Exclusive interview: Sue Carr celebrated with Legacy Award

Carr Founding Principal Sue Carr was awarded the prestigious Legacy Award at the Victorian Property Council’s annual People in Property Awards (PIPA) at Centrepiece, Melbourne, on Thursday 6 June.

Some of Carr’s notable projects include award-winning hotels Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula and United Places in South Yarra, the Australian Stock Exchange, and a series of cutting-edge workplace fit outs for some of Australia’s leading companies and law firms.

In this interview, she talks about what it means to receive the PCA Legacy Award and reflects on her journey through the industry, the challenges she’s faced, and the values that have shaped both her work and her studio.

Image: Sue Carr / Gavin Green

Architecture & Design: Sue, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition – as a pioneering female designer and Founder of Carr, what does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Sue Carr: Winning the Legacy Award was a humbling and overwhelming experience – all in one. Professionally, it recognises our contribution to the Victorian property sector and adds weight to our work. Personally, it highlights the value of collaboration and hard work in creating lasting design.

This award belongs to the entire Carr team, whose dedication and talent make our success possible.

You’ve led Carr with such vision and purpose – how have you seen the role of women in design and architecture evolve over your career?

When I started my career back in the late ‘60s, business made assumptions about women taking career breaks and their level of commitment. Those experiences really shaped how I wanted to run my own business when I founded Carr in 1971.

We believed in creating a supportive space where our team, regardless of gender were treated as equals; career development, project opportunity and salaries that were commensurate with experience and expertise.

As one of the few female founders in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you approached them?

One of the biggest challenges was moving past assumptions and proving my expertise. 

In response to this prejudice, I focused on future thinking. Constant research, and immediate learnings with travel and real-world experience. Over time, I’ve seen how important it is to rise through mutual respect via a deep understanding of client briefs, innovation, function, cost control, service and adherence to program.

At Carr, respect from our business colleagues, both clients and the property industry, has shaped our culture and allowed us to design buildings and spaces that are thoughtful, cohesive and always experiential.

Image: Jackalope Hotel / Sharyn Cairns

What values have you instilled in Carr that you believe have shaped its success and distinct identity in the property space?

At Carr, we've always believed that less is more. That principle has guided us from the beginning, regardless of trends. 

Another crucial aspect of Carr’s success has been our belief in innovation. For us, this means creating spaces that are future thinking though timeless, memorable, and not driven by fashion.

We also place a strong emphasis on context — understanding project location, both physically and culturally. That awareness allows us to reinforce our deep commitment to create spaces that are reflective of their environment in both detail and form. 

What message would you share with the next generation of women looking to lead in design and property development?

Stay curious and never stop learning, from places, people and experiences. Don’t chase trends; focus on timeless principles and trust your own perspective. Respect those you work with, listen well, and lead by example. And always design with intention; great spaces come from clarity of vision and intent. 

Image: Sue Carr receiving Property Council Victoria's Legacy Award / supplied