The evening before International Women’s Day, Bates Smart orchestrated two events that brought together the industry for debate. One in Melbourne and one in Sydney – each investigating different topics on design, and bringing together respected industry veterans.

In Melbourne, an esteemed panel of five leading women tackled the theme of ‘Is Good Design Measurable?’ Coming out of the conversation were some insights from across the board.

The panel included:

• Amanda Elliott, Chairman, Victoria Racing Club
• Jill Garner, Victorian Government Architect, OVGA 
• Sally Capp, Victorian Executive Director, Property Council of Australia
• Simone LeAmon, Curator, National Gallery of Victoria
• Rachael McCarthy, Associate Director, Bates Smart (Moderator)

In Sydney, the topic of ‘Advocating for the Public Realm’ was discussed and debated among another stellar panel of industry women. The talk focused on the development of good public space and some of the systemic and everyday challenges that Sydney faces.

Panellists included:

• Kim Crestani, Director, Order Architects and City Architect, City of Parramatta
• Sophie Pickett-Heaps, Co-Head of Design, Stockland Design Studio
• Councillor Jess Scully, City of Sydney
• Kellie Payne, Studio Director, Bates Smart (Moderator)

Melbourne photography by Carmen Zammit. Sydney photography courtesy Bates Smart.