ACT Government Architect

The ACT Government Architect plays a pivotal role in the development of the ACT's buildings and places through the leadership and independent strategic advice to government on architecture, planning and design related matters. In particular, the role promotes high quality design and a strong urban design agenda across all government agencies and to the private sector.

In August 2016, the Minister for Planning and Land Management announced the appointment of Ms Catherine Townsend as ACT Government Architect. In August 2022 Catherine was reappointed to the role for a further term, that was extended to 24 August 2026.

Catherine brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to this role such as her long term involvement in various industry forums and committees, Chair of the ACT Architects Registration Board, prior President of the Architect's Accreditation Council of Australia and as an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Canberra. Catherine is also co-Director of Townsend + Associates Architects, where she has attained an impressive list of industry awards and has contributed to a number of important advisory groups and tribunals such as 2003 Bushfire Recovery Taskforce, juror on the National Portrait Gallery Design Competition and advisor for the Canberra International Arboretum Design Competition.

The position of the ACT Government Architect is part-time. Administrative support is provided by the City and Environment Directorate (CED).

Message from Catherine Townsend (ACT Government Architect)

Australia is one of the world’s most urbanised countries, and Canberra, as a planned city, continues to face both shared and distinctive challenges in shaping a high quality built environment. I am proud to work with the ACT Government to support good design as a means of improving quality of life for Canberrans and creating places that are inclusive, resilient and enduring.

Canberra’s evolution requires balancing growth with care for the city’s character, landscape and design heritage, while responding to contemporary priorities such as housing choice, sustainability and climate resilience. Achieving this balance demands a design led approach that considers the built environment holistically, from neighbourhoods and public spaces to major infrastructure and civic projects. Respect for Country and an understanding of the cultural and environmental context of this place are fundamental to that work.

As ACT Government Architect, I provide independent design leadership and strategic advice across policy development, planning reform and project delivery, drawing on experience developed since my appointment to the role in 2016. This includes engagement on significant public projects such as light rail, health and education infrastructure, urban renewal initiatives, and civic and cultural precinct development. Through contributions to planning reform, design guidance, advisory roles, and leadership of the National Capital Design Review Panel, I work closely with government agencies, industry and the community to support high quality outcomes that contribute positively to Canberra’s public domain and long term city structure.

I am encouraged by the opportunities ahead as Canberra continues to evolve and respond to growth, investment and change. The next phase as the city grows will bring new ambitions across housing, infrastructure and civic life, and I look forward to contributing design insight as these directions take shape. It remains a privilege to work on matters that influence the city’s long term quality and to support outcomes that reflect Canberra’s values, its landscape, and the aspirations of those who live here.

Previous ACT Government Architect, Professor Alastair Swayn

Professor Swayn was appointed as the first ACT Government Architect in July 2010 and made an outstanding contribution to improving design outcomes in the ACT. During his tenure with ACT Government, Professor Swayn provided important contributions to major public projects such as the new ACT Law Courts Facility, health facilities, the City Plan, City to the Lake (West Basin), and the City and Gateway Draft Urban Design Framework.

As a founding partner of Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn (DJAS), Professor Swayn was one of Canberra’s leading architects and a committed member of the Canberra design community for more than 40 years.

In early 2016, Professor Swayn resigned from the role of ACT Government Architect and regrettably passed away in August 2016. Professor Swayn will be remembered for his significant contribution to the ACT and to the architectural and broader design community in Australia. The Alastair Swayn Foundation has since been established in his memory to continue to support the Australian architectural and design community.

Alastair Swayn Masters Research Grant

Each year, the Government Architect mentors University of Canberra Masters of Architecture students through the Alastair Swayn Masters Research Grant program. Alastair Swayn was the ACT’s first Government Architect and founding director of the highly acclaimed architectural practice, Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn.

Successful 2026 applicants and their research topics

Mr Jonathan Vernon – ‘Has the salt dissolved? A study of social housing boundaries in Canberra’.

• This research seeks to investigate and quantify the architectural segregation and assimilation of social housing projects in Canberra and how the typology has changed since the introduction of means-based public housing in 1973.
• The research strives to understand how the boundaries of public housing architecture interact with its urban context within its contemporary policy context and investigate how do the thresholds between public housing and private housing manifest in public housing typologies in Canberra?

Ms Elyse Austin – ‘(Un)Moulding the Future: retrofitting condensation management into existing Canberra housing stock’.

• This research aims to investigate how Canberra architects are tackling the hidden problem of mould—studying existing retrofit projects to develop a practical, cost-effective and scalable guide. If we want healthy, energy-efficient homes, we must overcome the knowledge gap between building science and real-world practice - before mould becomes the next housing epidemic.
• The research will conduct a qualitive analysis of how Canberra architects navigate issues of condensation in retrofit projects: initial focus will be on solar access despite siting constraints, ventilation technology decisions, material choice, and envelope modifications.

Mr Ciaran French – ‘Illuminated Architecture, Reimagining Canberra’s Nightlife Public Realm’

• This research investigates the decline of urban life in Canberra’s civic centre at night and explores how illuminated interventions can be used to recharacterise the public realm at night.
• The current state of Canberra’s nightlife public realm is uninviting, underutilised and often perceived as unsafe. This lack of activation weakens not only economic and cultural vibrancy but also the social identity of the city.
• Through the lens of light as both a functional and expressive medium, this research seeks to test how creative, site-specific illuminated installations can engage and excite the public. Rather than focusing solely on lighting for visibility or safety, the study positions light as a catalyst for activation, interaction, and renewed urban identity.

Previous grantees

• 2025: Stephanie Williamson, Julia McGrath, Nick Brown
• 2024: Alexander Kehm, Cooper Davis, Flynn Hopkins, Robert McKay
• 2023: Andrew Parish
• 2022: Kieran Minto, Courtney Thoo
• 2021: Cassidy Baas, Marko Torbarina, Daniel Sandford

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