Building strong foundations for a thriving career in architecture

In 2018, Gilda joined GHD Design in Brisbane as Director – Architecture, bringing her wealth of experience in health and education projects. A year later, in 2019, she was appointed Studio Leader for the Brisbane studio, where she continues to lead the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the region including health, transport and defence.

Since Gilda's appointment, GHD Design has evolved with a focus on design innovation and team capability, blending architectural design with GHD’s engineering expertise.

“Working alongside GHD’s engineering teams allows us to approach projects holistically, blending design innovation with technical precision to create solutions that are both practical and visionary,” Gilda says.

This interdisciplinary approach has led to numerous successful projects, reinforcing the idea that collaboration between architecture and engineering can yield impactful outcomes.

One of the standout successes under Gilda’s leadership has been the award of the QEII Hospital Expansion Project, one of Queensland’s largest health infrastructure projects.

“Now that the design has been finalised, we look forward to seeing it transition to construction and are excited about the positive impact this project will have on the community,” says Gilda.

A focus on design excellence remains at the core of every project. Our architecture team consistently pushes boundaries, so that every design is both innovative and responsive to the needs of the community and environment. Recent projects in health, transport and urban infrastructure, such as the innovative Springfield Carpark, highlight our ongoing commitment to creating spaces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

“Every project we undertake, whether it's healthcare or transport, is driven by a strong focus on people – their needs, experiences and how spaces can enhance their lives,” says Gilda.

This philosophy extends throughout the team’s work, with a constant commitment to creating environments that are not only well-designed but also transformative for the communities they serve.

One of the key factors behind the success of GHD Design is the strong, people-focused culture. Gilda believes that collaboration and relationships are essential to the team’s achievements.

“We’ve built a fantastic culture where everyone is encouraged to work together, share ideas and learn from each other,” Gilda says.

The emphasis on collaboration extends beyond internal teams. Gilda works closely with our global network, which gives architects the opportunity to engage in diverse international projects.

“We have architects working on projects across the globe, from Toronto to the Middle East. Having that exposure to global projects not only broadens our perspective but also helps bring fresh, innovative ideas into our local work,” Gilda says.

Gilda is an accomplished architect and known for her innovative and thoughtful approach to creating spaces. She has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects with a Regional Architecture Award for 28 Smith on Raff, an extension to her own home. She has also been selected as a member of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel, working alongside the office of the Queensland Government Architect towards shaping the state’s infrastructure.

Born and raised in Mount Isa, North Queensland, Gilda’s deep connection to regional communities drives her passion for giving back. As the immediate past president of the Association of Consulting Architects for QLD and NT, she championed the expansion of the association’s reach into regional Queensland to give architects in these areas access to essential resources and support. During the pandemic, she played a pivotal role in guiding the profession through the transition to remote work while advocating for the wellbeing of architects facing industry challenges.

“I believe in giving back to the architecture industry by championing advocacy and support for regional practitioners to help foster growth and resilience within the profession,” she says.

Gilda is also a passionate advocate for mentorship, viewing it as a mutual exchange that fosters professional growth.

“It’s important to keep in touch with the industry, to stay adaptable and to keep learning,” she says.

Through her leadership, advocacy and dedication to collaboration, Gilda continues to inspire a new generation of architects, cultivating a culture of adaptability, lifelong learning and professional development within the industry.

To learn more about the work we do in this space, see our most recent projects.