Speakers

Lang Walker AO is the executive chairman and founder of Walker Corporation, one of the largest private property developers in Australia.

Having lived and breathed the property development industry for over 50 years, he has delivered over 1,000 projects which include national landmark destinations, and come out on top of two major recessions.

His passion, enthusiasm and natural intuition for property development are undeniable. With a reputation for tackling projects that others won’t, Walker’s legacy will be matched only by the size of his vision.

Awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his varied and continual philanthropic efforts within the community, Walker is truly an icon of the industry — an undisputed city shaper.

Salvatore (Sam) Tarascio is the founder and executive chairman of Salta Properties, one of Australia’s largest private companies and a name synonymous with the changing face of modern Melbourne.

Having emigrated from Italy in the 1950s, Sam started out in industrial property and has since transformed his enterprise from a logistics business into an integrated property development business spanning all major sectors.

With a net worth estimated by Forbes at $1.2 billion, Salta Properties’ extensive interests include Preston Market, Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, Nexus Corporate, Tribe Hotels and Taralinga Estate on the Mornington Peninsula.

Regarded as one of the world’s pre-eminent architects, William is responsible for leading a New York-based global studio with projects spanning five continents.

With a reputation for delivering intelligent and evocative projects in complex, urban contexts, SHoP are responsible for some of the most high-profile projects in the United States including Uber’s HQ, Google’s Silicon Valley campus, Barclays Centre and 111 West 57th Street in New York City. 

In Australia, SHoP have partnered with Woods Bagot to design the striking Collins Arch in Melbourne’s CBD. Dubbed the ‘pantscraper,’ Collins Arch is regarded as one of the most transformational projects in the APAC region. 

With a proud family history in property development and a background in architecture, Adelene Teh is the visionary co-founder behind Beulah International, a design and lifestyle focused Australian property developer with international operations.

With a Masters of Architecture from the University of Melbourne, Adelene brings her expertise and love of fine design to every part of the development process.

Inspired from the word Beulah and its symbolism of the ‘promised land’, Beulah International has a vision to create spaces that defy the norm. Most notable is Southbank by Beulah in Melbourne, the $2 billion mixed-use ‘Green Spine’ development designed by UNStudio and Cox Architecture.

The creative and commercial force behind The King Street Precinct, Tessa is reviving Perth’s pre-eminent heritage precinct and its surrounding area into one of Australia’s most unique and desirable shopping experiences.

Home to some of the globe’s leading luxury names, The King Street Precinct features modern ateliers housed in restored 20th century buildings, hip retail pop-ups and charming architecture – a nod to Perth’s earlier streetscapes.

Tessa is also co-founder of La Settima Duchessa, a luxury villa rental and concierge business based in Como, Italy and the owner of Villa Amalia in Sicily.

Karl is an undisputed industry leader, a champion of Australia’s ongoing urbanisation and a formidable example of architecture’s contribution to the public realm.

Currently, Karl serves as chairman of the jury for the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats, has served as both national and state president of the Australian Institute of Architects, a Venice Biennale Committee member and has sat on various design review panels for state governments.

Karl is also one of the three-person design review panel acting for the Barangaroo Delivery Authority which has governed the masterplanning, urban design and delivery of the western harbour-front precinct of Sydney.

Lachlan heads up the acquisition and leasing across Australia and New Zealand for global workspace disruptor, WeWork.

With over 18 years’ experience in the commercial real estate and flexible workspace sector, Lachlan is passionate about workplace trends and the changing dynamics that flexible space is bringing to commercial real estate.

Since launching its first location in Australia in 2016, WeWork has grown to over 10,000 members in fifteen open locations across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Globally, WeWork has grown into more than 425 locations in 100 cities with enterprise organisations (500+ employees) representing WeWork’s fastest growing sector.

Alice has more than 15 years’ of experience in the Melbourne property development industry in a career that has included working for some of the country’s largest institutional developers.

Alice is currently the development director at Hamton Property Group responsible for the $2 billion Moonee Valley Racing Club redevelopment.

Prior to joining Hamton, Alice spent more than seven years at Lendlease as a senior development manager and seven years at Stockland as development manager in the Apartment and Retirement Living Divisions.

Since establishing BPM in 1995, Jonathan has risen to become one of Australia’s most influential entrepreneurs with an active pipeline across residential, commercial, hotel, hospitality and fashion projects around the world.

Having purchased his first property aged 19 in Melbourne, Jonathan has grown BPM into a global business with a presence across Montreal Canada, Los Angeles US, Ginza Japan and Australia.

BPM’s vision is now expanding further into BPM World with the inception of a BPM café, hotel, champagne bars and health and fitness offering within Shadow Play – the $320 million residential tower in central Melbourne.

Chrystan is one of the early pioneers of the co-living sector in Australia, having co-founded Caper Co-Living in 2017 and subsequently merging Caper with Singapore-based operator Hmlet in early 2019 to launch Hmlet Australia.

After seeing the success of the co-living model overseas and personally experiencing the frustrations of renting in Sydney, Chrystan saw a clear opportunity to build a co-living business to disrupt the traditional renting model and create a living experience that truly resonates with millennials renting in major Australian cities.

As now the largest co-living business in Australia, Hmlet Australia is on track to house over 500 members across Sydney and has immediate plans to enter Melbourne and Brisbane.

With 25 years of experience in Australia and Europe, the overriding theme in all Ruth Wilson’s work is the focus on the human experience of the people using the buildings and her belief that through good design we have the opportunity to enhance and improve people’s lives.

A director at national top-tier architecture and design studio Architectus, Ruth specialises in technically challenging projects such as the State Library of Victoria and Australian Synchrotron.

Ruth’s industry involvement also extends to the RAIA Large Practice Forum and her role as Examiner on the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Melbourne-based property developer Matt Khoo has long been a leading voice in real estate advisory and property development finance having previously worked at Jones Lang LaSalle, Maquarie Bank Group and ANZ.

As managing director of ICD Property Matt oversees the company’s business strategy, ancillary ventures, innovations, key relationships, capital raising, and executing transactions.

Matt along with ICD Property strive to constantly set new benchmarks for design excellence and quality of life.

ICD Property last year expanded its reach internationally delving into New Zealand’s property market.

Mark Damant was appointed as Director of Urbis’ National Design team earlier this year.

Mark, a celebrated figure in Brisbane’s design and property industry, joined Urbis from award-winning architecture firm, Woods Bagot.

He is known for his work on numerous city-shaping projects like that of Howard Smith Wharves, 80 Ann Street, Cross River Rail and 1 William Street.

Regarded as one of the key figures behind the urban aerial mobility revolution, Clem’s Skyportz business is shaping the future of cities.

Through Skyportz and his property consultancy Whitemark, Clem is working with the industry to deliver the infrastructure that services such as Uber Air will require. Uber Air has recently chosen to trial air taxis in Melbourne – one of only three cities to be recognised by the technology giant globally.

A former construction and planning lawyer, Clem has also served as Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne and as a Member of the Victoria Parliament.

Koichi Takada is a member of a new generation of architects that aim to ‘naturalise’ architecture in the urban environment – an approach he developed after living in cities of high urbanisation such as Tokyo, New York and London.

Inspired by nature, the Japanese-born, Sydney-based Koichi Takada Architects was established in 2008 and has since built a reputation as one of the most inspired architectural practices in the region.

Through a series of award-winning designs, the growing practice is gaining an international reputation with projects underway in Sydney, Brisbane, Tokyo, Gold Coast, Los Angeles and Mexico City.

Anthony Scarff is the General Manager of Delos Australia, the local subsidiary of global real estate wellness pioneers, Delos.

Anthony and his team are at the forefront of the healthy home revolution in Australia. With the introduction of DARWIN Home Wellness Intelligence platform, New York-based Delos have combined air filtration, water purification and circadian lighting into one integrated ecosystem that enhances health and wellbeing at home.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging his position to spread the message that our own homes can significantly impact our health and wellbeing. With citizens of highly urbanised countries like Australia now spending as much as 90% of their time indoors, never before has the home environment been more closely-linked to overall wellness outcomes.

With experience in both the private and public sector, Genaea has a wide range of development management experience from regional Queensland subdivisions to high-density South East Queensland master planned communities.

Genaea sits on the 2019/2020 Queensland Residential Committee of Property Council of Australia, has a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a published dissertation on the role of new urbanism in delivering affordable housing, and a Graduate Certificate in Development Planning. Genaea is passionate about creating places where people want to live and in achieving truly connected and liveable communities.

Penny is one of Australia’s most exciting emerging architects.

A recipient of the Institute of Architects Emerging Architect Prize, Penny is a founding partner of the Sydney-based architectural studio Silvester Fuller.

Born and educated in Canberra, Penny relocated to Sydney to work on Aurora Place in collaboration with Renzo Piano, later moving to London to work with architectural firm Foster + Partners.

With a commitment to discovering the hidden potential of each project, her practice is focused on environmentally, socially and economically sustainable projects, such as Quay Quarter and One Sydney in Sydney.

Charter Hall chief technology officer Sheridan Ware constantly refines ways to leverage platforms and data ⁠— to drive deeper insights to enable better property investment.

Sheridan was appointed as Charter Hall’s chief technology officer earlier this year having previously worked at Cushman & Wakefield as chief information officer.

With 20 years’ experience in technology and commercial real estate, Sheridan leads the technology function for Charter Hall ⁠— one of Australia’s leading property and fund managers ⁠— where she focuses on driving greater productivity, improved insights and engaging experiences for the group’s employees and customers.

Kylie is a land use planner with over 25 years’ State and local government experience shaping and implementing Queensland’s planning framework and driving built form outcomes that integrate sound planning principles with developer and community expectation.

Kylie values the opportunity that comes with performance-based planning which she believes relies on deep knowledge and experience, the application of critical thinking, a willingness to listen, a commitment to problem solving and an openness to innovation.

Kylie was one of 20 founding members of EDQ’s forerunner organisation the ULDA where she led the planning for the Bowen Hills, Mackay, Gladstone, Mackay, Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone PDAs

A registered landscape architect and urban designer, David is Director of the Environment and Sustainability team at Wolter Consulting Group, where he draws on over 18 years’ experience in developing sustainable buildings and communities.

David is passionate about improving the link between the built environment and natural environment and works closely with other experienced teams to help clients deliver on their design, environment and sustainability goals.

David is also co-founder of not-for-profit group YIMBY Qld (Yes in My Backyard), which advocates for well designed, sustainable and innovative development outcomes that provide a community dividend.

He is also current state chapter president of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects which advocates for the profession in Queensland.

Trina is a highly regarded advocate, pioneer and innovator for the Australian music industry.

Initially starting her career as a venue booker, she diversified into artist management and event management before eventually starting her own independent record label ‘Smack Face Records’ in 2012.

In 2015, Trina became the producer for QMusic’s Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) before joining the organisation fulltime as the Program Manager, working on key projects including Industry Connect and BIGSOUND.

She is currently the professional development manager for the Association of Artist Managers Australia, creating opportunities for music managers across Australian and internationally.

In 2019, she was successfully selected as the Queensland Greens candidate for Central Ward in the upcoming Brisbane City Council election.

Matt is Partner with Mitchell Brandtman and manages the National 5D Cost Planning Team who specialise in leveraging Building Information Models [BIMs] to provide clients with a new level of cost certainty that is unrivalled in the industry.

With 18 years’ industry experience, Matt’s market intelligence and thought leadership is highly regarded in the industry.

He is regularly invited to present and share his knowledge at tertiary and industry bodies and various national and international property, construction and technology conferences.

Kate is a Principal of Woods Bagot and leads the Australian and New Zealand region.

During her career she has worked on projects throughout Australia, the Middle East and London and is a recognised specialist in lifestyle sector design, most notably multi-residential, hospitality and mixed-use developments.

Kate also has extensive experience in commercial buildings, workplace design and educational facilities. Kate works closely with clients, designers and the broader consultant teams from project inception to completion, ensuring continuity and successful design outcomes.

With knowledge of business and passion for client-centric design approaches, she has a highly disciplined and engaging style and fosters a collaborative, inclusive approach to maximise project potential.

Placemaker and property marketer Andrew Hoyne is the principal of brand agency Hoyne.

Andrew has worked with major international asset owners, developers and local councils to create recognisable landmarks and destinations; from residential towers and masterplanned communities to commercial developments, new mixed-use precincts, and even cities.

Hoyne has now become a globally renowned brand and marketing agency, having worked with the likes of Mirvac, GPT, Investa and Australian Unity to deliver brand alignment around place and property.

Scott is the Chairman of Hutchinson Builders, Australia’s largest privately-owned builder with offices throughout the country and an annual construction turnover of $2.9 billion.

Hutchies, as its affectionately known, was established in 1912 and is now into its fourth generation as a family business having shaped many of the country’s cities and towns over a century.

More recently, Scott’s name has become synonymous with the fightback against lock-out laws and the overregulation of the local entertainment industry.

He is the Patron of QMusic and is personally responsible for the establishment of Brisbane music venues The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall.

John is an Auckland-based entrepreneur that defies convention by approaching business in a truly unconventional way.

A trained plastic surgeon, John founded New Zealand’s first multi-disciplinary breast centre of excellence over 30 years ago, St Marks Breast Centre. Not content with the medical profession, John established Guardian Self Storage and grew the business to seven locations before selling to National Storage in 2019 for an industry record price.

Today, John is the developer behind Auckland’s $130 million St Marks luxury residential development which was recently crowned best medium-density residential development by the Property Council of New Zealand.

A passionate traveller, skier and food and wine enthusiast, John also serves as Chairman of renowned New Zealand fashion brand, Harman Grubisca.

Kate Meyrick has more than twenty-five years in the property industry and has worked throughout Europe and Australia as well as Asia and the USA as an urbanist and place maker.

For more than a decade, Kate has been the chief executive of The Hornery Institute, a non-profit organisation specialising in community development, working alongside Government, industry and community partners to create major urban infrastructure and regeneration projects nation-wide.

She has also been influential in shaping thinking about the global competitiveness of Australian Cities, the future of Sydney Harbour Foreshore and the Sydney Midtown:Central Station precinct.

Recently Kate has been focusing on rail led urban renaissance projects working across Australia, the UK and US to position projects to achieve maximum city transformation impact across all stakeholders.

Sydney-based street artist Scott Marsh is known for his controversial political works, this year alone depicting the likes of Alan Jones, Israel Folau and George Pell to headline-grabbing effect.

In 2009, he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, at the UNSW COFA (College of Fine Arts) and soon after began receiving commissions for large scale commercial murals.

His murals, rendered at large scale, have garnered world-wide attention, dealing with issues as diverse as liquor-licensing laws (Casino Mike, 2016), to environmentalism (Reef Killers, 2017) and Marriage Equality (Bride of Tony Abbott, 2017).

His paintings are created with both brush and spray-can, exemplifying traditional techniques in oils and acrylics, combined with late-1990s street-art.

Moonee Valley Racing Club head of property Georgia Willis has nearly 20 years industry experience in urban development.

Georgia has managed and facilitated urban infill and urban renewal development projects including the $1 billion Nylex Malt precinct in Cremorne, projects within the Arden Macaulay urban renewal precinct and the Alphington Paper Mill development precinct.

Georgia was awarded the Urban Development Institute of Australia Women in Leadership award for 2016 recognising her professional contribution to the development industry.

Georgia is currently overseeing the $2 billion regeneration of the racecourse including the development of a seven hectare mixed-use precinct.

Bridget Wilkins now heads up the Built-ID, a London-based database company as director of community engagement.

Wilkins began her career at CBRE’s Brisbane branch in 2013 as an analyst, before moving to London to join the UK Innovation Board and associate director in CBRE’s London development team.

Key appointments included Crossrail 2, Strategic sites at Canary Wharf and the repositioning of Goldman Sachs City of London portfolio.

Found in 2015 Built-ID is an online platform showcasing global real estate projects. It connects real estate developers with consultants and local communities, and provides community engagement tools.

Alison Kubler stands as one of Asia Pacific’s most respected figures within the arts and cultural sector.

With academic qualifications from Australia and UK, Alison has over two decades of experience working as a curator in museums and galleries in Australia, along with advisory roles to federal ministers and curatorial positions in Queensland and South Australia.

Alison is a Member of the Council of the National Gallery of Australia, a Board Director of the Museum of Brisbane, an Ambassador for the Institute of Modern Art and an Ambassador for the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

She is also currently serving as a curatorial advisor to Urban Art Projects on the public art for the Queens Wharf redevelopment in Brisbane and maintains an active interest in the urban development sector.

Jason Chuck is Domain’s chief customer officer. Previously the chief executive officer of Avnu, LJ Hooker’s digitally-enabled real estate agency, Jason has spent over 15 years growing and scaling international technology businesses, with a focus on strategy, sales and marketing.

Prior to working at Avnu Jason was the Asia Pacific Managing Director for Houzz, founding their Sydney office and APAC businesses.

As Domain’s new chief customer officer, Jason is responsible for all of the Nine-majority owned real estate platform’s consumer facing functions.

Lucinda co-founded Neighbourlytics as a social data analytics platform for neighbourhoods. By harnessing social data to provide specific, real-time insights into local places, Neighbourlytics helps property developers and governments measure and map how cities work.

Following a successful capital raise, Lucinda and her team are now expanding their offering to help the industry and public sector better design and deliver urban development.

A passionate urbanist and social entrepreneur, Lucinda has been a recipient of the Myer Foundation and Westpac Social Change fellowships.

Christopher is one of Australia’s most trusted advisors for companies at the intersection of technology, real estate and construction.

He provides strategic and objective input and specialises in the commercialisation and growth of emerging businesses that use technology as leverage to positively disrupt the built environment.

Christopher aims to rethink service delivery and sector leadership in order to improve market information, embed digital knowledge and foster innovative behaviours for real estate and construction leaders.

Driven by a clear sense of purpose and a passion for the Proptech sector, Christopher has worked both locally and abroad in the newly emerging Proptech industry as well as with existing real estate and construction clients.

With a career spanning over two decades, Maria is the marketing drive behind Gabriel – a global leader in the use of Artificial Intelligence in the seniors, retirement and aged care sector.

With a mission to making it easier for everyone to live better for longer, Maria combined her passion and her family to develop a suite of products that address three core problems – social isolation, falls and medication management.

As the world’s only technology platform committed to seniors’ longevity, the Gabriel suite of products use human centred design and artificial intelligence to provide new solutions to old problems.

With offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Honolulu and San Francisco, Maria – and Gabriel – are on a global mission to harness the power of technology to improve the lives of seniors.

Nick is the founding Chairman of Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) and its subsidiary Infrastructure Corporation Australia.

CLARA is proposing to build a privately-funded high-speed rail link between Sydney and Melbourne, opening up the development of eight new greenfield cities that are smart, sustainable and highly-connected.

Nick is passionate about regional Australia and about rebalancing the Australian settlement through new economic models that ensure infrastructure and land use are aligned in future growth plans.

Nick’s $200 billion, 30-year dream for CLARA is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most ambitious transit oriented developments (TODs).

Renowned comedian Tim Ross joins this year’s Urbanity as Master of Ceremonies to deliver his own unique style of light-hearted yet provocative conversation. As the most recent recipient of the National President’s Prize from the Australian Institute of Architects for his “advocacy, activism and outstanding contribution to the architecture profession,” Tim’s impact on the industry is now as respected as his contribution to media and the arts.