Kerstin Thompson is Principal of KTA. Located in Melbourne, Australia and founded by Kerstin in 1994, KTA has established itself as a significant reference point in Australian architecture and urban design. The practice focus is on architecture as a civic endeavour with an emphasis on user experience and enjoyment of place. A committed design educator Kerstin is an Adjunct Professor at RMIT and Monash Universities and regularly lectures and leads studios at various schools across Australia and New Zealand. She plays an active role promoting quality design within the profession, and the wider community, through her various writings and positions as Panel Member on the Office of the Victorian Government Architect’s Design Review Panel and as Board member for the IBA Melbourne. She was Creative Director for the AIA National Conference Exchange in 2005 and a co-creative director of Australia’s exhibition Abundant for the Venice Biennale in 2008. In recognition for the work of her practice, contribution to the profession and its education, Kerstin was elevated to Life Fellow by the Australian Institute of Architects in 2017. Multi-awarded across a range of building types significant projects include VCA School of Art for University of Melbourne (2018), Arthur Boyd Gallery & Creative Learning Centre for Bundanon Trust (current) and the Jewish Holocaust Centre (current) and House at Hanging Rock (2014). (photo credit: Jessica Lindsay)