Associate Principal
Studio Leader
Alexandra Lawlor
Studio:
Canberra
Qualifications:
Master of Construction Law,
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours),
RMIT
Company Directors Course,
AICD
Cranlana Colloquium
Contact:
alex.lawlor@architectus.com.au
Alexandra brings over 30 years of experience in architecture, urban design, strategic planning, development planning and portfolio management to her role as Studio Leader in Canberra.
With a diverse career that has seen her at the centre of some of the most innovative urban projects in Australia, Alex has returned to her core discipline of architecture to lead Architectus’ newest studio, consolidating the practice’s presence and strategy in Canberra’s growing market.
Since joining Architectus, Alex has been instrumental in shaping the practice’s approach to resilience in design. She is a strong believer that design thinking, systems thinking and holistic approaches to project inception, development and realisation are key to our sustainable future. Working with design teams, clients and communities, Alex has encouraged deep and broad thinking about the future and how good design can prepare us for climate change, ongoing technological evolutions, and even the next pandemic. She combines strong analytical and problem-solving skills with truly creative and lateral thinking to explore how we secure options for multiple possible futures.
Over nine years at the University of Melbourne, Alex held roles spanning project delivery, campus design strategy, property strategy, and ultimately built and led the Estate Planning & Development Department as their Executive Director, successfully managing a portfolio of $4.3B. Alex led the development of the University’s framework for embedding social and environmental sustainability in projects to meet carbon reduction targets and obligations under GBCA, UNSDG, and ICSN.
Prior roles saw Alex as Development Manager for Urban Revitalisation at VicUrban for 4 years and holding senior positions for Arts Victoria at the Department of Premier & Cabinet for 4 years. Her early career was spent in design-led practices in Melbourne, including working for 2 years with LAB Bates Smart on Fed Square. Alex also has extensive experience in successful business case development and funding structures for government and higher education.
Alex is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia Industry Advisory Group and was named as a 2024 Green Star Champion. She is also a committee member of the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA), a working group member of the Australian Sustainable Built & Environment Council, and TEN Women, a group of 10 senior women with a mandate to connect and empower women across the property industry.
