Architecture, London.”

Kirsteen will lead the Architecture and Built Environment Directorate of the SA Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure. In South Australia the role of Government Architect is embedded in the planning framework, with the aim of  ensuring best urban design outcomes. Design Review is an important part of this. In her new role Kirsteen leads the SA Design Review program and is supported by an independent panel of experts, which has recently expanded.