In 1994, I founded Deicke Richards Architects with Peter Richards. The practice has, since its inception, used design to achieve social impact – working across ageing, cities, education and housing. I acted as Managing Partner until 2012, managing the practice’s finances while designing award-winning projects such as Murphy Schmidt Solicitors, Brisbane and Tufton Street, Bowen Hills. Today I lead Deicke Richards’ design for retirement living and aged care, working with not-for-profit, faith-based and for-profit providers on projects across Queensland and the country. I have a particular interest in how architects can help advance models of design, care and connection in retirement and aged care communities, and participate in related research and co-design.I also direct many of Deicke Richards’ education projects, contributing to master planning and collaborative design workshops then guiding school and university projects.

In 1989, I returned to Brisbane and joined the offices of Goodsir Baker Wilde Architects. As Associate Director, I was instrumental in the preparation of master plans for St Stephen’s Private Hospital, Maryborough and Toowoomba Base Hospital, Toowoomba. During this period, I continued to broaden my experience in health with a focus on the design of various aged care facilities, including multi-unit housing for seniors and a residence for people living with dementia. While at Goodsir Baker Wilde Architects, I undertook an extensive European tour to examine the latest trends in day surgery and accommodation for people living with dementia. As part of this tour, I participated in the International Hospitals Federation Conference, London and engaged in international workshops on patient-focused care.

I was seconded to Llewelyn Davies’ Hong Kong office in 1988 as Senior Design Architect on a new air cargo terminal at Kai Tak Airport – a complex $500 million project.

I joined Llewelyn Davies in 1986, working in the London office where I developed expertise in health care planning and design. I contributed to major hospital and commercial projects such as the Clinical Pathology Building at St. Mary’s Hospital, London and offices for the London Stock Exchange.