Cassandra Keller is a senior architect with over 25 years of experience working in the industry including time spent in the USA and Australia. During this time, she has developed a depth of experience in the design of educational facilities, Defence, sports, urban design, public architecture, and retirement living communities. Cassandra runs her award-winning commercial practice CK Architecture (Aust) with business partner Justine Cox in Canberra, where they focus on delivering carefully considered wholistic environments for regional communities.

Cassandra has been an active member of the Australian Institute of Architects throughout her career and enjoys mentoring the next generation of architects, as well as supporting fellow practitioners in the day-to-day challenges of practice. She has been a consistent champion of pay fairness and equity in the profession. Cassandra is also an active member of associations such as the National Association of Women in Construction, and the Property Council of Australia in addition to supporting various Women in Construction programs as well as charity initiatives via pro bono work. In 2020 Cassandra was awarded the AIA ACT Chapter’s prestigious President’s Medal in recognition of her outstanding achievement in architecture and practice. This accolade is testament to the meaningful contribution Cassandra’s thoughtful designs and passionate advocacy have had on the community.

Cassandra views social and community responsibility as an integral part of practicing architecture. CK Architecture mandates professional development in Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) and has also begun the process of reaching Carbon Neutral certification. Cassandra has also begun a ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) process within her firm and seeks to work with local Indigenous community members to recognise and incorporate First Nations cultural understanding into design practice.

Cassandra is a strong advocate for the role of architecture as authentic timeless design that creates a high-quality socially responsible built environment.

BSc. Arch; B. Arch ( Hons 1); FRAIA