Since our last newsletter in November 2022, we welcome Varna, Ploy, Nicole and Alexandra
Alexandra Quirin – Corporate Services Officer, Melbourne
Alex has an important role in supporting the maintenance of the Company’s Quality Health, Safety and Environmental system according to ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 45001 (Safety). Alex also develops fee proposals for our Access Consulting division and provides HR administration support.
Alex has extensive experience with executive teams for multi-disciplinary consulting practices in the building Services and engineering space. Since starting with Architecture & Access, it has quickly become apparent that Alex is a very focussed worker who has an excellent eye for detail. She also played a significant role in organising our recent 10-year anniversary celebrations.
In 2022 Alex made a major life move from Mauritius to Australia to join her partner. Shortly after arriving in Australia Alex joined Architecture & Access.
“It is gratifying to be part of Architecture & Access where people and diversity are greatly valued. I enjoy being part of a dedicated team aiming for more accessible and functional spaces in the built environment”, says Alex.
Alex is a nature lover and is spending her down time exploring Melbourne with her partner. After being apart for two and half years due to travel restrictions, they have a lot of lost time to make up. Their latest trip to Jervis Bay, NSW was one of the more wonderful moments to date.
Varna Berriman – Project Manager, Melbourne
Varna relocated from New Zealand to join Architecture & Access in August 2022.
Varna graduated from Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand, completing her Masters of Architecture and recently winning the ADNZ (Architectural Design New Zealand) Resene Prize for her under graduate thesis on use of colour when designing for people with disability.
She has also worked as a full-time support worker for people with a wide range of physical and intellectual impairments as well as people who are neurodivergent.
Varna is a dedicated team member who is focussed, organised and is learning quickly. Varna’s engaging personality means that she has a great relationship with the team and is always ready to assist with any task. She also loves dogs (a mandatory requirement for the team), and camping trips on the weekends.
Nicole Gavina – Access Consultant, Melbourne
Nicole has an architecture background with 8+ years’ experience in design and construction management, particularly in supervising and delivering quality technical drawings. She is a licensed architect in the Philippines and has worked on a wide range of projects, from hospitality, retail, and offices to residential and high-rise buildings.
Aside from architecture, Nicole is also experienced in universal design for small to large-scale projects, raising internal and external awareness of inclusion. Her interest in the design of inclusive (accessible) environments started during her training as an architect in the Philippines and was complemented by almost 3 years’ experience working as an accessibility architect in Dubai. Her goal is to create a built environment that is accessible, secure, and welcoming.
As an access consultant with Architecture & Access, Nicole conducts numerous access design reviews for public and private entities to assess their compliance with Australian standards and international best practises for access for people with disabilities.
Nicole spends most of her free time at home with her family. She also has a side hobby of doing arts and crafts activities when she is not busy at work.
Ploy Reilly – Access Consultant, Melbourne
Prior to starting at Architecture & Access Ploy worked as an interior designer. She has a Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture), with Honours. At university, particularly during her honour’s year, Ploy developed a passion for accessible design. Ploy is fascinated by the inherent politics of the built environment and the belief that spaces must be designed to include people of all abilities.
Joining Architecture & Access as an Access Consultant is the perfect opportunity for Ploy to combine her beliefs and work. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but I’m excited to be part of positive progress,” says Ploy.
In her free time, Ploy loves pilates and yoga, reading and attending music festivals.
