Jessica joined R&Y as a student of architecture back in 2016, progressing to architectural registration six years later. As Associate, she steps into greater project responsibility within the team. Currently, she is Project Architect for two major projects in Mt Gambier: the Limestone Coast Technical College for the Department for Education, the Forestry Centre of Excellence for UniSA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). We look forward to watching her career progress in this new role.
Team shifts and promotions
The first half of 2025 has ushered in some significant change at Russell & Yelland. In May, we welcomed Jessica Weiland’s promotion; she joins colleagues Rhiana Bell and Hariklia Pontikinas at the Associate level. Jessica’s work has contributed greatly to our education and aged care portfolios in recent years, which have included several award-winning projects. Recently, Jessica has overseen the design of Antonio Catholic School’s two-storey upper primary facility in Morphett Vale.
In case you missed it, back in February, we also celebrated Lauren Knight’s promotion to Associate Director – the highest female appointment in the company’s 86-year history. Now in her 19th year with the practice, she brings a methodical, systems-based approach to helping guide both our people and projects. News of her promotion made InDaily’s executive appointments column in March, in which Director, Stewart Caldwell, remarked on her professional capability and dependability:
“Lauren’s commitment to this company and command of project delivery have been exceptional… Her thoroughness can only strengthen R&Y’s already solid position as we approach 90 years in practice.”
In late 2024, we reported on Director John Held’s departure from the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA) as both National and State Presidents, roles he held for six and 13 years respectively. Director Stewart Caldwell has since taken John’s lead, joining the ACA’s South Australia Chapter Committee overseeing professional memberships and continuing professional development. This follows news late last year of his being made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects (FRAIA) for already significant contributions to the profession.
Back in the office, we welcomed Graduate of Architecture Connor Armstrong to the fold in April. Connor joins us after completing his Master of Architecture at UniSA, and after four years designing for residential architecture practice locally. Since commencing with the team he has supported Senior Architect Brychan Asaris and Graduate Reem Daou on Helping Hand aged care projects in Whyalla.
In May, Georgie Jackman and Jessica Weiland attended the Learning Environments Australasia Conference in Brisbane/Meanjin. This year’s theme, LEA 3001: A Learning Space Odyssey, explored next century education and the impacts of rapid structural and technological change.
Multiple site tours to innovative primary, secondary and tertiary education facilities showcased the need for adaptive spaces and community collaboration in design. The five keynote speakers spoke to rapidly advancing technology, the impact of AI and how learning spaces need to support social connection in an increasingly online world, while remaining flexible to change.
