Gilfillan joins GroupGSA from Billard Leece Partnership, where she held various executive roles, including sector lead of senior living, communities, and learning spaces.

It isn’t her first rodeo: With more than 25 years of experience in architecture, Gilfillan will play a crucial role in expanding GroupGSA’s portfolio across Victoria, leveraging her extensive expertise in residential, education, health, seniors, aged care and retirement living sectors.

“For me, architecture is about creating vibrant and engaging environments that enhance people’s lives,” Gilfillan says.

“In order to design for community, you need complementary disciplines and skillsets — it’s about the lived experience and how we can craft something most appropriate for a particular community.”

Recently, Gilfillan led the design and delivery of the Centres for National Resilience — several complex, multi-disciplinary projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. She serves as an examiner for the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and a committee member for the Association of Consulting Architects Australia.

“My skillset and passions align closely with GroupGSA’s core sectors, which is exciting,” Gilfillan says.

“Our plan is to grow architecture and interior design and seek opportunities for collaboration across all disciplines, including architecture, urban design, interior design, and landscape architecture. Designing for people, place and Country is a core part of GroupGSA’s mission, and having these four disciplines allows us to achieve that effectively.”

GroupGSA director Lisa-Maree Carrigan says Gilfillan’s appointment will help strengthen the practice's national and local presence in Victoria.

“Emily brings a wealth of experience and insight to GroupGSA, particularly in living environments, healthcare, education and commercial sectors, which perfectly aligns with our national portfolio,” Carrigan says.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in our Melbourne studio, collaborating with our talented designers and engaging with our clients to deliver innovative solutions.”

Meanwhile, in Sydney, Shane O’Donnell has been promoted to associate director within the architecture team. Architects Manal Salama, Michelle Ramjan and Zoe Goodbrand have been elevated to associates, while Erik Endstrom has been promoted to associate within the interior design team. In Brisbane, Monica Jadhav has received a promotion to associate within the architecture division.

Image: Supplied.

Clémence Carayol

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