Join Lisa Halton and Kellie McGivern for an open, generous conversation about their non-linear career paths in architecture, adapting to new work environments, building resilience and their shared experience of moving from Ireland to Perth.

Our conversationalists for this episode are Kellie McGivern and Lisa Halton. Kellie is Design Manager for Hesperia Property Development and Principal of project advisory and design management practice, Lacewings Advisory. Lisa has worked on several projects that cater to health and wellbeing in the built environment, designing Australia’s first-of-its-kind specialist disability accommodation, and co-designing developments where First Nations families can practise Lore. This is through Studio Kinship with Clifton Bieundurry, a Walmajarri Bunuba man, Lisa’s mentor, business partner and great friend.

In this generous conversation, Lisa and Kellie discuss their non-linear career paths, their respective moves from Ireland to Perth, the importance of making connections and showing tenacity to help create opportunity. They identify shared challenges, from recessions and financial hardship to fertility issues, and describe how they have built resilience and strength to keep moving forward. Other topics of discussion include the need to redefine wealth and success, the shifting landscape of workplace flexibility, the dearth of meaningful part-time work in corporate architecture, the importance of having women at the top, and the power of Aboriginal lore. Listen to this episode of Parlour Pod to hear career insights, personal stories and plenty of laughs.

This episode of Parlour POD was produced with the assistance of the Alastair Swayn Foundation through a Design Audio Grant. Thanks!


This episode was recorded live on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country at the 2023 Perth Summer Salon. Hosted by Brickworks, the Salon was organised by Suzie Hunt and run in collaboration with #WorkWomenWisdom. Photos Kate Drennan.