Senior Education Architect Dani Martin has extensive experience in the design and delivery of educational facilities, from early childhood centres to university fitouts. Over the past two decades in practice, Dani has used her passion and commitment for education architecture to exceed client and user expectations on every project regardless of size, and realise creative, functional and responsible built solutions. She has a particular interest in sustainable design and planning for the future.

Dani started her career at EIW Architects in WA as a work experience student during her university studies. Only intending to stay for four weeks, after 18 years in practice it was time to engage in different challenges and she made the decision to relocate to Brisbane. With a strong focus on client workshopping and deeply understanding the user experience of existing sites, Dani has a strong desire to create future-focussed learning spaces for new and existing schools to allow them to plan appropriately for the future. In addition to masterplanning, her built projects have included works for the Catholic Education Office, Santa Maria College and The Montessori School.

Dani is an involved member of Learning Environments Australasia, holding numerous committee, chapter and board positions across both states for more than a decade, recently co-convened the 2019 annual regional conference for 450 delegates, and is a current Executive Director of the Australasian Board. Bringing together practice and research, and architects and educators, she designed, organised and led a biennial international research programme called the Mayfield Project, now in its sixth iteration. She has co-authored a research book on WA learning environments, and in her new home in Queensland continues to undertake research on learning spaces and their design.

Dani was previously involved with EmAGN and the Gender Equity Taskforce with the Australian Institute of Architects in WA, and now sites on the Queensland Equity and Diversity Committee, attempting to create a more balanced, equitable and inclusive industry for all. She is also an active member of both NAWIC and WIDAC with a desire to use her position to increase equality within the architecture field, to create a fairer industry for all.

Dani was recently made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects for her involvement and advocacy within the industry.